MEET THE ESTATE AGENT: TOBY MILLER | HENRY ADAMS
What does the current housing market look like in Haslemere and the surrounding areas? What are the questions that homebuyers are currently asking? How do you achieve maximum value when you’re selling your home? Discover what estate agents are saying in our latest Toby Miller of Henry Adams Estate Agents in Haslemere has the answers.
ABOUT ME, THE AGENT…
What originally drew you into estate agency, and how has the industry changed since you started?
Back in early 1997, when I was working in Homebase wearing green dungarees, I saw an advert for a negotiator and the idea of a suit very much appealed!
Obviously, the rapid change in property technology has been the most significant change over the years, but the presentation of property is now so much better using lifestyle photography, video, and even drones to superbly showcase every home to advantage.
What do you enjoy most about working in your local area?
I work in Haslemere, the South Downs and the Surrey Hills, so I know I’m very lucky. After all, what’s not to love? Everything about this area is superb.
What sets your agency apart in this market?
It’s a bit of a cliché, of course, but what sets us apart really is the people who work at Henry Adams. Experience, knowledge, integrity, and being part of our communities are all very much encouraged.
Have you had any other jobs or skills that give you an extra edge?
I have three children, so patience… The moving process can be very complex and take a long time to reach completion, which is also stressful for clients so patience helps at home and as I’m supporting people along their moving journey.
What does life outside of work look like?
My wife and I enjoy spending precious time with our kids, travelling and making the most of the amazing amenities all around us. We’re never stuck for ideas of what to do, that is when we’re not ferrying them to all their different clubs.
HOMES AND PROPERTY IN HASLEMERE…
What type of property is currently selling or letting fastest in your area?
Families are always looking to buy in Haslemere. Prime buyers from SW18/19 postcodes are seeking 3+ bedroom homes all the time.
What are the three most common questions buyers are asking you right now?
Can you call me first? Everyone wants to be top of the list when we get a new instruction. We’re also asked, “what locations should we consider for a family?’ and “what schools are good in the area?’ Those are easy, as all the schools are pretty good round here.
What has changed most in your local market over the past 12 months?
Towards the end of 2025, there was a slowdown in activity with the noise around the Budget. This year has seen much more of a positive ‘can-do’ attitude from clients serious about wanting to make a move.
Are you seeing any increase in downsizers, retirement buyers, or new-build interest?
There is always demand for rightsizers in the area, moving from larger family homes as the children have flown the nest. Many of these downsizers love the appeal of new build options.
What is your outlook for the next 12 months in your area?
2026 seems to be a return to a much more traditional market with its ebbs and flows, which we expect to continue for the remainder of the year. As ever, it’s paramount to work with an estate agent who reacts to changing market conditions swiftly and offers sensible, level-headed advice at each stage.
BUYING & SELLING PROPERTY IN HASLEMERE
What is the biggest mistake you see sellers making?
Choose a decent agent to sell your house. I realise that as an estate agent, I am bound to say this but sellers should be aware that the current market conditions dictate that skill and experience are required to sell a property. There’s much more to achieving the best price than sticking a property on Rightmove. A good agent will understand their buyers as well as their clients (sellers) and will know how to sell the property’s benefits in the right way. The days of ‘one size fits all’ are long gone.
What do buyers often overlook when viewing properties?
Street view the area. If you’re from outside a location, drive down first and check out the local facilities. Visit the local coffee shop and pub. Home in on your prime location first and then start viewing potential properties. You can always change most things about a property but it needs to be in the right spot. Like the old saying goes, it’s all about ‘location, location, location’.
In your view, why does local expertise still matter in an age of online agents?
We know the intricacies, and I guess you’d call them ‘microclimates’, of our areas. We know how different sides of the street can attract different values. We hear what’s being said at the school gates, in local coffee shops and pubs, as well as local business networks. From that, we have our fingers right on the pulse and can feel the sentiment of what’s happening locally first-hand.
What do you do to ensure a property achieves its maximum value?
Get the marketing material and price right from the start! I use a combination of local knowledge and market reports to recommend pricing backed by evidence. I know some sellers get swayed by the suggestion of a falsely high asking price, but that doesn’t often end well for the owners. In reality, the current market will dictate value but, as a good agent, we help to push the price by negotiating well for our sellers. It’s essential to bear in mind that the headline price needs to tempt buyers through the door in the first place.
INSIGHTS INTO THE SURREY HILLS & SOUTH DOWNS
WHAT MAKES THE AREA PARTICULARLY DESIRABLE AT THE MOMENT?
We’re a Surrey-based commuter town and blessed with a great reputation and facilities to match: The station, the A3, ’first class’ schooling, independent shops, a buzzing community, popular social venues, and all surrounded by miles of beautiful countryside.
If someone were moving to the area for the first time, what should they know?
Get their feet on the ground and explore to find the area that would suit them and their family best. Make sure they stop and sample the coffee shops or restaurants and wander the high street to get a proper feel for local life.
Sort out any finances with a quality mortgage broker so they know exactly what they have to spend and get their admin underway with a solicitor.
Speak to an estate agent they feel comfortable with, who’ll no doubt have ‘best in class’ recommendations for all these things and more. With the correct preparation and contacts, the buying process can be where the fun starts
What’s one local recommendation you always mention to clients?
That’s hard as there are so many to suggest. I’m partial to The White Hart in Witley, where the barbecue sharing trays are EPIC!
THE QUICK FIRE ROUND
Town or country?
I’ve lived in a town all my life, so I wouldn’t have it any other way. But with the countryside a five-minute stroll in any direction from here, we’re lucky to have the best of both.
Period property or new build?
I’m a sucker for the best of character and the ultra-modern. First instinct would be a period property.
Coffee meeting or property viewing first thing?
Takeaway coffee in the car on the way to a property viewing.
Your ideal home location?
It’s got to be a modern beach villa in Menorca, Cala Galdana or Son Bou – closer to home, I’d choose anywhere near Haslemere with a great view.
BUYING PROPERTY? SELLING YOUR HOME?
CONTACT HENRY ADAMS ESTATE AGENTS IN HASLEMERE
DISCOVER HOME IMPROVEMENTS, HOME HACKS, AND EVERYDAY ADVICE FOR YOUR HOUSE & GARDEN
