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Surrey has some of England's highest care costs, but several funding options can help. This guide explains who pays, what help is available, and how to get started.
What Care Costs in Surrey
Surrey care homes are among England's most expensive due to high property prices, London-level wages, and Green Belt planning restrictions that limit new developments. Costs vary significantly across the county - Guildford and Woking areas are typically at the higher end, while rural Surrey offers mid-range pricing.
Moorhouse Care Home in Hindhead offers excellent value at £1,087 per week for dementia and residential care in a beautiful Edwardian mansion.
Will You Pay or Will Surrey Council Pay?
This depends on your savings and assets:
Over £23,250 in assets: You pay everything yourself (self-funding)
£14,250 - £23,250: You pay some, council pays some
Under £14,250: Council pays most, you contribute from income
Your home usually counts as an asset if you're moving into permanent care, unless qualifying relatives still live there (spouse, relatives over 60, or disabled relatives). With Surrey's average house prices around £460,000 - and many areas significantly higher - most homeowners exceed the £23,250 threshold substantially, making them self-funders.
Getting Council Help
Contact Surrey Adult Social Care on 0300 200 1005. They respond within one working day and will arrange a care needs assessment first, then assess your finances if you qualify for help. Surrey's financial assessment looks at all your income and assets, including any property if no qualifying relatives live there.
Can't Pay Without Selling Your Home?
Surrey offers deferred payments if your property is worth more than the likely debt and your other savings are below £23,250. They pay your fees now at 2.65% annual interest (2025 rate), you repay when your house is sold later (usually after death). This gives you breathing space to decide about your property without rushed decisions.
NHS Funding Options
Full NHS Funding (CHC)
If you have complex health needs, the NHS might pay all your care costs. Contact Surrey Heartlands ICB on 0300 369 0023 to request an assessment.
Nursing Care Contribution
If you need nursing care but don't qualify for full NHS funding, the NHS contributes £219.71 per week towards nursing costs.
Benefits That Help
- Attendance Allowance: £72.65 or £108.55 per week (apply: 0800 731 0122)
- Pension Credit: Guarantees minimum weekly income (apply: 0800 99 1234)
- Both continue for 28 days in care, then may stop or reduce
Self-Funding Options
Many Surrey residents pay privately due to high property values. Given that the average Surrey home is worth £460,000 (with areas like Virginia Water, Cobham, and Esher often exceeding £700,000), most families face self-funding initially.
Use your property: Sell it, rent it out (rental yields in Surrey typically 3-5%), or use equity release to access its value without selling
Savings and pensions: Use existing funds and income - many Surrey residents have substantial private pensions
Insurance products: Immediate needs annuities that pay care fees for life
Professional advice: Essential for large amounts - contact SOLLA advisers who specialise in care funding. Many Surrey-based advisers understand the local property market.
Top-Up Fees
If the council funds you but you want a more expensive home, family can pay the difference. This must be affordable for your whole stay.
Getting Help and Advice
- Surrey Council: 0300 200 1005 for assessments and funding questions
- Age UK Surrey: 01483 503414 for free advice and benefits checks
- Surrey Family Information Service: 0300 200 1004 for local services and support
- Citizens Advice Surrey: Multiple locations across all Surrey districts for confidential guidance
Surrey also runs joint planning events with Age UK Surrey to help families understand the funding landscape before care is needed.
Emergency Situations
If you need care immediately, Surrey can arrange emergency funding while assessments are completed. Contact them urgently on the main number above.
If you're running out of money while self-funding, contact Surrey before funds are exhausted. You won't be forced to leave if you become eligible for council support.
Ready to Start?
Moorhouse Care Home in Hindhead shows how excellent care can be affordable in Surrey. This historic mansion by architect Sir Edwin Lutyens offers specialist care in stunning surroundings near the Devil's Punchbowl.
Starting from £1,087 per week, Moorhouse provides exceptional value with a personal approach to dementia and residential care. The experienced team helps families understand funding options and can arrange respite stays to trial their services.
Contact Moorhouse: 01428 604381
Address: Tilford Road, Hindhead, Surrey, GU26 6RA
Email: enquiries@ashberry.net
Planning for Surrey care costs early gives you more options and control over decisions when the time comes.
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