Knight Frank sells £158m worth of £4m plus property

All of the properties sold have exchanged at prices in excess of £4m.

Buyer analysis reveals that 43% of buyers have been from Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States, 32% from the UK, 15% from the rest of Europe, 5% from the Middle Eastern and 5% from India.

New or newly refurbished properties that have sold across North Surrey since 1st April have commanded an average price per square foot of £713.

The buyer profile has shown a variety of income sources, with finance and property being the principal ones.

Knight Frank consider the North Surrey region to be in the M3/A3 corridor either side of the M25. The prestigious areas that North Surrey incorporates include St George's Hill, Wentworth, Esher, Cobham, Oxshott, Ascot, Sunningdale, Windlesham, Englefield Green, Richmond and Kingston-upon-Thames.

James Cleland, partner in Knight Frank's Country Department, responsible for prime sales in North Surrey, comments:

"As with the majority of the UK, the market in North Surrey was extremely difficult during the credit crunch. The number of top end sales dropped dramatically and those vendors who had to sell were confronted with accepting significantly reduced prices.

"The market has undoubtedly made a very significant recovery in the last four months with strong demand. The fact that seven properties have exchanged contracts at figures in excess of £10m, with a further three under offer, clearly illustrates this.

"Many buyers, both international and British, recognise that now is "not a bad time to buy" and this, combined with a large number of high quality properties coming to the market, is leading to increased market activity.

"North Surrey is known for its private roads and estates, which consistently hold appeal for the buyer who wishes to live in a safe environment with like-minded people, good schools and great travel links to London and the international airports.

"Estates such as St George's Hill, Wentworth and the Crown Estate in Oxshott are internationally renowned and those who already live there recommend the North Surrey estates to friends relocating to the UK or moving out of London.

"The market looks set to continue as it has been with good quality, sensibly priced houses attracting buyers."