Revealed: Britain’s national parks and AONBS add premium property appeal

Properties within Britain’s National Parks command a 25% premium on average compared to homes outside these protected areas, according to new data from Nationwide Building Society.

This translates to an additional £66,700 for homes in these sought-after regions.

Similarly, properties within Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) also carry significant price tags, with Surrey Hills topping the list at an average price of £610,000.

The premium for national parks living

Nationwide highlights that National Parks not only benefit from their natural beauty but also from strict development restrictions, which limit new housing supply and drive up prices.

Top national parks by property price

National Park Average Price
New Forest £576,000
South Downs £400,000
Peak District £375,000
Yorkshire Dales £353,000
Lake District £333,000

New Forest emerges as the priciest National Park, offering picturesque villages like Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst, while the South Downs boasts the largest resident population, including towns such as Midhurst and Petersfield.

AONBS: Britain’s hidden gems

AONBs, which span 15% of England’s land, provide similar prestige. Many offer tranquil rural settings ideal for homeowners and second-home buyers.

Top AONBS by property price

AONB Average Price
Surrey Hills £610,000
Chilterns £570,000
North Wessex Downs £415,000
Cotswolds £401,000

Surrey Hills leads the AONBs in price, with villages like Shere and Mickleham attracting buyers. The Cotswolds, Britain’s largest AONB, is not just a tourist hotspot but also a commuter haven due to its central location.

The ‘fringe benefit’ and beyond

Nationwide’s data also reveals that homes within three miles of a National Park attract a 7% premium. This effect is mirrored in properties near AONBs, where demand for homes in rural yet accessible locations remains robust.

Market dynamics

  • Development Restrictions: Limited new builds ensure exclusivity.
  • Commuter Appeal: Locations like the Chilterns and Cotswolds cater to city professionals.
  • Second Home Ownership: Coastal AONBs like Dorset see high levels of second-home demand.

The bottom line

National Parks and AONBs remain highly desirable, commanding premium prices and offering a blend of natural beauty, exclusivity, and community charm. For property investors and homeowners alike, these areas represent an investment not just in bricks and mortar but in a lifestyle surrounded by some of Britain’s most stunning landscapes.