While "location, location, location" has long been a mantra in property investment, Halifax has put a price-tag on finding a place in an ideal setting.

According to the financial services provider, Britons are willing to add a sizable 20,000 pounds to their mortgage in order to settle into a dwelling set in ideal surroundings. And in terms of where such a property would be located, it seems many Britons have a passion for the fresh air and open spaces. Research carried out by the group showed that 23 per cent rank proximity to the countryside as the principal consideration in deciding whether a house is well sited.

Meanwhile, functionality may be play a crucial role for the 17 per cent of people who chose proximity to the workplace as the most important factor. A further 15 per cent said they look for good transport links, while 13 per cent want to feel the buzz of bars, cafes and shops. For nine per cent of people, their childrens education was the most important factor as they required that their house be situated near to a decent school.

And while Britons have varied thoughts on what makes an ideal location, Halifax found that they are also prepared to pay higher premiums for some nearby benefits than they are for others. Research showed that in addition to being the crucial determining factor for the largest proportion of people, a country lifestyle was also said to add most value to a home. Respondents said that on average, being located in a rural setting would add 35,000 pounds to the worth of a house.

For those who are considering putting in an offer on a country home, taking out a personal loan may be an effective way to boost the deposit. Applying for a cheap loan could also prove useful for those who have their sights set on the bright lights of the city, as the poll showed that on average, Brits believed a central city location added 20,760 pounds to the value of a home. Meanwhile, being propinquitous to places of employment was said to boost a propertys value by 20,024 pounds.

Gordon Edwards, managing director for Halifax Estate Agents, commented: "Location and lifestyle factors are essential in the home buying decision process. Although other factors such as budget, property specification and availability play an important part, most people begin their search for a home by looking at geographic location first. Once they have decided on an area in which they want to live other factors then come into play. It is important to look into these factors when marketing your property. A few quick and easy pieces of research can help promote your home to prospective buyers."

Consumers looking to enter the housing market have been warned that, whatever their preference in terms of locale, finding a loan for home purchase is likely to get very tricky in the coming months. The Council of Mortgage Lenders pointed out that as financial markets shudder in the credit freeze, lenders attitude towards lending is likely to become decidedly frigid.

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