Surrey's rising property hotspot outpacing London's market
Rising Housing Prices in Woking Outpace the South East
New data has shown that one Surrey commuter town has experienced a more significant increase in average housing prices this year than any other area in the south east, including all London boroughs. This trend highlights the growing appeal of certain towns as attractive alternatives to the capital.
According to an analysis by Lloyds Bank on the UK's 2025 housing hotspots, Woking has emerged as a standout in terms of property value growth. The town was recently recognized as Surrey's happiest town and is the only place in the county to make it into the UK top 50. Home values in Woking have risen by an average of 8.1 per cent between 2024 and 2025, placing it in sixth place in Lloyds' top ten towns and cities with the highest house price growth.
This growth places Woking at the number one spot in the South East for rising home values, surpassing all of London’s boroughs. According to Lloyds, average home prices in Woking reached £518,453 by the end of 2024. As the year has progressed, this figure has increased by £42,046 (8.1 per cent), reaching an average home value of £560,499.
In comparison, Guildford saw a 2.2 per cent rise in average house prices, according to the Office of National Statistics (ONS), now at £544,000 as of October 2025. Meanwhile, Elmbridge, a Surrey borough known for its luxury homes, only recorded a 0.7 per cent increase, with average prices sitting at £748,000.
Why Woking Is Attracting Buyers
One of the main reasons behind Woking's housing price surge is its role as a commuter town for London. Many individuals who were priced out of the capital have moved to Woking, inadvertently creating similar housing challenges they were trying to escape.
The town, which has a population of just over 100,000, is considered one of the best options for those looking to live in the home counties while working in London. Recent research from Pepper Money named Woking the "best commuter town for London workers" in August.
Woking train station offers a direct route to Waterloo in under half an hour, despite being approximately a 90-minute drive. This makes it significantly faster than nearby towns like Guildford, and quicker than other stations known for their fast links to the capital, such as Epsom and Ashford.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Beyond its commuter appeal, Woking is also one of Surrey's most historically and culturally significant towns. It is home to the Shah Jahan Mosque, the UK's first purpose-built mosque, constructed in 1889. The town also hosts the McLaren Formula One team and the New Victoria Theatre, which has a capacity of 1,300.
In terms of dining, Woking is renowned for having Surrey's best restaurant, as highlighted by Muddy Stilettos. Additionally, the town is home to a Gordon Ramsay restaurant, which is one of the chef's few establishments outside of London.
