While house prices in the gorgeous Mole Valley have increased steadily over the last few years, it's worth noting the gradual nature of the increase. With some places, particularly in London, seeing sharp increases, the Mole Valley area overall looks like a safer bet for the more cautious investor.
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No, it's not the homeland of the Wind in the Willows team and as idyllic as it may be, we're not going to toady. It made our countdown thanks to low crime, strong education results and a good health record.
Its biggest drawback is the housing, with the average house price sitting at a whopping £394,000 and as they're not expected to drop over the next 5 years, the main criticism is the lack of affordable homes. First time buyers don't stand much of a chance around here.
That's not to say everything in Mole Valley is steady as a rock. Borough headquarters, Dorking, is a case in point, with average prices veering from just over £300,000 in spring 2007 to an autumn 2007 price of just over £400,000. One thing does seem certain: housing is a local priority, with 188 new homes set to be built each year while the South East Regional Plan takes effect.
Hopefully they won't be paving over too much countryside, as Surrey Hills is one of the nation's truly easy-on-the-eye landscapes, and was among the first official places to be designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You don't even have to live out in the sticks to appreciate the views - you can catch glimpses of the Surrey Hills panorama from most of the market town, Dorking.
If you're up for a little more action than staring at the view can provide, Chessington World of Adventures is on the doorstep, providing fun for all the family. Nearby Denbies Wine Estate supplies more sophisticated thrills for the adults - but a vineyard nature trail should help keep the kids occupied, too.
While your neighbours are likely to be high-income commuters with families, particularly in Dorking and the district's other main town, Leatherhead, underpaid key workers needn't despair. The council may be able to help you buy property - check the website at www.molevalley.gov.uk for details of Local Homebuy, the latest affordable housing scheme in Mole Valley.
<< Go back to the index to learn about more places in the top and bottom 20
Have your say and see what other people are saying about Mole Valley and the other 433 UK boroughs >>
Find out which lucky boroughs made the top 4 in 2007 >>
Local area info on Bath & North East Somerset from upmystreet.com >>
Mole Valley District Council >>
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