The Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2026 guide has once again highlighted some of the UK’s most desirable locations – and this year Surrey Hills has earned its place among the very best in the South East.
For homebuyers searching for the perfect balance of countryside charm, strong community spirit and modern convenience, this recognition reinforces what a lot of locals already know: Surrey Hills is one of the most sought-after places to live in the UK.
The Sunday Times decision
Each year, The Sunday Times evaluates locations based on a wide range of factors, including education, transport links, access to green spaces, local culture, amenities and community spirit – and even down to the details of broadband and mobile connectivity.
In 2026, the Surrey Hills stood out for offering a lifestyle that goes beyond simply its proximity to London, combining natural beauty with vibrant local living.
A place of countryside, community, connectivity, culture and convenience
One of the UK’s National Landscapes, the Surrey Hills is an affluent area steeped with charming villages and historic market towns. Well-known for an abundance of National Trust properties and parks including Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Punch Bowl, there is no shortage of spectacular views and endless adventures across the nearby countryside.
As well as its rolling countryside and scenic walking routes, the Surrey Hills offers a thriving food and drink scene – from country pubs to independent eateries, all the way up to Michelin-starred restaurants.
Perhaps one of the biggest draws for people moving to the area is its ability to perfectly combine its countryside surroundings with convenient connectivity to key destinations. Surrey Hills stations with direct services to London Waterloo include Guildford (from 35 minutes), Godalming (from 39 minutes), Haslemere (51 minutes) and Farnham (from 52 minutes). It’s less than an hour to Gatwick and Heathrow airports - and to the coast.
What makes the area particularly appealing is its ability to deliver a true lifestyle upgrade; whether that’s weekend walks, community events or simply more space to enjoy everyday life.
One of the defining features of locations chosen by The Sunday Times is their sense of community and local pride. Across the Surrey Hills, residents benefit from welcoming, close-knit neighbourhoods, independent shops, markets and businesses, excellent schools and family-friendly amenities.
This combination of community, countryside and convenience is exactly what today’s buyers are prioritising when choosing where to live.
Why buy a new home in Surrey Hills?
With demand for homes in this sought-after location continuing to grow, furthered by the recent Sunday Times accolade, new-build properties offer a number of advantages:
- Energy efficiency and lower running costs
- Low maintenance living
- Contemporary design tailored to modern lifestyles
- Peace of mind with warranties and build quality
Choosing a new-build home allows buyers to enjoy the best of Surrey Hills living with all the benefits of a modern home.
For those inspired to make the move to one of the South East’s most desirable locations, Elivia Homes offers beautifully designed new-build properties that make it easier than ever to call the Surrey Hills home.
Coppice Meadow
The Surrey Hills is celebrated for its exceptional access to green space, strong communities and quality of life - and Coppice Meadow in Haslemere reflects this perfectly.
Set within this sought-after landscape, and on the cusp of the South Downs too, Coppice Meadow offers a collection of thoughtfully designed three and four-bedroom homes, with final properties now available. With almost half the development dedicated to green open space and a new 2km woodland path connecting directly to the South Downs National Park, it embraces the outdoor lifestyle that makes the area so desirable.
Located just half a mile from the centre of Haslemere - one of Surrey’s most desirable market towns - residents can enjoy a blend of independent shops, cafés, a weekly farmer’s market and excellent schools, alongside direct rail links to London.
It’s a location that truly embodies the balance of countryside living and connectivity that Surrey Hills has been recognised for.
Oakland Grove
The Best Places to Live guide also highlights the importance of community, character and everyday convenience - and Oakland Grove in Chiddingfold delivers on all three.
This boutique collection of just 12 energy-efficient homes combines contemporary design with a timeless village setting in the heart of the Surrey Hills. Known for its historic charm and welcoming community, Chiddingfold offers a quintessential village lifestyle, with local pubs, shops and green spaces all close by.
Surrounded by some of the region’s most popular towns, including Haslemere, Godalming and Guildford, and with excellent schools nearby, Oakland Grove is ideally placed for families and commuters alike. With easy access to countryside walks and National Trust sites, it captures the lifestyle, heritage and community spirit that earned Surrey Hills its place among the South East’s best places to live.
At Elivia, we believe in creating homes and communities where people and places thrive. Oakland Grove and Coppice Meadow embody the very best of our high-quality, design-led and sustainable homes in the best locations across the South East.
Start your journey to the Surrey Hills
Being named one of the best places to live in 2026 is more than just recognition - it’s a reflection of the exceptional lifestyle Surrey Hills offers.
If you’re looking to make your move, Coppice Meadow and Oakland Grove provide the perfect opportunity to become part of this thriving countryside community.
Explore our developments today and discover your future home in Surrey Hills.