Surrey is not a county well known for affordable living. In fact, according to research by Zoopla, Surrey’s property prices are some of the most expensive in the country. Five out of ten towns in their Property Rich List – highest value towns – are in Surrey, including Virginia Water, Cobham, Esher, Richmond and Weybridge.
The average property price in these Surrey towns ranged from £916,469 to £1,385,218, hardly affordable by anyone’s reckoning. Surrey overall has an average property price (APP) of £507,957 compared to the national average of £232,885.
So is it possible to buy a house in Surrey for a more modest amount of money? Here are 10 property hotspots that will get you more for your money, even in an expensive county like Surrey.
1. Stanwell – £303,921 APP
If you like to travel Stanwell could be the ideal location, just half a mile from Heathrow Airport. While Stanwell maybe one of the more economically deprived areas of Surrey, that doesn’t mean that property prices are gloomy, 2016 property prices were up 13% on the previous year, and up 26% on 2014.
2. Goldsworth Park – £313,450 APP
Goldsworth Park is an area close to Woking with a good choice of different residential properties and local amenities. It has easy transport links to Woking and on to London by train, and also plenty of green spaces. Sold prices were up 8% last year.
3. Whyteleafe – £326,846 APP
Whyteleafe is just inside the M25 south of Croydon and 30 mins for Central London by train. Situated on the North Downs, Whyteleafe offers a combination of village life, countryside, and the benefits of being close to more urban towns and the city. House prices (sold) were up 10% last year on 2015.
4. Tongham – £345,934 APP
Close to wealthy neighbour, Farnham, and also conveniently placed for Guildford, Tongham is an affordable place to live in this part of West Surrey. Predominately housing with local amenities in the surrounding towns, it is close to great countryside and home to the fantastic Hog’s Back Brewery. House prices are on the up in this area, 19% on 2015.
5. Redhill – £352,817 APP
Just outside the M25 on the North Downs, Redhill has a busy town centre with station and easy access to London. Also close to the M23 to get to Gatwick Airport, or carry on to the A23 until you hit the coast at Brighton. House prices are climbing, up 12% on 2015.
6. Blackwater £356,558 APP
Blackwater is an area situated north of the M3 close to Camberley and Frimley. Away from the hustle and bustle of Camberley proper, with easy access to great countryside it’s a good option for anyone looking to be in the ‘M3 corridor’. Although there is a station, trains don’t go to London, however you can get a train to Reading and then London Paddington from there. Property prices were up 10% last year.
7. Byfleet – £362,613 APP
Byfleet, not to be confused with West Byfleet (APP £596,109) is on the other side of the M25 from it’s more affluent neighbour but close enough to visit! Byfleet is small with a village feel, close to New Haw station with trains to Waterloo (approx. 45mins). While not as popular or expensive as it’s neighbours (Weybridge is also close by), house prices are still climbing, 6% on 2015.
8. Horley – £365,901 APP
Horley is not far from Redhill and benefits from being close to the M25, Gatwick Airport and trains to London. A typical Surrey commuter town. Some online commenters feel it’s a little too industrial and soulless for them, but if you’re looking to get out of London at the right price it could be for you. Property values have not increase much in the past year, although they are up 15% on 2014.
9. Addlestone – £378,594 APP
Another Surrey town close to the M25, Addlestone has a busy town centre with plenty of amenities. Good access to London, airports and further west, and the Surrey Hills, Wisley RHS Gardens, and the Basingstoke Canal are all on your doorstep. Property values have increased by 9% since 2015.
10. Farncombe – £378,865
15 minutes walk from more expensive Godalming and with in easy reach of Guildford, Farncombe has mixture of housing, some more desirable than others. Fantastic location for anyone who wants to be close to the countryside and further away from London – however commuting is still a viable option with trains to London taking approximately 45 minutes. House prices were up 7% last year on 2015.
While property doesn’t come cheap in Surrey, compared to the national average, if you want to live west of the capital these are the places to explore.
If you need mortgage advice for securing your Surrey home, give me a call for a chat about your circumstances. 01252 759 233 or email info@thesurreymortgagebroker.co.uk
