Families say Surrey County Council are selling their homes from under them

They say the council is putting profit before people as it seeks to cash in on their homes through its private company – and insisting upon selling them as vacant possessions, giving them until July to move out.

They said the council is refusing to listen to offers from the families who have built their lives there, and instead told them they must leave and their homes placed on the open market.

One family has lived in Norbury Park, Mickleham since 2003 under a long-term lease when it was owned by Surrey Wildlife Trust prior to being taken on by the county council’s private company Halsey Garton Residential Ltd (HGR).

In that time the family invested significantly in repairs and improvements on the understanding they were secure.

They say they even made an offer to buy the property but it was rejected with Surrey insisting the house must be vacated first.

Helen Wood, who lives in one of the Norbury Park homes said she was aware that in 2022 Surrey Wildlife Trust was going bust and that the council created a company that took on the properties.

She told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that within months families began receiving notices their homes would be put up for sale.

Mrs Wood said: “Our children are devastated at the thought of losing the house, their home.

“My 12 year old has asked why this is happening and we have tried to explain it to him but even he says that it makes no sense – they want to sell and we want to buy.

“We can’t move on with our lives or plan anything and are just stuck in limbo.

“It is pretty hellish and worse than that, it just seems really unfair and nonsensical.”

“We saw other neighbours were being evicted and had to force a meeting to find out our own situation.

“Ridiculously, we can’t buy it.

“’I’m a fit and healthy 54 year old with two kids but I’ve ended up on blood pressure tablets.

“I’ve never had an issue and now on be on them for the rest of my life.

“It’s horrendous. All I’m doing is thinking we’re another day nearer, and another week nearer, another month nearer, to losing our home.

“We can’t buy in the area. We’ll lose our workshop and my husband will lose his job. I’m just trying not to think about it as it just makes us anxious.”

They are asking Surrey County Council to allow for an independent valuation on the homes and be given first refusal to purchase and remain in the property.

Charles Maxlow-Tomlinson is the managing director of Halsey Garton Residential Ltd.

The company is registered at Surrey County Council’s headquarters and specialises in the letting and operating of own or leased real estate.

Mr Maxlow-Tomlinson said: “Surrey County Council is the freeholder of various properties which are managed by Halsey Garton Residential Ltd under a strategy approved by SCC’s Strategic Investment Board.

“HGR is a subsidiary of the council and has a long leasehold interest in the properties.

“HGR was established to help generate commercial returns, providing an alternative revenue stream that supports the Council’s broader financial resilience.

“HGR remains deeply committed to responsible and balanced property management.

“We have been actively engaging with tenants to listen to their concerns regarding the proposed sale of properties and lease arrangements.

“We understand how unsettling this situation can be for families, and, where appropriate, we have offered new lease terms with more tenant-friendly conditions, extending occupancy until June 2026.

“We fully acknowledge the personal impact this may have on individual tenants.

“While HGR, and SCC, are not housing authorities and do not retain residential properties for long-term housing provision, we are committed to treating all tenants with dignity and respect throughout this process.

“Tenants have been informed of the proposed sales, and we want to clarify that there are no current eviction notices for the properties in Norbury Park.

“To ensure openness and transparency, when properties are placed on the open market for sale, anybody can make an offer to purchase, and the most proceedable offer will be accepted.”

Councillor Natalie Bramhall, cabinet member for property, infrastructure and waste said: “Surrey County Council has a statutory duty to ensure best value in the use and disposal of public assets.

“In fulfilling this responsibility, and to maintain transparency and fairness, the council and its subsidiaries have followed a consistent approach over the past five years: selling its properties on the open market with vacant possession.

“This ensures that we can secure the best possible return, which is vital for delivering essential public services to the wider community.”

ENDS