Is Surbiton a nice place to live?

Nestled in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, Surbiton is a charming suburban neighbourhood in South West London. Originally part of Surrey, Surbiton became part of Greater London in 1965, blending its historic roots with modern urban living. The area is renowned for its grand 19th-century townhouses, Art Deco courts, and contemporary residential blocks, creating a diverse architectural landscape that appeals to a wide range of residents.

Surbiton’s development began in the 1840s, transforming from a rural village into a bustling suburban hub. Its excellent transport links fostered its evolution, with links to London that appeal to commuters, and riverside views of the Thames.

Best Neighbourhoods in Surbiton  

Surbiton has a lot to offer and attracts a range of buyers. Among the most favoured areas for families are the River Roads, which boast proximity to great schools, green spaces, and an ideal location for travel to Central London and Surbiton town centre. Buyers interested in this area should consider properties on Portsmouth Road.

The Berrylands holds similar appeal for families, while Maple Road is a bustling and trendy community stacked with coffee shops, independent stores and a diverse dining scene. This area’s property market tends to be driven by flats, attracting professionals as well as families.

What our team has to say

Our Surbiton branch manager Sarah Walker said “I love the variety of pubs in Surbiton and the ability to take leisurely walks along the river. Plus The Maple Road farmers' market, held every third Saturday of the month, is a highlight for me.”

The farmer’s market is certainly a popular favourite among locals, selling fresh produce and speciality foods, from local fruit and veg vendors to artisanal bakers.

Does Surbiton have good transport links?

One of the main appeals of Surbiton is its great location and strong transport links to the city centre, which is only 11 miles away. Served by South Western Railway, Surbiton station is located in Zone 6 with trains that can get to Waterloo station in under 20 minutes.

For drivers, the A3 to Portsmouth is nearby, and the M25 is only half an hour away. Surbiton’s nearest airports are London Heathrow, which is less than a 40-minute drive away, and London Gatwick, which is just under an hour away.

Is Surbiton included in the ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone)?

Surbiton is included in the ULEZ, which covers all of London’s boroughs including the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames. This means that if your vehicle (including cars, vans and motorcycles) does not meet the ULEZ emissions standards, you need to pay a daily charge of £12.50 to drive within the zone.

If you’d like to find out more, visit the Transport for London website.

Are there any good schools in Surbiton?

There are a number of well-regarded primary and secondary schools both in and around Surbiton.

Top-ranking primary schools include Alexandra Primary School, Bishop Perrin Church of England Primary, and Burlington Infant and Nursery School, all of which received Outstanding status in their most recent OFSTED inspections.

Recommended secondary schools include the Richard Challoner School for boys, Tolworth Girls’ School and Sixth Form, and the Hinchley Wood School.

In terms of higher education, there are a number of high-ranking institutions to choose from throughout the capital, including the nearby Kingston University and the University of Roehampton.

Shopping in Surbiton

Surbiton boasts a vibrant shopping scene, enriched by a variety of unique independent shops that add character and charm to the area. On Victoria Road, Regency Bookshop is a paradise for booklovers with a delightful selection of books, stationery, and gifts. Maple Road is home to Shoes at Last, a boutique specialising in stylish women's clothing, shoes, and accessories. Cycle Exchange caters to cycling enthusiasts with high-quality bikes and accessories, while The Press Room on Claremont Road is a speciality coffee shop known for its excellent coffee and relaxed vibe.

These independent specialists are just a few examples that showcase the charm and character of Surbiton’s local shopping scene.

Where to eat and drink in Surbiton

Surbiton has some fantastic places to eat and drink. Local favourites include Surbeanton Café on Victoria Road, a popular bakery, café, and restaurant with a healthy eating philosophy that takes pride in the use of fresh and natural ingredients.

Meanwhile, Icon Coffee & Brunch House is the perfect destination for daily coffee and weekend brunch. It offers a curated wine list and cocktail menu, along with a varied food menu consisting of traditional English breakfasts, wraps, sandwiches, pastries, salads, and sweet treats. The café offers a retro American diner vibe and friendly atmosphere.

Ex Cellar on Brighton Road combines a wine merchant, épicerie, wine bar, and café all rolled into one. It offers wholesome food, great coffee, and a large selection of wines. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, making it a popular spot for locals to enjoy live music and delicious pizzas and tapas.

And for a pleasant pub experience, The Grove is a favourite among locals. A family-friendly and dog-friendly pub and restaurant, it’s a great place to enjoy a few drinks, dine out and watch live sporting events. The Grove also features a 250-cover 'secret' beer garden with an outside bar and al fresco dining terrace – perfect for summer!

Things to do in Surbiton

Surbiton has a range of attractions and activities for the whole family.

The area is teeming with sports facilities for all ages and interests, including the Surbiton Racket and Fitness Club, the YMCA Surbiton Gym, Surbiton Golf Club, and Surbiton Tennis Club.

There are also some beautiful outdoor spaces, including Bushy Park and Fishponds Park which are lovely places for a stroll, picnic or nature-watching. Meanwhile, The Green at St Andrews is a nice small enclosed space, popular with local dog walkers.

Other local attractions include the nearby Hampton Court Palace, a stunning heritage site that offers tours and hosts a variety of events all year round. There is also Kingston Museum, which has displays and exhibitions on the local history of Kingston upon Thames.

And for film fans, Surbiton Station has its own proud place in cinema history, having featured in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (2009).

Is Surbiton a good place to buy?

Over the past year, Rightmove stats estimated the average house price in Surbiton was £570,682. Flats were the most commonly sold property type, with an average selling price of £393,442. Semi-detached homes averaged £771,927, while terraced houses sold for around £654,629.

Overall, property prices in Surbiton have seen a decline, with last year's figures showing a 10% drop compared to the previous year and an 8% decrease from the peak of £620,560 in 2022.

If you’re interested in moving to Surbiton, check out the properties we currently have listed in the area, and contact our local branch for more information.