Flowers bloom with house prices

Halifax Estate Agents has analysed the house price performance of the UK’s most attractive towns and cities.

The Halifax survey has found that house prices in towns & cities with an award-winning approach to landscaping and environmental management tend to be 23% higher (£40,000) than their regional average.

Twenty two out of the 32 towns and cities surveyed, which have won “Britain in Bloom” gold medals since 1994, have house prices above their regional average, up to 87% for the best performer.

Of the cities and towns, which won Britain in Bloom gold medals in 2004 Ilkley in Yorkshire and the Humber has seen the strongest house price growth, up 32% last year. Ilkley also has the highest house prices of any category winner in 2004 - £274,238.

Tim Crawford, group economist at Halifax Estate Agencies, commented:”The British love affair with attractive towns is as strong as ever, so house buyers are clearly willing to pay a premium to live in picturesque surrounds.

Civic pride and a commitment to maintaining an attractive townscape has clearly paid off for the Britain in Bloom winners. House prices in these towns are at a premium to those of their neighbours.”