Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Guardian Property. Read the original article for full details.
Properties in UK National Parks Command 24% Premium, Nationwide Finds
Properties located within UK national parks are selling for an average premium of 24% compared to similar homes elsewhere, according to research by Nationwide, Britain’s largest building society. The New Forest is identified as the most expensive national park for property purchases.
Nationwide’s study found that buyers are also paying a 6% premium for homes situated within three miles of a national park. The average property price in the New Forest stands at £563,000, followed by £485,000 in the South Downs and £450,000 in the Peak District.
The research highlights that restricted development in national parks, due to planning limitations, contributes to higher property prices in these areas. In addition to national parks, properties in the national landscapes of England and Wales—formerly known as areas of outstanding natural beauty—carry an average premium of 14%. Surrey Hills is the most expensive national landscape, with average property prices at £710,000.
Surrey Hills, designated in 1958 and covering about a quarter of Surrey, is home to around 40,000 people, mainly residing in small villages and rural hamlets such as Shere, Mickleham, and Westhumble.
Nationwide’s findings indicate that these property premiums have remained consistent, with similar research from 2024 showing a 25% premium for national park homes and a 15% premium for national landscape properties.
These trends are relevant for letting agents and inventory clerks operating in or near national parks and national landscapes, as property values and demand in these areas remain high.
Source: Guardian Property