According to estate agent Knight Frank the average property price within the national park boundaries in West Sussex and Hampshire is 60 per cent higher than those outside it. The research shows that the average 2014 house price in the South Downs was £392,148 compared to £244,670, with the price premium even higher in the New Forest, Lake District and Peak District. Oliver Knight, Knight Frank Residential Research, said: “The high quality of life connected with living in some of the most beautiful and distinctive landscapes in England and Wales is an obvious attraction for many home buyers and our research shows there is a premium for homes located within a national park or an AONB. “Supply of stock in these areas can often fall short of demand as there are more restrictive planning regimes, and this is one factor underpinning pricing. “The Surrey Hills was the most expensive AONB or national park in 2014 with an average house price of £568,000. “Being within easy reach of London and in close proximity to major towns such as Guildford and Epsom, this is a popular commuter location and strong demand on the back of this – especially from London - has underpinned house prices.” Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live. Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on. 1) Make our website your homepage 2) Like our Facebook page 3) Follow us on Twitter 4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here. And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out! Always the first with your local news. Be part of it.