Properties in National Parks command a 25% (£66,000) premium on average compared with similar homes elsewhere, according to analysis.

Nationwide Building Society, which made the calculations, said there is also a “fringe benefit” for properties located close to National Parks.

The news comes as plans for a new national park fringing northern Powys continue to develop.

It also shows the cost of a home in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park is above the UK average at £274,000.

That's lower than in many other national parks in the UK, but well above the average house price in Powys of £238,000, as reported by the Office for National Statistics in October. 

Homes within 5km of a National Park command a 7% (£18,700) average premium compared with those outside of this range, the society said.

It made the calculations based on the average UK house price of £266,640.

Andrew Harvey, Nationwide’s senior economist, said: “National Parks continue to be highly desirable areas to live in thanks to the beautiful countryside.

“Those living in such areas are ideally placed to make the most of the great outdoors and take advantage of a range of activities and amenities.

“Development is also controlled with limited new housing construction, which also helps to explain why house prices tend to be relatively high.

“Our analysis suggests that a property located within a National Park attracts a 25% premium over a similar property elsewhere.”

Mr Harvey added: “We’ve also looked at Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, also known as National Landscapes, in England and Wales, which include places such as the Cotswolds, Chilterns and Surrey Hills.

“Our research found that properties in these areas attract a 15% (£40,000) price premium (over an otherwise identical property).

“These areas include some highly desirable locations and the premium is likely to reflect the continued attractiveness of rural areas and the associated lifestyle.”

Average house prices in the UK's national parks

  • New Forest, £576,000
  • South Downs, £400,000
  • Peak District, £375,000
  • Yorkshire Dales, £353,000
  • Lake District, £333,000
  • Dartmoor, £310,000
  • Bannau Brycheiniog/Brecon Beacons, £274,000
  • Eryri/Snowdonia, £173,000
  • Cairngorms, £260,000
  • Here are average house prices in some Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, according to Nationwide:
  • Surrey Hills, £610,000
  • Chilterns, £570,000
  • North Wessex Downs, £415,000
  • Cotswolds, £401,000
  • High Weald, £390,000
  • Kent Downs, £365,000
  • Dorset, £323,000