Why move to Epsom? A look at merits of Location Location Location filming spots

Filming for the popular Channel 4 property series Location Location Location has been taking place in Surrey and is set to boost the profile of three of its settlements.

This isn’t the show’s first visit to the county; the 2018 series saw crews set up in the grounds of Guildford Castle and the presenters were photographed ordering a pair of flat whites from Krema Coffee.

This time around much-loved hosts Kirsty Allsopp and Phil Spencer will be helping house-hunters find their dream home in the Epsom, Banstead and Ashtead areas.

READ MORE: Converted Grade II listed water tower near Dorking is a dream home

The TV show is due to air in the autumn, but specific dates have not yet been published.

Ahead of that, here’s a closer look at what each town offers in terms of property prices, transport links and more.

Epsom

Dating from the Saxon times, Epsom gets its name from ‘Ebba’s Ham’, which online tool Britannica says quite literally means the estate or home of a landowner named Ebba or Ebbi.

In the 1900s, better railways began connecting Epsom to London which saw the town attract the attention of city dwellers looking for a retreat in the suburbs.

Sat less than 14 miles south of central London, it is certainly a commuter town today; the fastest train into the capital is 36 minutes direct from Epsom station to London Victoria.

Epsom has urban and rural parts, with Epsom Common situated within walking distance of the bustling High Street and the Surrey Hills also on the town’s doorstep. Plus, it’s home to a variety of secondary and primary schools including Rosebery School, which was ranked Surrey’s fourth best school in the 2020 Real Schools Guide.

But the town is perhaps most well-known for an association with racing; the Epsom Derby is one of the county’s largest annual events which has taken place at Epsom Downs every year since 1780, except during the world wars and behind closed doors in 2020.

What can you get for your money in Epsom?

The prices below apply to properties sold in the last 12 months, according to Zoopla.

From left to right the figures indicate average price paid, the number of sales, the current average value followed by the percentage change on the previous year.

Flats: £303,126 / 119 / £324,717 / 11.5 per cent (up)

Terraced: £460,234 / 128 / £457,788 / 8.3 per cent (up)

Semi-detached: £552,204 / 281 / £572,980 / 8.2 per cent (up)

Detached: £781,587 / 216 / £864,081 / 9.2 per cent (up)

Banstead

Banstead, bordering London, sits in the borough of Reigate and Banstead.

The town has a village feel to it but has a high street full of interesting independent shops and cafés, as well as Marks & Spencer, Waitrose and Costa Coffee branches.

The Banstead 5 refers to five local churches which club together to raise money to support the elderly and provide activities for youngsters in the area. All Saints Church, United Reformed Church, St Paul Church in Nork, St Ann’s Catholic Church and Banstead Methodist Church form the group.

There is also lots on offer for lovers of the outdoors thanks to the town’s proximity to Banstead Commons and its famous lavender fields in Carshalton Road.

The quickest journey into London by train is 47 minutes from Banstead to London Bridge, with one change at Sutton. There is a direct route available, but it will take a little longer at 58 minutes.

What can you get for your money in Banstead?

The prices below apply to properties sold in the last 12 months, according to Zoopla. Fewer sales have taken place in Banstead over the past 12 months compared to Epsom, likely impacted by its smaller population.

From left to right the figures indicate average price paid, the number of sales, the current average value followed by the percentage change on the previous year.

Flats: £352,309 / 29 / £355,233 / 10.3 per cent (up)

Terraced: £407,750 / 16 / £482,282 / 5.5 per cent (up)

Semi-detached: £567,374 / 62 / £591,550 / 6.5 per cent (up)

Detached: £791,400 / 82 / £911,089 / 6.4 per cent (up)

Ashtead

The settlement of Ashtead dates back to the Iron Age, when it was a farm. The Celts also farmed the land near the downs during the late Bronze Age, according to the Leatherhead and District Local History Society.

In present day, Ashtead is quieter than neighbouring towns Leatherhead and Epsom.

It has three pubs The Brewery Inn, The Leg of Mutton and Cauliflower and The Woodman and there is Ashtead Park nature reserve dotted with ponds as well as nearby Ashtead Common, which backs onto Epsom Common, for nature lovers.

The town is home to a library, several community centres and sports clubs. You can get all your essentials from stores on the high street where there are independent outlets as well as a Co-op and Marks & Spencer.

It is also a commutable location thanks to a direct service into the capital. From Ashtead to London Waterloo it’s a 42-minute trip, however, Ashtead train station is a bit of a walk out of the town centre.

What can you get for your money in Ashtead?

Zoopla data shows that out of the three towns profiled, Ashtead was the priciest place to buy a detached or semi-detached home in the last 12 months.

From left to right the figures indicate average price paid, the number of sales, the current average value followed by the percentage change on the previous year.

Flats: £308,900 / 28 / £382,162 / 10.2 per cent (up)

Terraced: £508,885 / 13 / £550,307 / 6.9 per cent (up)

Semi-detached: £573,305 / 41 / £627,982 / 9.3 per cent (up)

Detached: £922,820 / 61 / £1,056,407 / 3.5 per cent (up)

Karen Pengelly, manager of the Go Epsom BID, previously told SurreyLive she was not surprised the area had been chosen to feature on the popular property series.

She said: “I hope they focus on the fact that it’s a town with a really rich history and heritage – Epsom was the UK’s coolest destinations in the 17th Century.

“Nowadays, it’s a town with a wonderful sense of community, it’s a perfect 15 minute town – all shops and services, homes and transport links are easily accessible, it’s close to London but on the doorstep of The Surrey Hills. The Downs are beautiful, there’s a great mix of businesses – not surprised at all that Phil and Kirsty are looking here.”