Housebuyers are paying an average premium of almost a quarter for properties located within a UK national park, according to research by Nationwide, Britain’s biggest building society. The study found that a property in a national park costs 24% more on average than a comparable home elsewhere.
The New Forest was identified as the most expensive national park for property, with an average price of £563,000. This was followed by the South Downs park at £485,000 and the Peak District at £450,000.
Nationwide also reported a 6% premium for homes situated within three miles of a national park. Additionally, properties in the national landscapes of England and Wales, previously known as areas of outstanding natural beauty, were found to have a 14% premium. Surrey Hills is the most expensive national landscape, with average property prices of £710,000.
The building society suggested that the appeal of the countryside and restrictions on new housing development in national parks contribute to these higher property prices. Similar research from 2024 by Nationwide indicated consistent premiums, with national park homes attracting a 25% premium and national landscape properties being 15% more expensive.