Like the look of properties for sale in Shropshire, Cumbria or Kent? You’re certainly not alone. According to the latest Lloyds TSB report, house prices in all 32 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) in England have increased by £110,000 (or £900 per month) over the past decade.
Suren Thiru, housing economist at Lloyds TSB, commented: “The value of homes within Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty has risen substantially over the past decade. The relatively high property values in many of these locations reflect the quality of life benefits associated with living in some of our most idyllic beauty spots. However, the fact that property prices have typically risen considerably faster than average earnings has created significant affordability difficulties for many of those living and working in such locations.”
Therein lies the rub. Those interested in properties for sale in Shropshire or the Kent Downs for example, are highly likely to be in search of a second home. AONBs are amazing places to live – provided you already have a huge deposit and aren’t dependent on local employment opportunities for income.
AONBs which have seen property prices double
Lloyds identified a number of AONBs which saw house prices double over the past 10 years. You might expect properties for sale in Devon or houses for sale in Cornwall to top the list. This time, it’s quite a different story. In fact, you may be surprised by the results. Here they are:
- Solway Coast in Cumbria, with an increase of 124.5%
- Northumberland Coast at 123.8%
- The Kent Downs at 115%
- The Forest of Bowland at 107%
Dedham Vale recorded the lowest (but still pretty hefty!) percentage increase of 61%, closely followed by the North Wessex Downs at 66%.
Surrey Hills was identified as the most expensive AONB in the whole of England. Surrey properties for sale have been regarded as desirable for decades but the Surrey Hills are the cream of the county’s crop. Here, the average house price is a cool £407, 568 – over £250,000 above the current national average house price. High Weald is next in line, at £329,441, followed by the Kent Downs at £320,090.
Outside of southern England, the Forest of Bowland (located in north east Lancashire) is the most expensive AONB, with an average house price of £212,301.
AONBs with an average house price below £150,000
Yes, they do exist! If you’re looking for properties for sale in the Lincolnshire Wolds or houses for sale in Cannock Chase, you’ll be able to buy at a figure below the national average. It’s possible to pick up a residential home in the Lincolnshire Wolds for £128,608. If you want to live in Cannock Chase, you can expect to pay around £136,774. These were the only two locations out of the list of 32 AONBs surveyed by Lloyds TSB to have average house prices under £150,000.
Check the My Homes Unlimited listings for properties for sale in Shropshire and other AONBs across England.
Source: Lloyds TSB.