Runnymede’s Places

Housing

The 2011 and 2021 Census data shows that Runnymede’s house prices, tenure, accommodation type and occupancy levels have changed over time. The link below accesses the ONS Census Maps where Runnymede housing data can be explored.

Runnymede experiences high housing and rental costs making some accommodation options increasingly unaffordable. This must be considered in parallel with the increasing cost of living, and public and health services increasingly coming under strain.

The availability of a range of housing types, including affordable options, with a suitable housing mix to meet local needs, continues to be a key issue in Runnymede, where land for housing is in short supply.

The Royal Holloway University of London (RHUL) located to the north of Runnymede also has a significant impact on the availability of rental properties in that area of the Borough, and on the types of accommodation needed in this area.

Explore Runnymede’s housing data and trends using the ONS Census Maps:

Housing Headlines

Runnymede has seen an increase in the number of households, rising from 32,714 in 2011 to 34,838 in 2021 (6.4% increase, which his above the national average and regional trends). Households living in houses or bungalows have slightly decreased since the 2011 Census, and those living in flats, maisonettes or apartments has slightly increased (particularly in Addlestone and Chertsey).

The average house price in Runnymede is £472,185 (Jan 2026), which is significantly higher than the average of all English local authorities (at £274,927), and has steadily increased over time. Although affordability has improved since it peaked in 2021, a wide gap remains between what people earn and what houses cost: the affordability ratio for Runnymede is 9.7 (worsening by 2.3 since 2002), compared to a local authority average of 7.7 and a London ratio of 10.61 (the least affordable area).

Whilst home ownership rates have slightly decreased since the 2011 Census, and private renting has increased, the main type of tenure in Runnymede will continue to be owned (69.5% of households, which is higher than the national average) rather than rented.

2,543 households are currently living in unsuitable housing and are unable to afford their own housing. Of these households, 373 currently occupy affordable housing that does not meet the current householders’ needs, mainly due to overcrowding.

In the year 2022/23 there were 1,299 households on the housing register waiting for social housing. There are over 800 households per year who are seeking accommodation for reasons such as overcrowding, difficulty with rental payments or poor living conditions.

Despite the fact that ‘affordable rents’ are lower than market rents, the cost can still be prohibitive for some low-include households, and a supply of housing at social rents needs to be retained to meet demand.

There continues to be a strong demand for Gypsy and Traveller pitches and Travelling Showperson plots, although total need has decreased since the previous assessment, conducted in 2017 (-26% change).

The housing mix delivered since its adoption have not met Local Plan targets: the latest Annual Monitoring Report states that 19% 3 & 4 bed units have been delivered against a target of 65%; and 100% of affordable/social rented units were 1 & 2 bed against a 60% target. There has been an under-delivery of larger market and affordable units.This trendus may have been impacted by permitted development rights, which limits the impact of Local Plan policy requirements.

What does this mean for the Local Plan?

These trends will have an impact on housing need in the Runnymede area, and the types, mix and tenures of housing that the Local Plan should plan for. The Local Plan will need to ensure that housing mix policies are included/retained and reflect up-to-date evidence of housing need.

The Local Plan will also need to plan for the needs of older persons, those seeking shared accommodation, students, and those seeking to build their own homes. A proportion of homes will need to be built to be accessible and adaptable over time.

Sources of further baseline information:

Detailed baseline information, an analysis of existing conditions and future trends, and how this information will inform the new Local Plan, can be found on the evidence base page of the new Local Plan website, including:

Sources of other useful information: