Quiet at the back - agency reveals noise issues which deter buyers

Jackson-Stops & Staff has revealed what it believes to be the main noise problems that deter buyers and distress existing owners.

A survey of 1,000 people reveals that 69 per cent would be unwilling to buy if they believed loud music was common next door, while 63 per cent would be deterred by noisy DIY or parties.

The results also reveal that younger buyers might be more accustomed to noise and therefore be more accepting of it. Only 35 per cent of 18 to 24 year olds wouldn’t move into a home if they could hear heavy music, while over-55s prove far more selective with 86 per cent stating that under no circumstances would they move in to such a property.

The sound of church bells in the morning is the most appealing to prospective buyers with 36 per cent happy to move straight in to a home affected by this with no discount, rising to 46 per cent for those located in rural parts of the UK.

This is followed by the sound of cockerels crowing every morning – 31 per cent of potential buyers would happily move in next door to an animal alarm clock, without a discount on price.

Unsurprisingly close proximity to nightclubs and pubs proved a switch off, especially for older buyers, although noise from trains, aeroplanes and traffic is far more accepted by buyers of all ages than noise from their direct next-door neighbours.

Key deterrents for buyers:

- Repetitive music noice - 69%

- Three-times-a-week DIY or parties - 63%

- Being near a nightclub or pub - 62%

- Low-flying aircraft noise - 47%

- Frequent trains - 39%

- Noisy traffic from nearby road - 34%

- Sports stadium cheering - 30%

- Cockerel crowing each morning - 22%

- Daily church bells - 18%.

“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” says Nick Leeming, Jackson-Stops & Staff chairman.

“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” he adds.