Increased desirability and limited supply drive higher property values, says Nationwide.
Homes located within Britain’s National Parks command an average price premium of 25% (£66,700) compared to similar properties outside these protected areas, according to Nationwide. Even properties within 5km of a National Park enjoy a 7% price boost.
This aligns with previous research:
- In 2020, detached homes within National Parks averaged a 29% premium compared to those within 5km of their borders.
- A broader county-level analysis by Savills found a 51% premium, mirroring earlier findings by Lloyds Bank in 2018, which reported a 47% premium using similar methodology.
Top Highlights from National Parks:
- New Forest: The most expensive National Park, with average property prices at £576,000, encompassing villages such as Ashurst, Lyndhurst, and Brockenhurst.
- South Downs: Britain’s most populated National Park, home to 115,100 residents.
- Lake District: The most visited National Park, attracting 18.1 million visitors annually, and the largest in England and Wales.
- Loch Lomond & the Trossachs: Scotland’s most visited National Park, with 50% of the population living within an hour’s drive.
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs): Premium Landscapes
Other protected areas, like Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), also see elevated property values. AONBs cover 15% of England’s land and house over one million residents.
Key AONBs include:
- Surrey Hills: The priciest AONB, with homes averaging £610,000 in 2024.
- Cotswolds: The largest AONB, encompassing sought-after towns like Tetbury, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Stow-on-the-Wold.
Limited supply, scenic beauty, and lifestyle appeal continue to drive demand for homes in Britain’s protected landscapes, making them a premium choice for buyers.
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