You’ve saved your deposit. You’ve got mortgage approval. You’re buying your first property in Surrey.
Now you need to actually move there.
Surrey and “affordable” rarely appear in the same sentence. The average property price sits at £587,000—making it the second most expensive county in England and Wales. But here’s what first-time buyers miss—Surrey isn’t one homogeneous expensive blob. It’s eleven different districts with vastly different price points and moving challenges.
The cheapest properties are in Spelthorne at £473,649 average, whilst the most expensive are in Elmbridge at £944,834. But price isn’t your only consideration when moving. Access, parking restrictions, and local regulations vary enormously across Surrey districts.
Here’s your complete guide to Surrey’s most affordable areas—and what moving to each one actually involves.
Understanding Surrey’s Moving Challenges
Surrey removal costs vary by £200-400 depending on which district you’re moving to. Why?
Access difficulties, parking restrictions, and distance from main routes all affect removal company pricing. That “affordable” flat in a historic town centre might cost more to move into than a slightly pricier house with a driveway.
Typical removal costs for Surrey moves:
- London to Spelthorne: £400-650 (closest Surrey district to London)
- London to Surrey Heath: £500-750 (further out, more motorway driving)
- London to Woking: £450-700 (central location, good access)
- London to Reigate/Redhill: £500-800 (southern Surrey, slower routes)
These prices assume standard two-bedroom flat or small house contents. Add £100-200 for each additional bedroom.
Surrey’s narrow streets, historic town centres, and parking restrictions create specific moving challenges that don’t exist in newer developments or more rural areas.
Spelthorne: Affordable But Aircraft Noise
Spelthorne sits in Surrey’s northwestern corner, bordering Heathrow Airport. It’s the most affordable Surrey district and offers practical, accessible living for first-time buyers.
Spelthorne key facts:
Average house price: £440,000 in March 2025 First-time buyer average: £370,000 in March 2025 Average 3-bed semi-detached: £572,286
Main towns:
- Staines-upon-Thames
- Shepperton
- Sunbury-on-Thames
- Ashford
- Stanwell
Properties start from £260,000 for one-bedroom terraced houses in Colne Reach, Staines-upon-Thames. These entry-level properties let first-time buyers onto the property ladder whilst staying in Surrey.
Moving to Spelthorne: What You Need to Know
Spelthorne offers some of the easiest moving access in Surrey. Why? Modern infrastructure, wider roads, and less restrictive parking compared to historic Surrey towns.
Access advantages:
Proximity to M25 and M3 means removal vans reach Spelthorne quickly from London. Less driving time means lower costs. Most removal companies quote Spelthorne moves at the lower end of Surrey pricing.
Newer housing developments in Staines and Sunbury have proper parking and vehicle access. Your removal van can park directly outside in many areas. This speeds up moves significantly and reduces labour costs.
Riverside properties in Shepperton offer beautiful locations but check access carefully. Some riverside roads are narrow with limited parking. Ask your removal company to survey the property beforehand if access looks tight.
Spelthorne parking regulations:
Staines-upon-Thames requires parking permits for removal vans in town centre areas. Cost is typically £50-80 for moving day. Book at least two weeks ahead through Spelthorne Borough Council.
Shepperton has fewer restrictions but some roads near the river have yellow lines. Your removal company needs to check specific addresses.
Sunbury-on-Thames has relatively relaxed parking. Most residential streets allow temporary parking for removals without permits.
Best time to move to Spelthorne:
Avoid school holidays when riverside areas get busy with tourists. September-November and January-March offer quietest moving conditions.
Heathrow flight paths mean aircraft noise affects some areas. This doesn’t impact your move but matters for long-term living. Properties closest to the airport are cheapest for good reason.
Surrey Heath: Space But Further Out
Surrey Heath attracts tech workers, young professionals, and people wanting more greenery. It’s affordable and spacious but further from London.
Surrey Heath key facts:
Average house price: £462,000 in August 2025 First-time buyer average: £339,000 in August 2025
Main towns:
- Camberley
- Frimley
- Bagshot
Surrey Heath has the lowest median property price to median earnings ratio (9.7) in Surrey. Your salary goes further here than anywhere else in the county.
