According to a survey of 1,000 people across England and Wales, a massive 69% of house hunters would be unwilling to move into their dream home if they were aware that loud music with a heavy bass was played regularly next door. The survey also found that 63% would not put up with neighbours who engaged in noisy activities like DIY and parties at least three times a week.
However, a financial incentive means some people will put up with a noisy home life: 24% of respondents would be prepared to suffer through loud music and 29% through noisy activities if they were able to negotiate a discount on the selling price.
The results also reveal that younger buyers might be more accustomed to noise and therefore be more accepting of it. Only 35% of 18 to 24 year olds wouldn’t move into a home if they could hear heavy bass music, while over-55s prove far more selective, with 86% stating that under no circumstances would they move in to such a property.
Noises from natural and spiritual neighbours are far less of an issue for sellers looking to achieve the best sale price. The sound of church bells in the morning is the most appealing to prospective buyers, with 36% happy to move straight in to a home affected by this with no discount, rising to 46% for those located in rural parts of the UK. This is followed by the sound of cockerels crowing every morning – 31% of potential buyers would happily move in next door to an animal alarm clock, without a discount on price.
The same cannot be said for properties within close proximity of a nightclub or pub. More than 62% of respondents would refuse to move in, rising to 72% for rural homebuyers and 82% for over-55s. This contrasts significantly with 18 to 24 year olds, as only 26% of this age group wouldn’t move into a home near a lively pub or nightclub.
Noise from trains, aeroplanes and traffic is far more accepted by buyers of all ages than noise from their direct next-door neighbours, especially if they are able to get a discount.
Nick Leeming, Jackson-Stops & Staff Chairman, comments: “Our research shows that while many sellers are primarily focused on what their house looks like when preparing it for sale, a huge consideration to potential buyers is the surrounding noise they may encounter on viewings. Next door neighbours making a racket with music, parties, drilling and similar activities is the greatest irritant to potential buyers and for many people will be an absolute barrier to buying that home. ‘Pleasant’ noise like church bells ringing or farmyard animals are most likely to be overlooked by house hunters entirely, proving that not all noise is vexatious.
Our research also shows that noise blights generated by transportation links such as passing trains, aeroplanes and road traffic are far more acceptable to buyers, especially if they are able to get a discount on a home impacted by these. With the benefits of interconnectivity more recognised than ever before, the noises generated by transportation hubs are much more acceptable to those looking to buy a home in proximity to them.
Age appears to be a significant factor in the acceptance of different types of noise near the home, so for those struggling to sell because of a particular din, it is worth targeting the marketing of their property to specific age groups. Whatever the sound disturbance, our research shows there will likely be a buyer out there happy to accept it, which goes to show that a savvy marketing plan, supported by detailed knowledge of a home’s benefits including local amenities, is all the more important for properties impacted by noise pollution.”
