"The bad news is that health-conscious homebuyers face a tougher task than most, with the average house price across all but one of the top 20 healthiest areas coming in higher than the national average"
- Verona Frankish - Yopa
Yopa analysed the healthiest areas of the housing market based on the level of physical activity by those who live there, before looking at the average value of a property and how much it costs to live in a health-conscious hotspot.
A healthier lifestyle and, in particular, more exercise is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions we set for ourselves, but halfway through a long cold January, many of us may feel our motivation starting to wane.
Living within a community of like-minded, health-conscious others is one way to potentially stay on track, however, purchasing a home in such a location doesn’t come cheap.
The analysis shows that Waverley in the South East is the nation’s healthiest location, with a physical activity score of 78.4 versus the national average of 66.34 across England. However, with an average house price of £539,774, the cost of homeownership sits 75% above the average of £308,781 for England.
In fact, of the top 20 healthiest locations across the property market in England, just one is home to an average house price below the national benchmark, with the average price across the top 20 sitting 48% higher than the national average.
Ribble Valley in the North West boasts a physical activity score of 74.2, whilst the average house price comes in at £270,332 - 12 below the national average.
Both West Devon and Exeter also make the list of the nation’s top 20 healthiest locations and with an average house price of £318,750 and £311,679, they only sit marginally higher than the national average, making them a potentially realistic choice for the average homebuyer in search of a healthier lifestyle.
“Most of us enter into the new year with the best intentions of leading a healthier lifestyle following the overindulgence of the festive period, but staying on track can be tough, particularly during the long, cold month of January," observed CEO of Yopa, Verona Frankish.
However, she added, "Living within an area where there is a higher degree of physical activity could help make the task a bit easier, as there’s more likely to be facilities, classes, events and people that can help keep you motivated.
"The bad news is that health-conscious homebuyers face a tougher task than most, with the average house price across all but one of the top 20 healthiest areas coming in higher than the national average.
"While staying on track with your fitness goals can be challenging, finding a balance between your health priorities and managing the cost of your monthly mortgage payments is achievable with the right planning and focus,” she concluded.
