Reigate and Banstead has a population of 159,134 on the 2024 estimate, up from 150,900 in 2021. The 2021 figure had already risen by 9.5% from around 137,800 in 2011. Close to 60,000 residential households were recorded in 2021, and total dwelling stock reached 63,231 in 2023. More households and more development mean buyers have choices, especially around Redhill, Horley and Merstham.
Employment patterns also influence the local sales market. Major employers include London Gatwick Airport, NHS Surrey and Sussex Healthcare, Kimberly-Clark, Raven Housing Trust, Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, Santander Consumer UK Plc, SES Water, CGG, AXA Assistance UK and Willis Towers Watson. The borough has a heavy Financial and Insurance sector presence, with a share of jobs almost four times the national average. That affects demand for homes with rail access, parking and dedicated work space.
Road and rail geography matters in every valuation. The M25 crosses the northern part of the borough, while the M23 and A23 corridor link Redhill, Horley and Gatwick. Reigate, Redhill, Merstham, Horley, Tadworth and Banstead each have different buyer pools because station patterns and road routes vary. An agent valuing a home in Merstham should not apply the same assumptions as one valuing a house near Reigate town centre.
Schools, listed buildings and protected areas also influence marketing. Reigate Priory, Reigate Castle Gateway, Reigate Heath Baptist Church Windmill, Pinfold Manor in Tadworth, Alderstead Fort in Merstham and the medieval moated site at Albury Farm all show the borough’s historic depth. There are around 430 statutory listed buildings, including 6 Grade I and 21 Grade II* buildings. In conservation areas, buyers often ask more detailed questions about extensions, windows and planning constraints.
- Population estimate for 2024 is 159,134
- Total dwelling stock was 63,231 in 2023
- Around 430 statutory listed buildings sit within the borough
- The M25, M23 and A23 corridor all influence buyer movement