We set up home in Surrey 12 years ago. Moving from Strawberry Hill which is just on the border of Surrey. We were looking for somewhere that had more space, a bigger garden, yet still had easy access to London and the motorway network.
At the time we didn’t have children but we were planning and therefore schools were also a prime consideration. Naturally, budget came into the equation and we found that many towns and villages in Surrey ticked all the right boxes for us.
When deciding to move to the UK, what plans or expectations do you have in mind? Are you hoping to live in a quiet picturesque cottage, a 4 bed semi detached home with a garden, or do you prefer to live in a modern high rise managed blocks just like in Hong Kong?
So what are the top 10 reasons to choose Surrey as your next home?
1. Affordable
Many people think Surrey is expensive. Yes, in some parts house prices average a cool million pounds but there are still plenty of choices in the county depending on your needs and preferences.
2. Fast access to London & airports
Popular locations like Weybridge, Woking and Guildford all have fast trains that get you into Central London in under 40 minutes, making these popular commuter towns. Outside of Covid-times, if you need to fly or like to explore the world, then the close proximity of Heathrow and Gatwick airports are another tick in the box for Surrey.
3. Look to the Future
Education may be a priority and possibly the key reason for your move to the UK. Schools around Surrey are competitive and have high standards of achievement both academically and in extra-curricular activities. Having the open spaces is an advantage and many schools have sports facilities that inner city schools lack. There is a wide choice of independent (fee paying) and state schools to choose from, giving your children the best start to their education and future career.
4. More space for your money
If you are looking for a house or apartment, you will be spoilt for choice, but you will need to move fast in the current market conditions. Homes with gardens and outdoor space are especially popular right now.
5. The Great Outdoors
Surrey is home to some of the country’s best green spaces, National Trust parks and RHS gardens. If you enjoy relaxing hill walks and the beauty of the great outdoors Surrey Hills is the place for you. Alternatively you might like a day at the beach, in which case you can get to the coast by car in less than 90 minutes!
6. Get Sporty
Did you know that there are 2270 golf courses in the UK and 142 of them are in Surrey. If golf is not your thing then how about swimming, wall climbing or football school for kids? There’s so much choice for adventure seekers too. If being active is not right for you, how about uplevelling your cooking skills, Woking is home to the UK’s oldest independent cookery school Tante Marie Culinary Academy, soon to become the Gordon Ramsay Academy.
7. Fun Fun Fun
Keep the whole family entertained with fun attractions like Legoland, Chessington World of Adventures, Thorpe Park and more. Alternatively there’s ice skating, water skiing, dry ski slope, treetop adventures or visits to farms or historical attractions and gardens. There’s no excuse to be bored again!
8. A balanced life
Surrey towns are well planned and most villages and towns will have essential shops, schools and services nearby to satisfy your daily needs. Often these are within walking distance. For larger and special occasion shopping trips the major shopping centres in Woking, Guildford, Staines and Kingston Upon Thames are ideal and easily accessible.
9. Enjoy life
If you associate the English lifestyle with fine wine and fine food then Surrey is the place for you. There are several vineyards across Surrey, including the largest vineyard in England – Denbies Wine Estate. To accompany the great selection of wines you will not be disappointed to find there are eleven listed restaurants in the Michelin Guide, four of which have been awarded 1 Michelin
Star. With thousands of local restaurants, brasseries and cafes that fill the Surrey towns and villages, you will be spoilt for choice.
10. Friendly People
Surrey is home to some of the most diverse communities with people choosing to settle here from all over the UK and the world. With the abundance of children’s clubs and social groups and events, there are plenty of opportunities to make new friends as you settle into your new life in Surrey.
If Surrey is on your radar as a place to move to, download our Service Brochure & contact us today for a FREE consultation .