The true cost of green space premiums faced by dog-owning house-buyers

Dog-owning house buyers who want to live in areas of abundant green space in which to walk their four-legged friends are facing house price premiums as high as 94%, according to our latest research.

We analysed Land Use data from the UK government looking at the areas of the nation that present the best option for walking our four-legged friends with the greatest abundance of green space such as forestry and woodland, natural land, rough grassland, and outdoor recreation space. We then analysed this land use data in line with current house price data from the Land Registry to reveal how much more it will cost you to purchase a home in a pooch-friendly green area.

 One-fifth of England is classified as green space

The analysis reveals that of England’s 13 billion hectares, 2.7 million hectares are classified as green space. For a nation of dog lovers, this means that there is no shortage of great spots for “walkies”, with green space accounting for more than a fifth (21%) of England’s land. 

Dog owners will be keen to learn that the greenest region of all is the North East where 39.8% of all land is green. This is followed by the North West (34.2%), Yorkshire & Humber (25.7%), the South East (22%), and, perhaps surprisingly, London (20%). 

However, those looking to purchase a property within one of the nation’s top 50 greenest areas may well find they are facing a hefty property price premium for the pleasure. 

50 greenest areas home to property price premiums as high as 94%

Across the nation’s 50 greenest areas, an average of 39.2% of land is classed as green space, while the average house price sits at £338,357 - 11.98% above the national average of £302,164. 

Of course, in some areas this premium is considerably higher and nowhere more so than in Elmbridge, in Surrey. While the area boasts an abundance of green space, with 26.4% of land classed as such, the average house price is a hefty £730,175 - 93.6% higher than the wider average for the South East Region.

Mole Valley, also in Surrey, is some 62.9% more expensive than the wider average for the South East, while 32.4% of land usage is green space. 

In Richmond in London, 44.7% of the borough is classed as green space, and the average home commands 49.1% more than the wider London house price. 

In fact, 31 of the top 50 greenest areas analysed by Quickmove Properties are home to a house price premium when compared to the wider regions in which they are located. 

Where offers green space and property market affordability?

For those in search of both green space and property price affordability, the best bet is to look to Burnley. Here, 43.9% of the land is classed as green space, while the average house price comes in some -50.1% more affordable than the wider North West average. 

Other areas offering some of the most affordable house prices with an abundance of green space include Pendle (-36.9%) and Blackburn-with-Darwen (-33.6%), both in Lancashire.

For dog lovers, the close proximity of somewhere suitable to take their four-legged friends for a healthy walk is as important as any other property feature. Of course, purchasing within a particularly green and pleasant part of our land is always likely to command a house price premium.

As our analysis shows, the house price premiums found across the 50 greenest areas of the nation can be substantial to say the least, although there are some areas where you can buy for below the regional average and still benefit from an abundance of green space. 

The only downside is that the majority of these more affordable areas are limited mainly to Yorkshire and the North West. Great news for those in the area, but not so great for those who don’t plan to relocate to the other end of the country.