The 'bland' commuter town that's overrun with ex-Londoners

One town in Surrey has topped the list (Picture: Getty Images)

As London becomes increasingly more expensive, a quieter existence in an adjacent commuter town is tempting countless city-dwellers.

A recent report determined the most popular hotspots London leavers are flocking to – and one location in Surrey was a particular winner.

Epsom and Ewell Borough was found to be the commuter area that saw the highest influx of ex-Londoners in recent years, with 46% of new homeowners coming from London between January 2022 and August 2023.

In fact, Surrey dominated the top 10, thanks to Spelthorne, Elmbridge and Tandridge representing the county in fifth, sixth and seventh place respectively.

Second on the list was Epping Forest in Essex, known for its leafy green areas and its prime proximity to the Central Line. According to new data from Savills, 45% of new homeowners here were ex-Londoners, and the average property costs £606,455.

Meanwhile, Dartford in Kent came in third at 43%, with an average property price of £392,733. It’s by no means cheap, but it’s cheaper than the two in the top spots.

Tempted to get away from the rat race? Here’s everything you need to know about the commuter haven that is Epsom…

Things to do in Epsom

Famous for the Epsom Downs Racecourse, this Surrey town isn’t just affiliated with horses.

A welcome escape from the black and white concrete of the city, Epsom is inundated with country parks and a safe, community feel.

There’s a flower market in the town centre (Picture: Getty Images)

For child-friendly activities, Horton Park Children’s Farm offers picturesque gardens and the opportunity to pick your own fruit over summer. There’s local history to be found at Bourne Hall Museum too, and theatregoers can enjoy regular shows at Epsom Playhouse.

For a stunning walled garden experience, a visit to Nonsuch Park is a must, as is Epsom Common.

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Additionally, there are plenty of delicious restaurants in the local area, including The Derby Ams, The Rambling Pig and Rocksalt Epsom.

Rent in one of London’s ‘cheapest commuter towns’ now £1,431 per month

While high rents have come to be an expected facet of city dwelling, research suggests rent in towns within commuting distance of big cities like London are skyrocketing.

Among them is Luton, which has previously been named as one of the cheapest London commuter towns, and is about 45 minutes away from the Big Smoke by train.

Rents in Luton increased by 33.1% between 2020 and 2023 — more than the UK average, which sits at 30%, according to the research by Zoopla.

The average rent in Luton currently sits at about £1,431 pcm, according to analysis by Home.co.uk, but for a one bed, it’s more like £1,000 pcm.

Council tax in Epsom

As with most areas, the amount of council tax you’ll pay to Epsom and Ewell Council depends on the value of your property and the band it sits in.

The lowest band, A, includes anything up to and including £40,000, while the highest band, H, accounts for properties with a value higher than £320,000.

The least you’ll be paying is £150.78 per month, and the most is £452.34.

House prices in Epsom have risen in recent years (Picture: Getty Images)

House prices in Epsom

As ever, Epsom comes with a price tag – and it isn’t cheap.

According to data from Rightmove, over the last year the average property was advertised at £602,621 – 8% up on 2021’s prices.

The majority of sales were for semi-detached properties at an even higher average of £625,811, whilst flats sold for £313,189.

The real tear-jerker is the detached properties, though, which went for approximately £980,252.

Epsom offers plenty of green space (Picture: Getty Images)

Commuting between Epsom and London

It takes an average of 44 minutes to travel from Epsom to London by train, over a distance of around 13 miles.

Trainline estimates there are normally 153 trains per day between Epsom and the capital, with direct routes arriving into London Bridge, Victoria and Waterloo.

Tickets for this journey are priced from £9.30 when you book in advance.

Most popular London leaver hotspots

1. Epsom and Ewell, Surrey: 46% of homeowners coming from London (Jan 2022-Aug 2023)
2. Epping Forest, Essex: 45%
3. Dartford, Kent: 43%
4. Hertsmere, Hertfordshire: 41%
5. Spelthorne, Surrey: 39%
6. Elmbridge, Surrey: 39%
7. Tandridge, Surrey: 39%
8. Broxbourne, Hertfordshire: 39%
9. Sevenoaks, Kent: 36%
10. Brentwood, Essex: 36%.

Source: Savills

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