Good schools boost property prices

Landlords looking for new investment opportunities should seek out properties near to successful schools, new research has suggested.

Homes within the catchment area of schools with a 100 per cent attainment rate of level four SATs or above are worth almost £20,000 more than properties located near poor performing schools, according to a new study from the Nationwide Building Society.

The report found that 2.4 per cent of primary schools in England have a 100 per cent attainment rate at level four and properties located nearby could command an 11 per cent premium, of around £19,500, over identical properties closer to poorer schools.

Peter Bolton King, chief executive of the National Association of Estate Agents, said: "Good schools will always be a key draw in the family homes sector. The same old mantra has come through within this research – location is extremely important to the home buying public."

He urged investors to carry out detailed research before committing to property purchases.

"Investors should always do their research before investing in a property and school locations ought to be part of the research undertaken," he added.

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