Why would you choose to live in The South of England? It is often thought of as more cultural and has different characteristics to other regions. A South property search conjures up images of leafy streets, large houses and big gardens, with phrases such as ‘London’s stockbroker belt’ and ‘rising house prices’.

However, this idyllic picture of perceived wealth masks an area that’s increasingly being separated into areas of great wealth and great deprivation. An estimated 26 million people live and work in this region.

Working and living in the south has its challenges, driven by the cost of owning or renting property combined with the overall cost of living. Choosing where to live has become more of a lifestyle decision with people carefully selecting and choosing where they can afford to live and then seeking employment either locally in commuting to the cities or larger towns to follow their careers or higher paid jobs.