Key facts
- Properties within UK national parks are 24% more expensive on average.
- Homes within three miles of a national park are 6% more expensive.
Properties within UK national parks are selling for an average of 24% more than similar homes elsewhere, according to Nationwide Building Society. Homes within three miles of a park also command a 6% premium, while national landscapes in England and Wales see a 14% premium.
The findings highlight the significant financial value placed on properties within protected natural environments in the UK, driven by both aesthetic appeal and limited supply, impacting housing affordability and market dynamics in these desirable areas.
Properties located within UK national parks command a significant price premium, with buyers paying approximately 24% more on average, according to research by Nationwide Building Society. The study also found that homes situated within three miles of a national park carry a 6% premium.
The New Forest emerged as the most expensive national park, with average property prices reaching £563,000. Other highly priced national parks include the South Downs at £485,000 and the Peak District at £450,000.
Beyond national parks, properties within designated national landscapes in England and Wales, previously known as areas of outstanding natural beauty, also see a notable price increase, with a 14% premium observed. Surrey Hills stands out as the most expensive national landscape, with average property prices at £710,000.
Nationwide attributes these premiums to the appeal of scenic countryside and the restricted development in these protected areas, which limits new housing supply and consequently keeps prices elevated. The consistency of these premiums is highlighted by similar research from Nationwide in 2024, which reported a 25% premium for national park homes and a 15% premium for national landscape properties.