"Those in search of green and pleasant woodlands will need a far bigger budget than most and the average value of a home in areas with a higher proportion of tree cover comes in considerably higher than the wider national average"
- John Shepherd - Richard Crathorne
The latest research by Midlands estate agent, John Shepherd, has revealed that when it comes to the search for green space and property market affordability, just five areas of the property market boast an abundance of trees and an average house price below the national average - with three of them found in the Midlands.
John Shepherd analysed each area of the property market in England, looking at the percentage of tree canopy cover in relation to the average value of a property.
The research shows that just 45 of the 295 local authorities across England are home to tree canopy cover of more than 20% - that’s just 15% of the market - with this search for green space coming at a considerable cost.
In fact, across these 45 local authorities, the average house price comes in at £451,868 - 46% higher than the current average across England.
Just five of the local authorities that boast a high degree of trees also boast a fairly affordable price when it comes to climbing the ladder.
The most affordable of the lot is Cannock Chase in the West Midlands, where the average home currently commands an average house price of just £229,057.
Norwich sits in second with an average property price of £243,339, whilst the West Midlands features again in the top three, with the Wyre Forest where the average home costs just £246,555.
The only other two areas of England to boast both a high degree of tree canopy cover and an affordable average house price are Redditch (£246,55), again in the West Midlands, and Hastings (£267,327).
Chief Executive of John Shepherd, Richard Crathorne, commented: “For many homebuyers, an abundance of nature on their doorstep can be a significant factor when it comes to purchasing a home and, much like the close proximity of a good transport link in a city, a nearby area of natural beauty can command a sizable premium in less urban areas.
"As our research shows, those in search of green and pleasant woodlands will need a far bigger budget than most and the average value of a home in areas with a higher proportion of tree cover comes in considerably higher than the wider national average.
"However, homebuyers in the West Midlands have the best chance of securing green space at an affordable price, with three of just five areas with a high proportion of tree cover and a below average asking price being found in the region.”
