Common people reap the property rewards

March 11, 2015 - PRLog -- In fact, properties for sale in London close to green areas can command a premium of up to 21 per cent. While properties for sale around Clapham Common came with the most added value, Barnes took second spot. Properties for sale in Barnes (http://www.winkworth.co.uk/search/list?geo_type=office&geo_id=56&location=Barnes%20Office&buy&residential) that were close to the common attracted a 13.7% premium, which translates to an average price of £766,302, compared to the average borough price of £637,795.

Barnes Common is a wonderful asset for residents, with 100 acres of heath, rough grassland, meadows and woodlands, as well as being a local nature reserve and a site of nature conservation importance. The common is also home to eight of the UK's 18 bat species, rabbits, voles, dragon flies, robins and wrens, among other species.

So why do property prices tend to peak around commons? One line of thinking is that the outlook will remain green - with many commons seen as hallowed ground by local councils and many also falling under preservation or conservation acts, heading off any thoughts of development. Knowing you'll always be able to look out of the window and see green has an alluring appeal in a city squeezed for space.

Another notion is that frazzled city workers like to overlook open grassland and natural features but need retain a London address. There are not many cities in the world that offer the expanses of grass and woodlands seen in London, and this also attracts international buyers who want to combine the best of the capital with countryside elements. Competition for properties, therefore, can be fierce.

Finally, there's the family element. Anyone with children under the age of 18 will appreciate a park or area of grass where a football can be kicked or a bike ridden. Having immediate access to open space is often high on any family's wish list when looking for a property for sale in west London.

Although Barnes made the final eight, there are many other commons, parks and open spaces around London where home buyers can consider living. Why not try Richmond Green, Eel Brook Common (close to Fulham Broadway tube station), Acton Green Common, Chiswick Common, Gunnersbury Park or Shepherd's Bush Common?