Is Buying a Cheaper Home Worth Living Next to a Motorway or Busy Road?

Location, location, location — it’s the mantra that determines the value of your property. While homes in popular tourist towns or bustling city centers naturally have higher demand, what about buying a property near a busy motorway? Surprisingly, experts say it can be a smart move, with a few caveats.

Residents living near Birmingham’s Spaghetti Junction, one of Europe’s largest road interchanges, have expressed their love for living near the hustle and bustle of the motorway. Despite the noise from over 200,000 vehicles passing by daily, some find it soothing. Clearly, location matters less to them than the advantages it brings.

One obvious advantage of buying near a motorway is getting more value for your money. The closer you are to the motorway, the noisier it will be, so it’s important to visit the property at different times of the day to gauge the noise levels. However, being near a motorway can mean a more affordable purchase price, with properties being around 15-20% cheaper compared to similar ones in quieter locations.

Living near a motorway also has perks for commuters. Easy access to the road network can make the daily commute easier, especially during railway strikes or if public transportation is limited. It’s also beneficial if you plan to rent out the property, as Airbnb letting rates tend to be higher for long-distance travelers.

Noise can be mitigated when living near a motorway. Triple glazing can reduce noise while improving energy efficiency. Planting trees in the garden or installing a water feature can help block or distract from the noise. Fast-growing conifers and high fencing can also minimize noise and visual disturbances. In addition, some people actually find the white noise of motorway traffic soothing and conducive to sleep.

Designing the layout of the property in a way that places living spaces away from the side facing the motorway can help reduce direct noise impact. Engaging with HVAC or mechanical and electrical specialists can provide advice on effective ventilation systems with noise-canceling features. Using sound-absorbing materials such as rugs and heavy curtains can also help reduce noise indoors.

When considering a property near a motorway, it’s important to assess the risk of subsidence. Vibrations from vehicles traveling at high speeds can increase this risk. Additionally, wind direction can affect noise levels, so it’s advisable to visit the property on different days, facing the wind, and use a compass app to determine the motorway’s position in relation to the house.

In conclusion, buying near a motorway can be a savvy purchase with some careful considerations. It offers more value for money, convenient commuting options, and can be mitigated for noise-related issues. Assessing the property’s attributes, engaging with specialists, and understanding the potential risks can help make a well-informed decision.

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Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
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