HOMES close to a good hospital are significantly more valuable than the national average, a report has found.

Houses with a nearby hospital in England are worth 14 per cent more, according to market analysts at property website Emoov.

Being close to a hospital can be of vital importance to those with ongoing healthcare needs.

Experts looked at house prices across more than 600 areas with a hospital that has been inspected and rated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to see what difference it has on the local property market, as well as how this differs depending on the hospital’s rating.

The 40 hospitals that have been rated as outstanding were home to an average house price of £302,281 – 20 per cent higher than the current English average.

In contrast, those that were rated inadequate had an average house price of just £200,955. This is 17 per cent lower than the national average.

Russell Quirk, CEO of Emoov, said living next to a poorly-rated hospital could leave homeowners feeling sick if their house's value takes a hit.

He said: “The close proximity of a healthcare facility can not only appeal to the average homeowner in terms of peace of mind, but can also be of vital importance for those with ongoing or unique healthcare needs requiring specialist assistance on a more regular basis.

“Of course, those that can boast of an outstanding hospital in the local area may have a healthy case for that extra few thousand on their asking price, but unfortunately, if that facility does fall into the inadequate category it can leave local homeowners in need of a sick note due to the negative impact on their property’s value.

“It’s important when moving home to consider every aspect of the local area.”

Out of the hospitals rated “outstanding”, the ones with the most affordable nearby houses are in the North West, including Liverpool and Wigan.

For people who value good healthcare on a budget, the East of England may be one to avoid. While Hemel Hempstead General Hospital is rated inadequate, the average price of a nearby house is £405,653.