If you’re thinking about buying a home, you’ll likely consider the usual factors – schools, transport links to work, recreation and other amenities. But there’s something else that’s increasingly influencing purchasing decisions and house prices: air quality. Clean air doesn’t just benefit your health – it can also affect a home’s value. In fact, a growing number of UK buyers are avoiding areas with poor air quality altogether. Here’s some advice for both homeowners and homebuyers on how to assess the level of air pollution in your neighbourhood, how it impacts house prices, and what you can do to improve the quality of air inside your home.
Pollution and Property: The invisible dealbreaker
Poor air quality is linked to a range of health issues such as asthma and respiratory problems, and all the way to more serious conditions like heart disease. No wonder a recent survey found that two-thirds of UK buyers actively avoid polluted areas. Air pollution doesn’t just impact health. High pollution levels can also drive down house prices, especially in urban areas where high traffic levels and industry impact the local environment. Over time, this has made certain postcodes less desirable and homes in these neighbourhoods harder to sell.
The Pollution Map: What it means for your investment
Fortunately, you don’t need to guess the pollution levels in a given area. Get accurate and real-time data from government sources like DEFRA’s UK AIR website, as well as apps like Plume or BreezoMeter. If an area has persistently poor air scores over a few years, it will usually see a knock-on effect in terms of demand (and price). For example, if a house is near a busy motorway or an industrial zone, it will tend to sell for less than similar homes located in cleaner areas, even if other factors are comparable.
Breathe Easier: How to cut indoor air pollution
What if you find a house you love (or own a house) in an area with less than ideal air quality? The good news is that there are practical steps you can take to mitigate the effects of air pollution in an otherwise desirable residential area – making it possible to buy the home you love and maintain your health too. Installing air purifiers, improving indoor ventilation, and planting greenery like hedges or trees around the house will not only benefit daily wellbeing but can also boost your home’s resale value.
Make air quality part of your home checklist
Clean air is no longer just a nice-to-have – it’s a key factor in UK home buying. From protecting your health to safeguarding your investment, paying attention to and managing air quality is crucial if you’re moving house, or looking to improve the one you’re in.
