Properties close to green spaces enjoy increased market value, claims the charity GreenSpace…

According to the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment, a body which advises the government on architectural matters, green space is hugely important to most people.

Spokesman Paul Morrell says: "Parks, gardens and squares are places of relaxation, recreation, refreshment and relief; but these are qualities that are in short supply in our towns and cities, and things that are in short supply are valued."

This view is echoed by registered charity GreenSpace, an organisation which works to improve parks and green spaces by raising awareness, involving communities and creating skilled professionals.

"Good quality green space provides a huge range of economic, social and environmental benefits" says chief executive, Paul Bramhill, adding that "proximity to good quality green space increases house prices".

Parks to become increasingly important

Investors may be interested to know that research undertaken by the charity proved beyond doubt that properties close to green spaces enjoy increased market value. Residential properties facing the recently regenerated Queen Square in Bristol, are on average valued at 16 per cent more than identical properties in neighbourhood that do not enjoy the same proximity to the parkland.

Expanding on the findings of the research, Mr Bramhill explains: "We know that people value parks. GreenSpace's Park Life report - which featured the opinions of 20,000 people across the UK - found that 83 per cent of respondents believe that parks and green spaces are a focal point for communities and that 68 per cent of children visit them with their friends."

He adds that parks provide "a space for people to come together to relax, exercise and enjoy nature" and predicts that they will become even more valuable as the effects of global warming take hold: "As our cities warm up due to climate change, parks will become increasingly important."

Source: http://www.assetz.co.uk