Moving to Surrey Heath: The Access Challenge
Surrey Heath sits 40+ miles from central London. This distance affects removal costs and logistics significantly.
Moving considerations:
Longer driving distances mean higher removal costs. London to Camberley takes 60-90 minutes depending on traffic and route. Removal companies charge for this additional time.
M3 access is excellent for most Surrey Heath areas. Once your removal van reaches the motorway, the journey is straightforward. But getting off the M3 into residential areas can be slow during peak times.
Many Surrey Heath properties are newer builds with good access. Driveways, wide roads, and modern infrastructure make physical moving easier than older Surrey districts.
Surrey Heath parking:
Camberley town centre requires parking permits for commercial vehicles. Surrey Heath Borough Council issues these. Cost is £40-60 for moving day. Apply 7-10 days ahead minimum.
Residential areas in Frimley and Bagshot generally have good parking. Most houses have driveways or adequate street parking.
Some military areas have security checkpoints or restricted access. If you’re moving near military establishments, inform your removal company beforehand.
Military traffic factor:
Aldershot (just outside Surrey Heath) has significant military traffic. Plan moves outside rush hours (avoid 7-9am and 4-6pm) to prevent delays.
What First-Time Buyers Get in Surrey Heath
Your £339,000 buys more space than equivalent money in Spelthorne. Two-bedroom houses with gardens are standard rather than one-bedroom flats.
More space means more belongings to move. Budget accordingly. A Surrey Heath house move typically requires a larger van than a Spelthorne flat move, even at similar purchase prices.
Woking: Fast Trains, Tight Access
Woking offers the fastest London commute—just 24 minutes to Waterloo. This convenience comes with moving challenges.
Woking key facts:
Goldsworth Park has the lowest average house price in Surrey at £334,000 for the neighbourhood. Town centre properties cost more but Goldsworth Park offers genuine first-time buyer affordability.
Moving to Woking: The Parking Nightmare
Woking town centre presents serious moving challenges. Narrow Victorian streets, parking restrictions, and busy traffic make it one of Surrey’s more difficult moving locations.
Woking moving challenges:
Town centre parking permits are essential. Woking Borough Council charges £75-100 for removal van permits. Book minimum two weeks ahead—popular moving dates fill up.
Many Woking properties are Victorian terraces or conversions. Narrow hallways, steep stairs, and small rooms make moving furniture difficult. That sofa fitting in your London flat might not fit through a Victorian Woking doorway.
Loading bays in town centre areas have time restrictions. Most permit 2-3 hours maximum parking. If your move takes longer, your removal company faces fines or needs to relocate the van.
Double yellow lines cover most town centre streets. Your removal company cannot just “chance it” without permits. Parking fines for commercial vehicles are £130, doubling to £260 if not paid within 14 days.
Goldsworth Park advantages:
Goldsworth Park offers easier moving access than central Woking. 1970s-80s planned development means wider roads, more parking, and better vehicle access.
Properties in Goldsworth Park typically have parking spaces or garages. Your removal van can park close to your property, speeding up the move and reducing costs.
Woking removal costs:
Central Woking moves cost £50-100 more than equivalent moves to Goldsworth Park due to parking permits and access difficulties. Factor this into your moving budget.
Woking First-Time Buyer Properties
Goldsworth Park offers flats and small houses around £334,000. These properties are generally easy to move into—ground floor flats, houses with front parking, and accessible locations.
Woking town centre offers Victorian character but at higher prices and with significant moving complications. Expect to pay extra for removal companies handling town centre moves.
Reigate and Redhill: The Split Personality
The RH1 1 postcode sector (Redhill) is the most affordable in Surrey at £348,000 average. Reigate, two miles away, costs 30-50% more for similar properties.
Moving to Redhill: Straightforward Access
Redhill offers practical, affordable Surrey living with relatively easy moving access.
Redhill moving advantages:
Main roads and modern infrastructure make Redhill accessible for removal vans. A23 and A25 provide good access from London and other areas.
Parking restrictions are less severe than historic Surrey towns. Most residential streets allow temporary parking for removals without permits.
Many Redhill properties are Victorian terraces similar to Woking. Check doorway widths and staircase angles before moving day. Measure large furniture items against property dimensions.
