Living Near Powerlines: Does the Cost Outweigh Potential Health Risks?

When buying a home, there’s often a trade-off between price and location. But what if one of those trade-offs involves living near powerlines? Is the lower price tag a great opportunity? Or will there be potential health risks and resale challenges? Let’s take a closer look at the pros, cons, and facts behind living near powerlines.

Key points covered

• What are EMFs? 
• Health concerns: fact vs fiction 
• Australian regulations & guidelines 
• Pros & cons of living near powerlines

Understanding Electromagnetic Fields 

It’s important to understand why some buyers are wary of homes near powerlines, and for the most part, it comes down to electromagnetic fields (EMF). EMFs are invisible areas of energy that are produced by both natural and man-made sources. 

Powerlines generate what’s known as extremely low frequency (ELF) EMFs. These are different from the higher-frequency EMFs emitted by devices like microwaves or mobile phones.

The concern with powerlines comes from the ELF EMFs they produce, and whether long-term exposure to these fields could have negative health effects.

Health Concerns: Fact or Fiction?

Health risks are a big part of the concern surrounding living near powerlines. But what does the science say? 

Many studies have been conducted to determine if there’s a link between EMF exposure and health problems, such as cancer. Some early studies in the 1970s raised concerns about a possible connection between living near powerlines and an increased risk of childhood leukaemia. Since then, additional research has been conducted, but the results have been mixed and inconclusive.

The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) – Australia’s leading authority on radiation protection – states that there’s no clear evidence of any significant health risks from the low-level EMF exposure generated by powerlines. According to ARPANSA, the EMF levels near powerlines are well below the limits set by national and international guidelines.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has also weighed in on this issue. In 2002, they classified ELF EMFs as “possibly carcinogenic,” based on limited evidence of an increased risk of childhood leukaemia. However, WHO also emphasises that more research is needed and that current evidence doesn’t confirm any direct harm from EMFs. 

In other words, there’s no definitive proof that living near powerlines will affect your health. But the question hasn’t been fully answered, either.

Property Value Implications

While health concerns are often at the forefront, the impact on property value is another key issue to consider. Homes near powerlines generally come with a lower price tag. That sounds great for buyers looking to save some money, but there are some downsides too.

Lower Purchase Price

The most obvious benefit is the lower cost. Homes near powerlines tend to be priced lower than similar properties further away from power infrastructure. For buyers on a budget, this can be a chance to buy a bigger home or live in a more desirable suburb without breaking the bank.

Resale Value Challenges

However, while you might save money upfront, you could face challenges when it comes time to sell. Many buyers are hesitant about purchasing homes near powerlines due to the perceived health risks and aesthetic issues. Even if scientific studies don’t confirm serious health dangers, public perception plays a big role in real estate. That can make it more difficult to sell your property or get a good price for it later on.

Australian Regulations and Guidelines

Australia has strict guidelines around EMF exposure, and it’s good to know what they are if you’re considering buying a home near powerlines.

EMF Exposure Limits

ARPANSA has set limits on acceptable levels of EMF exposure for the general public. These limits are based on extensive research and are designed to ensure that even if you live near powerlines, your exposure to EMF remains within safe boundaries.

Easement Regulations

Homes near high-voltage powerlines are often subject to easement regulations. Easements are areas of land set aside to allow access to powerlines for maintenance or repair. This means that while you might get a bigger lot if you live near powerlines, you won’t be able to build on certain parts of it.

Prudent Avoidance Principle

Australia also follows a principle known as “prudent avoidance.” This means taking simple, low-cost steps to reduce exposure to EMFs, like keeping a reasonable distance from powerlines, without necessarily implying that there’s a confirmed health risk.

Pros & Cons of Living Near Powerlines

Pros

• Lower Property Prices: As mentioned earlier, homes near powerlines tend to be cheaper. This can make a huge difference for first-time buyers or those looking for more space on a budget.
• Larger Lots: Due to the need for easements, properties near powerlines sometimes come with larger lots. While you can’t build on the easement area, you can still use it for gardening, playing with the kids, or enjoying some extra green space.
• Unobstructed Views: Some properties near powerlines can offer surprisingly nice views. The open space around powerline corridors often means fewer houses or buildings blocking your view.

Cons

• Aesthetic Concerns: Powerlines aren’t exactly attractive. They can be an eyesore, and for some buyers, that’s a dealbreaker. If you value a picturesque neighbourhood, living near powerlines might not be for you.
• Noise Pollution: High-voltage powerlines can produce a buzzing or humming sound, especially in wet weather. While this might not bother everyone, it’s something to consider if you’re sensitive to noise.
• Resale Value: The perceived health risks and aesthetic issues can make it harder to sell a home near powerlines, and you might not get the price you want when you do.

Factors to Consider When Buying

If you’re still thinking about buying near powerlines, here are some things to keep in mind:

Distance

The further away your home is from the powerlines, the lower the EMF exposure. Consider how far the property is from the nearest powerlines before making a decision.

Type of Powerlines

Not all powerlines are the same. High-voltage transmission lines generate more EMF than lower-voltage distribution lines. Try to find out what kind of powerlines are nearby.

Future Development

Check if there are any planned developments in the area that could either increase or decrease the prominence of the powerlines. Are new parks or roads going in? Could the area around the powerlines change in the coming years?

Settled Can Help Make the Buying Process Easier 

Deciding whether or not to buy a property near powerlines can feel like a big decision, with many factors to weigh up. Settled’s expert conveyancers can help make the process easier for you. We’ll help you:

• Understand the Legal Aspects: We can review any easements or regulations that come with the property, so you know exactly what you’re buying into.
• Assess Long-Term Resale Value: Our team can provide you with insights on potential resale challenges and opportunities, helping you make an informed investment decision.
• Buy With Confidence: We’ll handle all the legal paperwork and negotiations, so you can focus on finding the right home without stress.

With Settled on your side, you don’t have to navigate the complexities of buying a home alone. Get in touch with our experienced conveyancers today, and let us help you make the right call on your next property purchase.

Read more

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• 6 Things to Watch Out for Before Buying Property in Queensland