A new survey from Lloyds TSB has found that homes in some of England's traditional market towns command a premium of up to around £30,000 compared with homes in other parts of the same county.

The survey found that house prices in market towns are, on average, £29,319 (or 14%) higher than their county average. The average house price in market towns, at £231,163, is 7.1 times average gross annual earnings.

More than two-thirds of market towns have higher house prices than neighbouring towns, and 69% of market towns have a higher average house price than their county average. Beaconsfield, in Buckinghamshire, has the largest premium, with houses trading at 145% above the average house price in the county. The average house price in Beaconsfield is £736,585.

Eighteen other market towns have an average house price exceeding £300,000. All ten of the most-expensive market towns in England are in the south. Wetherby is the most expensive market town outside southern England, with an average house price of £311,140 – 99% above the West Yorkshire average.

Those looking for a cheaper market town should head for Ferryhill, in County Durham, which, with an average house price of £98,799 in August 2010, is England's least-expensive market town.

Comments Lloyds TSB‘s Martin Ellis, "Homes in market towns command a significant premium over their neighbouring towns, with the quality-of-life benefits often associated with living in such locations still proving popular among homebuyers. Market towns are often particularly attractive for those looking to move into more-idyllic surroundings without sacrificing many of the important amenities they currently enjoy."