Redhill removal costs:
Redhill sits roughly 25 miles from central London. Removal costs are mid-range for Surrey—typically £500-700 for a standard two-bedroom move from London.
Moving to Reigate: Historic Town Challenges
Reigate offers beautiful architecture and market town charm. It also presents classic historic town moving challenges.
Reigate moving complications:
Narrow streets in the town centre and surrounding areas make vehicle access difficult. Some streets can’t accommodate large removal vans. Medium or small vans might be necessary.
Parking permits required for most central areas. Reigate & Banstead Borough Council manages permits. Cost is £60-90 for moving day. Book 10-14 days ahead minimum.
Many Reigate properties are period buildings—Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian. Beautiful to look at, challenging to move into. Narrow doorways, steep stairs, and low ceilings create furniture moving difficulties.
Listed buildings have additional restrictions. If you’re buying a listed property, check whether removal companies need special insurance or permissions. Some listed buildings prohibit certain moving equipment.
Reigate first-time buyer reality:
First-time buyers in Reigate usually buy on the outskirts, not in the historic centre. These properties offer easier access and lower moving complications whilst still having a Reigate postcode.
What First-Time Buyers Actually Move
Your first home won’t be empty. You’re bringing belongings from rented accommodation, family homes, or shared houses.
Typical first-time buyer moving volumes:
One-bedroom flat: 15-25 boxes plus furniture (bed, sofa, small table, chairs) Two-bedroom flat: 25-40 boxes plus more furniture Small house: 40-60 boxes plus furniture for multiple rooms
Surrey flats often have less storage than houses. You might need to downsize belongings before moving with a local Surrey removals company like Removals Guildford (https://removals-guildford.com). One first-time buyer I know sold or donated 30% of his possessions because his Spelthorne flat had half the storage of his London flatshare.
Packing services for first-time buyers:
Professional packing costs £200-400 for a one-bedroom flat, £350-600 for a two-bedroom property. This seems expensive when you’re watching every penny for your first property purchase.
But consider this—you’re starting a new job, completing on your purchase, and moving house simultaneously. Professional packing removes one major stress. Many first-time buyers find it money well spent.
Surrey-Specific Moving Regulations
Surrey councils have different moving regulations than London boroughs. What worked for your London move won’t necessarily work in Surrey.
Key Surrey moving regulations:
Parking permits take longer to process than London boroughs. London permits often available within 3-5 days. Surrey permits need 7-14 days minimum. Plan ahead.
Some Surrey historic areas restrict vehicle sizes. Large Luton vans might not be permitted on certain roads. Your removal company needs to check specific regulations for your address.
Noise restrictions apply in many Surrey residential areas. Moves before 8am or after 6pm might face complaints or restrictions. Weekend moves are generally acceptable but check specific council policies.
The London to Surrey Move Reality
Most Surrey first-time buyers are moving from London rental accommodation. This creates specific logistics.
London to Surrey moving timeline:
Week 1-2 after exchange: Book removal company, arrange parking permits for both locations Week 2-3: Start packing non-essentials, arrange time off work for moving day Week 3-4: Complete packing, confirm removal company, organize keys and access
Coordinating London and Surrey logistics:
You need parking permits at both ends. Your London council permit plus your Surrey district permit. Budget £80-150 total for both.
London access is often harder than Surrey access. Narrow London streets and parking restrictions cause more problems than most Surrey locations. Your removal company probably faces bigger challenges at your London departure point than your Surrey arrival.
Timing your Surrey move:
Complete Friday, move Saturday is popular. This gives you the weekend to unpack before starting work Monday.
Mid-week moves cost less. Removal companies like Removals Woking (https://removalswoking.com) charge 10-20% less for Tuesday-Thursday moves compared to Friday-Sunday. If you can take a weekday off work, you’ll save money.
Avoid moving on bank holiday weekends. Removal companies charge premium rates (20-30% more) and Surrey roads are busy with leisure traffic.
First-Time Buyer Moving Costs to Surrey
What does moving to Surrey actually cost beyond the removal company quote?
Complete moving cost breakdown:
Removal company: £400-800 depending on district and property size Packing materials (if DIY packing): £50-100 Parking permits (both locations): £80-150 Cleaning old property: £100-150 Time off work: £100-300 in lost wages Immediate property expenses: £200-500 (changing locks, minor repairs, emergency supplies)
Total realistic moving cost: £1,000-2,000
Most first-time buyers budget £500-700 for moving. Reality is double that. Budget realistically to prevent financial stress during already-stressful moving period.
