The value of a property is negatively affected by environmental factors such as noise, odors from production facilities, and exhaust fumes from cars, trucks, and factory chimneys. Conversely, green spaces in the vicinity of the property, such as parks, tree-lined avenues, forests, and playgrounds with plenty of plants, increase its value.
Generally speaking, emissions from factories and heating systems in residential and commercial buildings have decreased in recent years. Only exhaust pollution caused by cars and trucks is increasing. The debate surrounding driving bans due to excessive nitrogen oxide levels in city centers has raised awareness of the issue among many people, especially families with young children. Therefore, it is expected that more people will consider locally measured air quality when choosing a property in the future. High emission levels, in turn, negatively impact property values. While this factor plays a minor role in metropolitan areas with high housing demand, it is certainly relevant in medium-sized cities with a relaxed real estate market.
Noise pollution is already a far more pressing concern for many prospective buyers. Surveys show that this is by far the most significant everyday nuisance people suffer from. Here, too, the rule applies that noise pollution, such as from a busy road, railway line, commercial premises with nighttime deliveries, or aircraft noise, is more readily accepted in a large city with high demand for housing than in rural areas. This is especially true in large cities if the building has special noise protection measures, such as triple-glazed windows, special sound-absorbing building materials, etc. In such cases, the noise pollution will certainly affect the property value, but not as significantly as in rural areas, where prospective buyers generally expect a quiet residential location. If this is not the case, as a seller of such a property, you must expect price reductions and a longer sales period.
This is already evident in many villages and small towns: often, apartments and houses stand empty along the main roads and thoroughfares because it's too noisy for people. At the same time, apartments in side streets and residential areas of these communities easily find buyers and renters.
Do you own a property on a noisy street or near a factory? We can help you find the right buyer despite these environmental factors.
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