From trees, gardens, and parks to fields, golf courses, and allotments, urban green spaces provide a range of long-term benefits, as well as social and environmental gains for communities close by. It is no secret that the health benefits of exposure to green spaces are well-documented.
According to Farrell Heyworth, homebuyers are increasingly willing to pay a premium for properties with easy access to parks and gardens, drawn by the associated lifestyle benefits. Studies show that homes near green spaces can command prices up to 20% higher than similar properties without such access1.
Green spaces contribute significantly to well-being by providing cleaner air, cooling urban areas, and supporting wildlife habitats essential for our ecosystem. They also help foster community connections, often reducing feelings of isolation. The benefits are multitude, as green spaces can also enhance productivity, support the UK’s tourism industry, and mitigate pollutants.
Demand continues to grow among UK homebuyers, particularly first time buyers, who are increasingly prioritising access to green spaces when choosing a place to live.
The London lifestyle
In densely populated urban areas, access to green space has become essential for new homeowners and helps create more inclusive communities, particularly in London. A survey by YouGov in partnership with Barratt London revealed that green spaces remain a top priority for Londoners during their home-buying journey.
Surveying 1,000 adults, the study found that key priorities for prospective buyers or home movers included access to public transport, neighbourhood amenities, and green spaces. Green space was important to Londoners across all age groups, with 50% citing it as a key factor in deciding where to live. This preference was particularly strong among those aged 55 and over, with 62% marking it as a top priority, compared to 33% of those aged 18-24.
Developments that prioritise green spaces are not just meeting market demand but are also enhancing the quality of life, fostering community connections, and creating sustainable urban environments for new homeowners. With a more ambitious
approach to spaces, developers provide a comprehensive, holistic approach to creating green space for buyers to enjoy. Some examples can be found below:
Development Showcase:
Abri – Sunningdale Park, Larch Avenue, Sunningdale, Ascot, SL5 0AR
Sunningdale Park is a new development made up of one and two bedroom homes set within 47 acres of historic Grade II listed parkland.
- As a former country estate, residents of Sunningdale Park can enjoy a vast country park filled with gardens, lakes and extensive natural woodland.
- The surrounding areas include exclusive and historical locations, such as Ascot Racecourse, Sunningdale Golf Club, Royal Ascot Cricket Club and Windsor Castle all within a short driving distance.
PRICES: Currently start from £106,250 based on a 25% share, full price £425,000 for a one bedroom apartment.
INFORMATION: 0800 114 6663 or visit https://www.abrihomes.co.uk/properties/sunningdalepark
City & Country – The 1840, St. George’s Gardens, South West London, SW17 7DJ
The 1840, St. George’s Gardens is a breathtaking collection of luxurious one , two and three bedroom conversion apartments located within an iconic Grade II listed building, in one of London’s most desirable areas. The former hospital has a diverse choice of bars, cafes, restaurants, and shops, all within walking distance, including brand-new 32-acre Springfield Park. The 1840 is perfectly placed to enjoy the best of several vibrant and sophisticated neighbourhoods to meet a variety of lifestyles, ranging from young professionals looking for their first home to downsizers searching for a well-connected hotspot.
PRICES: Starting at £425,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and up to £1,130,000 for a three-bedroom apartment INFORMATION: https://www.cityandcountry.co.uk/find-a-home/the-1840-st-georges-gardens-london/properties/
Barratt London – Springfield Place, Glenburnie Rd, London, SW17 0SR
- Collection of one, two and three-bedroom apartments and houses part of the new Springfield village with supermarket, café and public square
- Set in within Springfield Park, where residents will be able to enjoy a new 32-acre park (the largest created since 2012 London Olympics)
- Fantastic array of local amenities, and excellent transport links – Tooting Bec Underground, Wandsworth Common, and Earlsfield stations are all within easy walking distance
PRICES: Prices currently start from £459,000 for a one-bedroom apartment. INFORMATION: 0330 057 6666 or visit https://www.barratthomes.co.uk/new-homes/dev001958-springfield-place/
Dandara Southern – Oakwood Place, Berkshire, RG7 1AJ
- Collection of two, three, four and five bedroom homes
- Has 14 acres of open space right on the development’s doorstep.
- Along with being surrounded by the Berkshire countryside, you are only four miles away from Reading, which is a great spot for shopping and dining, as well as being close to Reading Festival. For families there are a number of Osted-rated ‘Good’ primary and secondary schools close to the development.
- There are great road and rail links, with the M4 heading to London and trains taking you to places all over the country
PRICES: Prices start at £515,000 for a two bedroom home INFORMATION: https://www.dandara.com/new-homes-for-sale/berskshire/oakwood-place/
Building Relations
Building Relations is a PR & communications company that has offices in London, Egham (Surrey) and Edinburgh specialising in property, construction and the built environment. Clients include large and small developers, housebuilders, housing associations & providers, estate, land and buying agents, construction firms and many other types of property-related companies.
