Despite the headlines of doom and gloom in the property market, we’ve had a fantastic summer at Property Potential. This August, an Australian family completed and moved into their new home, a London family exchanged, a downsizer couple exchanged, and a couple relocating from the Midlands had their offer accepted, with a quick move guaranteed thanks to being chain-free.
So why do so many families continue to make the move to Surrey, Hampshire, and West Sussex — the area we also proudly call home?
The Shift Away from London Living
There comes a point when the London townhouse that once felt perfect suddenly feels too small. Lateral living no longer works for a growing family. Gardens can’t offer enough room for children to kick a ball, parking in front of the house becomes a daily battle, and the advantages of being close to the station begin to lose their shine when weighed against noise, pollution, and fierce competition for school places.
The Lifestyle Families Dream Of
What draws people here is the lifestyle: weekend mornings spent walking into a leafy village for coffee, with the Surrey Hills or South Downs as your backdrop. Children playing sport in the fresh air, space for that longed-for family dog, and for the green-fingered, the joy of growing your own vegetables and flowers.
At Property Potential, we work every day with families ready to make the leap but who don’t want the stress, time drain, or uncertainty of finding the right home on their own.
Why Families Are Moving Out of London…..
More Space for the Money
In London, £1m–£3m still buys a townhouse. Here, it stretches further: generous gardens, space for a boot room, home gym, pantry, playroom, or a proper office. For those who want it, there are outhouses, barns, swimming pools, tennis courts, and even paddocks.
A Family-Friendly Lifestyle
As families grow, so do their priorities. Surrey, Hampshire, and West Sussex provide the perfect balance of countryside living, vibrant villages, and convenient links back to London. With 16 years of experience living here in Maranda’s case and 14 in mine, we share not just professional expertise but genuine, first-hand insight into the area. We know which villages match the lifestyle you’re looking for whether that’s a lively community with fetes, bonfire nights, and sports clubs, or a more private, discreet setting.
Relocating here doesn’t have to feel daunting. Many families quickly find themselves part of a welcoming network of like-minded people. We use our networks to connect you with families already settled in the schools or villages you’re considering, giving you an invaluable layer of personal knowledge that no amount of online research can offer.
Top Schools & Flexible Pathways
With VAT now applied to school fees, more families are exploring a wider range of educational choices. This part of the country is home to some of the UK’s leading independent senior schools such as Charterhouse, Cranleigh, St Catherine’s School in Bramley, Guildford High School, Royal Grammar School in Guildford (RGS), Churcher’s College in Petersfield, Reed’s in Cobham, Epsom College and many more. But the state sector is equally impressive, there is the ‘outstanding’ St Peter’s Catholic School and George Abbot in Guildford, Weydon in Farnham, and Westgate School in Winchester.
Some families choose to start at a village primary and move at 7 or 11, while others take a “state sandwich” approach beginning in state, moving to private, and returning for outstanding sixth form colleges such as Godalming and Farnborough. This flexibility gives families confidence that their children’s education can thrive, whatever the route.
Hybrid Working Made Easy
With hybrid working now the norm, the daily commute is no longer a necessity. Families can enjoy more space and countryside living while still being within an hour of the city. A home office overlooking the garden makes the working week feel calmer, while weekends feel expansive.
We can advise on all aspects of commuting, from smaller stations with better parking options or stations preferred by parents who have to factor in smooth nursery drop off.
The Challenge of Finding the Right Home
The best homes are rarely advertised online. Many sell off-market to well connected buyers. For time poor professionals, spending weekends driving from village to village is exhausting, and without local knowledge, it’s hard to know which area will truly suit your family.
This is where many families get stuck: they know what they want, but not how to find it.
How Property Potential Helps
At Property Potential, we remove the stress and uncertainty from moving by:
- Unlocking hidden opportunities — we’re first in the door for off-market homes that never appear on Rightmove or the open market.
- Guiding you to the right village — whether it’s school runs, commute times, or lifestyle priorities, we know which areas fit your family.
- Handling the legwork — we preview properties, filter out the unsuitable ones, and present only homes that truly fit.
- Connecting you with trusted professionals — from solicitors to architects, wealth managers to interior designers, our network makes your move seamless.
Making the Move
Leaving London for the countryside is one of the biggest and most rewarding decisions a family can make. With our experience, connections, and insight, you’ll be first to see the very best homes and confident you’re making the right move.
Ready to start your search? Get in touch with Property Potential today and let’s find your next chapter in Surrey, Hampshire, or West Sussex
