Many potential homebuyers are often hesitant to consider properties located near high voltage power lines due to concerns about their potential health risks. However, the question remains: is living near power lines really as dangerous as many people believe? And for those who are in the market to buy a new home, is it wise to completely rule out properties located in close proximity to power lines?
Location plays a crucial role when it comes to buying a home. It’s not just about the school systems or property values; sometimes, even slight variations in a home’s location can have a significant impact on long-term health. Homebuyers often worry about purchasing a property situated near power lines.
Should You Buy A Home Near Power Lines?
It’s not recommended to buy or rent a home situated near numerous power lines. This can lead to a decrease in property value and pose risks to both your safety and the integrity of your home. While it’s not always a dealbreaker, it’s far from ideal.
While buying a home in close proximity to a power line tower may seem like a budget-friendly option, it comes with its own set of risks.
Why Is Buying A Home Near Power Lines Risky?
Purchasing a home near power lines comes with several risks, primarily an elevated risk of fire and electrocution. Furthermore, individuals living in such homes may be exposed to radiation from the EMF radiation of the power lines, which can lead to health issues. Another concern is that selling a property located near power lines can prove to be more challenging.
Cons of Living Near Power Lines
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- Increased Fire Hazard
- Increased Electrocution Hazard
- Increased Risk of Radiation Exposure
- Buzzing Noise
1. Increased Fire Hazard
Living near power lines can come with a significant drawback – an increased risk of fire. Despite your best efforts to maintain your home and yard, electrical fires remain a serious concern in such areas. The risk is even greater if there are power lines nearby. All it takes is a fallen branch, a live wire, and some dried leaves to ignite your lawn into a blazing inferno.
Fortunately, many local governments have taken the initiative to incorporate safety measures that reduce the risk of fire or damage. In the event of a break, it is crucial to remain in your residence and promptly contact 911.
2. Increased Electrocution Hazard
When dealing with any conduit for electricity, there is always a risk of electrocution. A live cut wire can lead to shocking results and even cause serious property damage. It is important to take precautions when handling electrical components to ensure safety and prevent accidents.
3. Increased Radiation Exposure
Many people overlook the potential risks associated with power lines. However, it’s important to consider the fact that power lines in use emit electromagnetic radiation as they conduct electricity.
Radiation exposure is typically minimal and does not involve having a pot of uranium at the edge of your home. However, over time, this exposure can increase the risk of cancer. Approximately 20 percent of studies on the matter have indicated this risk.
Approximately 50% of the studies conducted indicate that there are no harmful effects from the low-level radiation emitted by power lines. While there is some variation in the research findings, it is important to be aware of this potential risk. However, the degree of risk remains a topic of debate.
4. Buzzing Noise
Most of us have heard the low hum and buzz that high-voltage power lines produce, and although it’s not a significant risk for most people, it can be a cause for concern. The same can be said for larger power stations with multiple hubs, as they can also generate noise pollution.
For many people, the sound of buzzing can be an irritating addition to their daily background noise. However, there are a small number of individuals for whom this constant hum can trigger migraines or cause existing migraines to worsen.
Are There Any Benefits of Living Near Power Lines?
Living close to power lines can be a cost-effective option as properties located in their vicinity often come at a lower price point. Buying a house in close proximity to power lines can help you save some money, making it a viable option for those looking for an affordable home.
Living at a safe distance from power lines ensures that your health is not affected by them.
Living Near Power Lines: How Close Is Too Close?
Experts recommend living at a distance of at least 700 feet from high-voltage power lines for optimal safety. However, it is even better to be farther away if possible. For low-voltage power lines, such as those found on telephone poles, the recommended distance is much lower. While exact numbers can vary, most experts agree that a distance of 50 feet from most electrical lines is sufficient to reduce potential risks.
How Much Does Living Close to Power Lines Impact Home Values?
Living near high-voltage power lines can significantly reduce the value of your home, typically by 10 to 30 percent, depending on factors such as voltage and proximity to a power station. In some cases, the decrease in property value can be as much as 40 percent. Even if it’s not a wise decision, homes with multiple high-voltage power lines often receive this unfavorable discount as a motivation to reside there.
Studies indicate that low-voltage power lines have minimal influence on the value of a home. Therefore, there is no need to be overly concerned about the impact of low-voltage power lines on prices.
Is it Hard to Sell a Home That is Close to Power Pines?
According to several studies, selling a home in close proximity to power lines can be a challenging task and may take significantly longer than homes located far away from them. This is a concern that many real estate agents address with both buyers and sellers. If you are considering buying a home near power lines, it’s essential to be aware that this could become a significant issue in the future. As more people become informed about the potential risks of electromagnetic radiation, there is a growing reluctance to live near these power lines.
It may seem unbelievable, but homes located in close proximity to electric towers run the risk of being vacated without finding any buyers. Consequently, a significant number of abandoned homes can be found in these areas. If this is a concern for you, one option to consider is conducting a mass sell-off through a real estate development company.
