What You Need To Know About Moving Out Of London

First, why are Londoners considering a move out of the capital right now?

The core reasons largely stay the same. For many, especially families, it’s a natural step driven by a few key factors: access to better schooling, the need for more space, concerns over rising crime levels, and the intense competition for secondary school places in the city. The increased flexibility around remote and hybrid working has also made it more practical to live further out. Although there's a growing push for people to return to the office more regularly, the option to work from home has opened up a wider range of living possibilities. Yes, there’s a bit of a shift back toward office life in some sectors, but most of my clients are still working two or three days in the office and the rest from home. That kind of hybrid routine gives rise to so many more possibilities.

Improved transport links, like the Elizabeth Line, have also made it easier to strike a balance between country living and city commuting. And finally, the pandemic shifted everyone’s priorities. People want to be around trees and fields and pubs with proper fires. They want walks after dinner and a bit more breathing space. There's now more emphasis on mental health, lifestyle flexibility and a better work-life balance, all of which are often easier to achieve outside the pressures of urban life.

Is there an ideal time of year to move?

If you're selling in London and buying in the country, timing matters. I usually advise people to get their London property on the market in February or March. The country market tends to get going a little later – we see a lot of really good houses listed from April onwards. That gives you a head start and allows for a bit of overlap.

That said, everyone’s timeline is different. I often recommend people get in touch around 12 to 18 months before they actually want to move. It gives us time to plan a proper strategy – from preparing your current home for sale to exploring different areas to getting all the legal bits lined up so there are no surprises later.

Where are the current hotspots?

I’m naturally biased toward the south – particularly Hampshire, West Sussex and Surrey. There’s just a lot going for them: great transport links back into London, good airports nearby (Heathrow and Gatwick, of course, but also regional ones like Bournemouth and Southampton), and a strong mix of private and state schools.

From a lifestyle perspective, these areas tick so many boxes – access to the coast, beautiful countryside, thriving market towns. And they’re just close enough that commuting a couple of days a week is perfectly manageable.

There are also a few places I’d call ‘quietly up-and-coming’ – not yet on everyone’s radar, but they will be. Bishops Waltham in Hampshire is one to watch – really charming, and with great access to Winchester and Southampton. Liphook is another good one, especially for families. And in Surrey, Tilford is one of those postcard-perfect villages that still feels relatively undiscovered.

Are there common mistakes you see sellers make that can delay or devalue a sale?

Overpricing the Property. Some people set an unrealistic asking price based on emotion or outdated market conditions. Then there’s poor presentation or a lack of staging – neglecting to declutter, clean or properly present the home for viewings. Also, don’t ignore minor repairs or maintenance. Overlooking small issues like dripping taps, peeling paint or broken fixtures can actually make or break a sale. As does hiding or failing to disclose issues. Not being upfront about known problems (e.g. structural issues, disputes with neighbours) isn’t a good look. 

We also see people choosing the wrong estate agent simply based on the highest valuation or lowest fee, without considering local expertise or marketing strategy. Others turn out to be unprepared legally or logistically, so then there are delays in getting key documents ready (e.g. title deeds, property information forms, EPCs). Refusing to negotiate is another mistake. It isn’t good to take too rigid a stance on price or refusing to consider reasonable offers. And we’ve already mentioned it above, but listing at the wrong time of year or during local economic downturns isn’t great. Finally, make sure you engage with a good solicitor – it’s essential.

How do you advise clients who are unsure about committing to a full relocation – are there halfway steps they can take?

Totally understandable. Moving out of London is a big decision. It’s not just about a new house – it’s a whole new routine, a new community, a different pace of life. If you’re unsure, I often suggest trying a rental first. Spend six to twelve months in a target area and see how it feels. It gives you breathing room and lets you explore without the pressure of buying straight away.

Another great option – if budget allows – is a weekend house. That can work really well for people who aren’t ready to leave the city during the week but want to ease into a more rural lifestyle. You can dip your toe in without diving straight into the deep end.

How does Seaton Evelyn support people throughout this whole process?

What we do is very client driven and depends entirely on the client’s particular circumstances – specifically their commuting requirements, schooling needs etc. We advise on the best area to live to get the best way of life and value for money. We like to get involved from the very beginning to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible (especially when you're juggling both a sale and a search). 

We start by helping you choose the right agent to manage the sale of your current home, ensuring you're set up for success from day one. From there, we're with you every step of the way, right through to handing over the keys to your new country home. Along the way, we provide much more than just property advice. We can introduce you to trusted professionals such as solicitors, surveyors, mortgage brokers, and advise on everything from local schools to the finer details of village life. Whether it’s where to find the best Sunday roast, a good Bloody Mary, or the perfect spot for a family lunch. It’s a big move, and our role is to make it feel manageable, informed, and exciting.

How long does the whole process take?

Like I said, it’s best to allow 12 to 18 months from the moment you first start thinking about moving. That gives us time to really plan it properly – to find the right buyer for your London home, to get all the legal work in motion, to explore a few different areas and settle on one that feels right. Some people do it quicker and that’s fine – but a longer timeline gives you more flexibility and makes it easier to line everything up. It also reduces the chances of being forced into renting temporarily, unless of course that’s your preference.

Finally, what's one piece of advice would you give someone considering making the move?

Spend time out of London. Go and walk around the villages you’re interested in. Have lunch in the local pub. Visit during the week, not just at weekends – that way you get a proper feel for the area. And really think about your working life. If you’re going to be asked to come into the office three days a week in six months’ time, your commuting pattern might look very different. Think long-term and be realistic about what your week will actually involve.

And then – pick up the phone to us. Talk to someone who’s done it a hundred times before. It doesn’t cost anything to have a conversation and it might just save you from making an expensive mistake.

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