Possibly relocating to Surrey

[GirlInterrupted]

We are possibly moving to the UK from ROI and just looking for some advice. Will be working in Surrey, Feltham. Just myself and DH, both early 40's. Will definitely be renting (with pets) We are currently living in a tiny rural village. Would love to move to a nice, medium sized village with shops, cafés, nice walks, etc. Prefer something a little more quiet with a community spirit, rather than buzzing, our children are adults, so not interested in school catchment areas, etc. We have absolutely no idea where to start looking! Was Looking on rightmove and the rental prices are insane compared to what we are currently paying and all the places seem to be in bigger towns. Was really hoping to get a detached house with a nice private garden that is not in an estate within an hour's drive of Feltham. Any advice will be appreciated!

Feltham isn't that nice. What's your budget?

Sorry, I meant we will be working in Feltham and we are looking for a place that is within an hour's drive.

I was going to say Bagshot but I think it's too far away.

How many bedrooms, and what's your budget?

Walton on Thames may work for you.

Also Hampton, teddington

West Byfleet, Woodham, Pyrford

Also Kingston, Surbiton, Thames Ditton, East Molesey

There is quite a lot within an hour of Feltham but driving will really limit your search area due to traffic congestion. Could you get the train (although properly close to train stations costs more).

What's your budget? Agree with pp Walton could be an option, or Shepperton.

It can be hard to find places to rent which accept pets, so be sure they're acceptable before you get your heart set on anything.

Shepperton, Chertsey

What youve got to appreciate about Surrey is the same drive can vary wildly in time distance.

Lived and worked in Epsom for years. The same drive took me 5 minutes if I left at 7am and 40 minutes if I left at 7.10

Virginia water, Egham Thorpe and Chertsey

Surrey is basically the most expensive county, so I'm not surprised that you're finding it difficult to find something affordable!

I know it's not what you want to hear, but I would recommend renting an apartment for a year while you get to know the local areas. I used to live in Teddington, it's lovely there, but a detached house was about £4k

That whole corner of Surrey is like millionaire's row: Addlestone, Weybridge, Sunningdale etc are lottery prize prices, and I daresay rents reflect that. The villages are very much stockbroker belt and expensive.

What sort of travel time would you be prepared to contemplate, and what's your budget?

I think you may have to consider moving further out, or settle for a bigger town. Or even both.

£4k......................buys up most of Surrey.

Bookham or Fetcham, perhaps? Or maybe Send or Ripley?

You really need to share your budget, there is something for all budgets an hour from Feltham, although nice villages will be tricky on a tight budget. If you need a bigger house for less money then I'd be looking at Basingstoke or Reading

if you work in Feltham do not move to the other side of the river (ie Molesey, Esher, Hersham, Thames Ditton etc).
the traffic across the bridge from Hampton Court station towards Kingston and towards Sunbury is murder in rush hour (and often outside of it too).

don't do it

What's your budget? I am from ROI, lived in Surrey for about 20 years (in one of the towns mentioned above), your desired detached house with a nice garden in a community-minded village is mostly filled with highly-paid commuters who work in London but can't afford to live there.

Thanks everyone for the great advice, I was so shocked to see the prices for rentals, we currently pay €600 per month for a 4 bedroom detached, with a garden and garage. so I thought it couldn't possibly be more than double that, but boy, I was so wrong! Min 2 bedrooms, has to have a garage for the motorbikes. I don't even know if £2k budget is reasonable. And this kind of brings me to my next question. Is £100k per annum a good income for that area? No idea about household bills and property taxes or any of it really any advice would be great.

How about Staines? Although in Middlesex rather than Surrey, it has good links by train to Feltham (not sure about the drive) and slightly closer than Windsor and Virginia Water. The latter are lovely IMO but rent can be eye-watering as a consequence. Egham / Pooley Green are also worth considering although trains a bit less frequent from memory (may be better now though as it’s been a while!) and the university may have an impact on property.

Are you going to be on £100k? What on earth is paying that much in Feltham?!

£100k is a fantastic salary don't worry

you'll be well off with £100k

Yes 100k is very good in Surrey, as it is everywhere. But rents for large houses are astronomical.