A study by Nationwide, the UK's largest building society, has found that houses located within national parks in England and Wales sell for an average price premium of 25%.

This translates to nearly £67,000 more than similar properties elsewhere, based on the average UK house price of £266,640.

The New Forest in southern England ranks as the priciest national park, with average home prices reaching £576,000.

Factors contributing to this premium include limited new housing developments and the allure of living close to nature.

Popular villages in the New Forest, such as Ashurst, Lyndhurst, and Brockenhurst, are emblematic of this trend.

Conversely, Snowdonia in Wales is the most affordable national park, with homes averaging £173,000.

The South Downs, with towns like Petersfield and Midhurst, has the largest population among these parks, at 115,100 residents.

Properties within three miles of a national park also enjoy a 'fringe benefit,' being 7% more expensive than those further away.

Additionally, homes in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) like the Cotswolds or Surrey Hills are on average 15% more expensive.

The most expensive AONB is Surrey Hills, with average home prices at £610,000, while Dorset is the least expensive at £323,000.