Green and pleasant land - moving to the Surrey countryside

Our new way of living is enticing more hardened city slickers to seek the green and pleasant lands of Surrey. Miles of walking routes and cycling paths, access to wide open countryside, stunning landscapes, breath-taking views and a real sense of calm and perspective await you in Surrey! 
 

A huge benefit of living away from a city is quick access to countryside. Being able to step out of your home and have walks, horse-riding, bicycle rides and hikes on your doorstep has always been a draw for families and those looking for a brighter, cleaner way to live. 

It’s no wonder Rightmove statistics show a sharp increase in people who live in cities looking to move to the countryside. During June and July there was a 126% increase in people searching for properties in villages, and enquiries from people currently living in cities increased by 78% when compared to the same period in the previous year. We know why people are looking to move to Surrey…

Surrey is the perfect choice for those looking to leave the bright lights and hustle of the big city and swap them for the charm, character and friendliness of a pretty village or town. There’s so much choice in terms of areas to live and property stock. The Surrey Hills – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – is home to many delightful villages. Ranmore Common, Box Hill, Leith Hill, the North Downs – all would be on your doorstep if you moved here. 

Londoners make up a huge number of urbanites looking to make the move to the countryside, searching for a quieter life, larger properties and more for their money – and Surrey is high on their list.

Darrell Hughes, partner at Jackson-Stops Dorking, spoke to Yahoo Finance in September, noting a doubling of the number of buyers from outside a 7-mile radius when compared to last year (60% vs. 30%) – a change driven by people looking to move away from south west London.

Darrell noted that London-based buyers are now looking further afield in Surrey for their new homes. Where previously they stuck to towns and villages close to Dorking and Reigate, they are now expanding into more remote villages such as Newdigate, Capel, Ockley, Forrest Green, Abinger Hammer and Holmbury St Mary.

This increase in demand has had a dramatic effect on the bidding process, with multiple bidders and offers in excess of the guide price. Darrell notes that one property attracted 70 viewings, 20 bids and a final offer of 15% above the asking price.

Nestled in a unique and leafy position with views over Wray Common and adjacent to the Wray Common windmill, is Batts Hill, Reigate, Surrey. This Grade II listed 19th Century link detached cottage. The property has been skilfully improved and extended by current owners to create a truly charming family home. Guide price £1,150,000. Marketed by our Reigate branch. View details

Highlands Road, Leatherhead, Surrey is a substantial and beautifully appointed modern five bedroom family home in a highly sought-after and convenient location. Guide price £1,335,000. Marketed by our Dorking branch. View details

Hurst Cottages, Roothill Lane, Betchworth is a charming cottage in a rural location on the edge of Brockham village, and with beautiful far-reaching views.  The cottage is one of a pair of semi-detached cottages built in the 1930s and has been lovingly upgraded throughout to offer spacious and flexible accommodation. Guide price £725,000. Marketed by our Dorking branch. View details.

Make the most of your new village life - Meadowsweet, Rectory Lane, Buckland, Betchworth, is a versatile family home set in almost 3/4 of an acre, in an enviable Buckland Green location. With a study, annexe, detached office, carport and lovely gardens, it lends itself perfectly to working from home in the beautiful Surrey countryside. Guide price £1,400,000. Marketed by our Dorking branch. View details.

Close to the National Trust's Reigate Hill and Gatton Park, Alma Road, Reigate, Surrey is a handsome and elegantly presented six bedroom Victorian period family home in a popular and convenient area of Reigate. Formerly Reigate's Coniston School, it's been thoughtfully improved and extended by the current owners. Guide price £1,675,000. Marketed by our Reigate branch. View details

The Clears, Reigate, Surrey represents a rare opportunity to acquire a character property in one of Reigate' s most sought-after and attractive locations. Originally built in the early 1900s as miners' cottages for the nearby hearthstone mines, these dwellings have been lovingly altered over the years, each providing their own individual charm. Guide price £745,000. Marketed by our Reigate branch. View details.

If you’re tempted by a new way of life, countryside homes, working from home in a pleasing environment, a wide selection of property styles, more bang for your buck and indeed the current stamp duty incentives, please do contact our Dorking or Reigate branch. Our team of local property experts can give you the low down on all Surrey villages, towns and schools and will be happy to help you to make your move to Surrey.

Dorking
01306 887560
dorking@jackson-stops.co.uk
View all of our properties for sale

Reigate
01737 222027
reigate@jackson-stops.co.uk
View all of our properties for sale