Choosing Your Removal Company for Surrey
Not all removal companies like Removals Wimbledon (https://removals-wimbledon.co.uk) operate throughout Surrey. Some focus on specific areas or have limited coverage.
Questions to ask removal companies:
Do you regularly work in [specific Surrey district]? Local experience matters. Companies familiar with Spelthorne parking regulations or Woking access challenges handle moves more smoothly.
What size van suits my property? Don’t automatically assume you need the largest van. Smaller vans are cheaper and sometimes navigate Surrey’s narrow streets better.
Do parking permits affect your quote? Some companies include permit costs in quotes. Others charge separately. Clarify upfront.
Can you do a site survey? For properties with challenging access, good removal companies survey beforehand. This prevents nasty surprises on moving day.
What insurance do you provide? Minimum £50,000 goods in transit insurance is standard. Check whether your belongings’ actual value exceeds this.
Local vs national removal companies:
Local Surrey removal companies understand area-specific challenges. They know which Woking streets require permits, which Reigate roads are too narrow, and how to navigate Spelthorne efficiently.
National companies offer competitive pricing but might lack local knowledge. They’re discovering Woking’s parking restrictions on your moving day, not beforehand.
Your Surrey First Home Move Checklist
Ready to move to your first Surrey property? Here’s your action plan:
6-8 weeks before completion:
- Get removal quotes from 3-4 companies
- Research parking regulations for your new address
- Start decluttering and donating items you don’t need
- Collect packing materials if DIY packing
4-6 weeks before completion:
- Book removal company
- Apply for parking permits (both London and Surrey)
- Begin packing non-essential items
- Arrange time off work for moving day
2-3 weeks before completion:
- Confirm removal company booking
- Complete most packing except essentials
- Arrange keys collection for completion day
- Plan first night essentials box
Week of move:
- Final packing of essentials
- Confirm parking permits are approved
- Clean current property
- Prepare new property for arrival
Moving day:
- Be at property for removal team arrival
- Have essentials box in your car, not removal van
- Check inventory as items load
- Do final check of old property before leaving
The Surrey First-Time Buyer Moving Experience
Moving to your first Surrey property combines excitement with complexity. You’re completing on the biggest purchase of your life whilst managing moving logistics, work commitments, and family expectations.
Here’s what actual first-time buyers wish they’d known:
Moving always takes longer than expected. Budget an extra 2-3 hours beyond your removal company’s estimate. Things go wrong, access is trickier than it looked, furniture doesn’t fit through doorways. This is normal.
Surrey parking permits are essential, not optional. One first-time buyer tried moving without permits because “it’s just a couple of hours.” His removal company received £130 parking fine, which he had to pay. £80 permit would’ve been cheaper.
Professional packing services reduce stress significantly. Every first-time buyer who used professional packing said it was worth the cost. Those who DIY packed regretted it whilst surrounded by half-packed boxes at midnight the day before completion.
Your first Surrey property won’t be perfect. It’s a stepping stone, not your forever home. You’re buying affordably to get on the property ladder. Compromises are necessary and acceptable.
Moving to Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, or Woking isn’t glamorous. These aren’t the Surrey postcodes that impress your friends. But they’re the Surrey postcodes that actually work for first-time buyer budgets.
Your Surrey home is achievable. It probably involves a Spelthorne flat with aircraft noise, a Surrey Heath house near military traffic, or a Goldsworth Park property near a busy road. That’s the reality of affordable Surrey living.
The alternative? Staying in London rental accommodation paying someone else’s mortgage whilst dreaming of property ownership. Or moving further out to less desirable counties and commuting even longer.
Surrey’s affordable areas offer the best compromise—reasonable commutes, decent amenities, genuine property ownership, and the Surrey postcode you wanted. The moving challenges are manageable with proper planning. The costs are predictable with realistic budgeting.
Start planning your Surrey move today. Get removal quotes, research parking permits, and budget realistically. Your first Surrey property awaits—probably in Spelthorne, and that’s absolutely fine.
