How to find apartments for rent in Surrey

Surrey is the second-largest city in British Columbia and one of the fastest-growing municipalities in Canada. It offers significantly more affordable average rents than Vancouver while still providing strong transit connections, a wide range of neighbourhoods, and easy access to employment across Metro Vancouver. This guide covers the key areas to consider when searching for a rental in Surrey, what to expect from the market, and how to approach your search.

For current average rent figures by neighbourhood and unit type, see the Vancouver Rent Report.

Why Renters Choose Surrey

Surrey's appeal comes from a combination of affordability, space, and connectivity. For renters priced out of Vancouver or Burnaby, Surrey offers a meaningful step down in average rent while remaining on the SkyTrain network. The city has a large and growing South Asian community, strong schools, and a range of housing types from highrise condos to townhouses and detached homes that are rare to find in Vancouver proper.

Surrey is also home to Simon Fraser University's Surrey campus and Kwantlen Polytechnic University, making it a practical base for students enrolled at either institution.

Top Areas to Rent in Surrey

Surrey City Centre and Whalley

The area around Surrey Central SkyTrain station is the city's urban core, with the highest concentration of newer highrise apartment buildings, condos, and services. It is the most transit-connected part of the city, with the Expo Line providing direct access to Burnaby, New Westminster, and Vancouver. SFU's Surrey campus is located here. The area has seen significant development in recent years and continues to grow. It suits students, young professionals, and renters who prioritise transit access and walkability.

Guildford

In northeast Surrey, Guildford is one of the city's most established and well-serviced neighbourhoods. Guildford Town Centre provides shopping, dining, and services, and the area has a mix of highrise apartments, townhomes, and family-oriented residential streets. Frequent bus routes connect to SkyTrain stations and Highway 1 for commuters heading elsewhere in Metro Vancouver. It is a practical, balanced choice for families, students, and working professionals.

Newton

A large, diverse neighbourhood in central Surrey, Newton is one of the city's most multicultural areas with a wide range of restaurants, markets, and shops. Housing is predominantly low-rise and includes a significant supply of townhouses and basement suites at generally affordable rents. Newton Town Centre provides shopping and services, and multiple bus routes cross the area. It suits renters looking for more space at lower price points.

Fraser Heights

In north Surrey bordering Burnaby and Coquitlam, Fraser Heights is a quiet, family-oriented residential area known for its tree-lined streets, spacious homes, good schools, and access to parks and trails. Highway 1 provides convenient commuting access to Vancouver, Burnaby, and the broader region. It is a practical choice for families who prefer a suburban character and do not need to rely entirely on transit.

South Surrey and White Rock

On the southern edge of the city near the US border, South Surrey and the adjacent city of White Rock offer a coastal lifestyle with beaches, scenic trails, and a relaxed pace. The area has a mix of modern condos, townhouses, and larger homes, with average rents generally higher than other parts of Surrey. It suits renters who prioritise outdoor access and a quieter environment over transit connectivity.

Types of Rentals Available in Surrey

Surrey has a wider range of rental types than most Metro Vancouver municipalities, including highrise apartments and condos (concentrated near SkyTrain stations), townhouses, basement suites in detached homes, and stand-alone houses. This variety makes it one of the more accessible markets for families and renters who need more than one bedroom.

Tips for Renting in Surrey

Surrey's rental market has grown more competitive as demand has increased. Preparing your documents before you start applying — income verification, references, and ID — allows you to submit a complete application quickly when you find the right unit. Setting up listing alerts on liv.rent ensures you are notified as soon as new listings matching your criteria are posted.

Familiarise yourself with BC tenancy law before signing any lease. Surrey falls under the same BC Residential Tenancy Act as the rest of the province, including rules on deposits, entry notice, rent increases, and move-in and move-out inspections. See our [BC rental laws guides] for details.

Find a Verified Rental in Surrey

liv.rent lists verified rentals across Surrey. Use the map view and filters to search by neighbourhood, price, and housing type.