A report from Nationwide has found that homes located within the boundaries of the UK's National Parks attract a 24% price premium compared with similar properties elsewhere. In cash terms, that is around £66,500 based on the current UK average house price.
Andrew Harvey, Nationwide's Senior Economist, said the analysis continues to show a “fringe benefit” for properties close to National Parks. Those within 5km (around 3 miles) of a National Park command a 6% premium compared with those outside that range.
Most Expensive National Parks
The analysis identified the National Parks where average house prices are highest. In the most expensive one, the average house price is £563,000. Here are the 11 UK National Parks with the highest average house prices.
11. Eryri (Snowdonia) – Average house price: £203,000. National Parks cover 20% of the land area in Wales, the highest proportion of the home nations, with the largest, Eryri (Snowdonia), covering 2,176 sq km. It is the 11th most expensive National Park to buy a home, according to Nationwide's analysis.
10. Cairngorms – Average house price: £255,000. The largest of the 15 Scottish National Parks, the Cairngorms is relatively sparsely populated, with just 18,000 people living across the 4,528 sq km covered by the park. Harvey said this is “perhaps why the average price is a lower £255,000”.
Welsh Parks Feature Prominently
9. Brecon Beacons – Average house price: £292,000. This mountain range in Wales is known for its natural beauty and is popular amongst hikers and nature lovers. The population is around 33,800.
8. Pembrokeshire Coast – Average house price: £310,000. With a population of just over 21,000 people across 621 sq km, the Pembrokeshire Coast is one of the most desirable places to live in Wales thanks to its natural beauty and seaside charm. Harvey said: “The Pembrokeshire Coast sees the highest average prices amongst Wales’s three National Parks, at £310,000.”
