How Do Environmental Factors Affect the Value of Real Estate
Environmental factors play a significant role in the value of real estate. Even if you are not a buyer or seller, it is important to know what these environmental factors are and how they will affect your home’s value. As an investor, knowing this information can help you decide which properties have more potential than others. If you do not want to invest money into fixing up a property for resale, then purchasing one that has already been through an extensive renovation will save you time and money.
In some cases, the value of a house may change drastically depending on its location within a city. For example, homes located near major highways tend to be worth less because of noise levels and air pollution. Other factors that will affect the value include proximity to schools, public transportation, parks and other amenities. It is also important to consider nearby developments like shopping malls or industrial parks. In addition, location affects the type of neighborhood you buy into. A small town with few amenities might make your home a desirable investment, whereas purchasing a home in an urban area with plenty of restaurants, shops and entertainment venues could drive down the value.
Here Are 10 Environmental Factors That Can Affect the Value of Your Property
- Traffic Noise
Whether you live in a quiet rural community or an inner-city neighborhood, there are always going to be certain sounds coming from outside of your home. In some places, such as large cities, the traffic noise can become unbearable and can even have a negative effect on the value of your property. Homes located close to main roads and intersections often sell for lower prices because buyers prefer quieter neighborhoods. Some people are willing to put up with a bit of noise if it means they don’t have to commute long distances every day. However, most people would rather pay a little extra to avoid having to deal with road traffic.
- Pollution
Pollution can decrease the quality of living when it comes to both indoor and outdoor areas. Air pollution is caused by many things including factories, vehicles and power plants. It usually occurs in densely populated urban environments where cars are constantly driving around, which results in exhaust fumes and smoke. So, if you live somewhere that is polluted, then this could negatively impact the value of your home.
- Hazardous Waste Sites
Hazardous waste sites are dangerous and often contain toxic materials like arsenic, lead or mercury. If you find out that your home is located near a hazardous waste site, you should have it tested immediately. It is important to remember that these sites only pose a risk to humans and animals if they enter the property. It is possible to purchase land next to a hazardous waste site at a relatively low cost and still turn a profit. Just make sure that you hire the services of a professional who will ensure that the site is safe before you buy.
- Flood Zones
Flood zones are areas that are prone to flooding during heavy rainfalls. This can cause widespread damage to homes, businesses and infrastructure. Properties located in flood zones are not cheap because they need to be reconstructed after each flood. It is also important to note that floods can happen at any time, so you should keep a close eye on the weather forecast if you live in a high-risk zone.
- Weather Conditions
Weather conditions have a huge influence on the value of real estate. You might hear about the drought or the hurricanes, but these situations can also increase the value of properties in those regions. People who own homes or businesses in hurricane-prone areas tend to be prepared and evacuate when storms are imminent. They also take steps to prevent damages once the storm passes. This means that they have insurance policies, which protects them financially. However, homeowners who fail to prepare their properties for natural disasters may suffer severe financial losses.
- Natural Disasters
Natural disasters can cause serious damage to property, which increases repair costs and makes it difficult to sell houses. Buyers will usually expect a discount because they will be forced to spend money on repairs. It is best to conduct a thorough inspection of the property before buying it. Just in case, you can also purchase a home warranty plan that covers most of the necessary expenses.
- Unsightly Structures
Unsightly structures like abandoned buildings and shacks can reduce the value of surrounding properties. Because of this, municipalities try to get rid of these eyesores as quickly as possible. When they do, the value of the surrounding homes increases substantially. If a neighbor builds something ugly, you can also request the local authorities to remove it.
- Safety Concerns
Safety concerns can affect the value of a property in two ways: first, if the property is located in a crime-ridden neighborhood, it will lose value over time. On the other hand, a private security system might boost the value of your home significantly. The presence of an alarm system sends a strong message to criminals that your property is too risky to rob. Some buyers might even pay more for the privilege of living in a safe neighborhood.
- Drug Activity
Drug activity has a negative impact on the value of property in residential neighborhoods, but it can also hurt commercial business owners. For example, if a drug store or pharmacy opens in a neighborhood that was previously known for drugs, they could attract potential customers from all around the region. Even though this sounds positive, it can also cause a spike in competition. Many people will start their shopping trips in the area, but they won’t stop there. Eventually, they will travel to the nearest town to purchase their products. As a result, small businesses will have to compete against big companies that operate across the entire state or country.
- Cultural Diversity
Cultural diversity refers to different ethnic groups living in the same neighborhood. The presence of various cultures can have an interesting effect on the price of your home. Most buyers want to live in neighborhoods that reflect their own cultural background. However, the presence of many different cultures can also create conflict between neighbors. Although this is rare, conflicts can take place when one group tries to force its beliefs onto others.
Final Words
Although it seems unlikely, the value of your home can decline over time. This happens when the market is flooded with new housing developments or if a major company decides to move into the area. Fortunately, you can protect your investment by conducting a careful home evaluation. It’s also important to keep an eye on the news and social media, because you never know when something might negatively impact the value of your home.
What do you think? What else impacts the value of real estate? Please leave a comment below to let us know what you think!
