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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To buy a house next to a petrol station?

84 replies

BeatriceAndBeau · 29/07/2025 22:39

The sale is due to complete in a few weeks and now I’m having second thoughts. Help!

Finally found our unicorn home - within budget, in our preferred area and nicely presented with no major renovations needing done. The only issue is it has now dawned on me that it might be slightly cheaper than comparable houses in the area for a reason..

It is 20m down the road from a 24hr service station. I love the house and really don’t want to let it go but I’m now panicking that this could pose safety issues - eg: bad air quality, risk of explosion. I don’t mind the fact that there will be noise and vehicles around as that’s the price. you pay to live in the city. I really just don’t want to put us in any danger or risk health problems.

OP posts:
BeatriceAndBeau · 29/07/2025 22:48

Absentmindedsmile · 29/07/2025 22:47

Have you exchanged?

No. Due to exchange in mid Aug

OP posts:
BeatriceAndBeau · 29/07/2025 22:48

GulliaumeDuc · 29/07/2025 22:44

Is the air quality around a petrol station any worse than anywhere else?

Also, do you know of many petrol stations that have exploded? I suspect it’d take out more than just the house next door.

Edited

Unfortunately yes! There was a tragic petrol station explosion in Creeslough, ROI a few years ago. I accept that this was an incredibly rare disaster but it’s all that’s going through my mind at the moment

OP posts:
Absentmindedsmile · 29/07/2025 22:47

Have you exchanged?

ChompandaGrazia · 29/07/2025 22:46

GulliaumeDuc · 29/07/2025 22:44

Is the air quality around a petrol station any worse than anywhere else?

Also, do you know of many petrol stations that have exploded? I suspect it’d take out more than just the house next door.

Edited

I know one petrol station that exploded but have heard of more explosions due to dodgy gas work that petrol stations.

LeavesOnTrees · 29/07/2025 22:45

Petrol stations are very heavily regulated, there won't be any health risks. The only problem will be the 24 hr opening.
There is always a compromise when buying and this is yours.

ChompandaGrazia · 29/07/2025 22:44

How long are you planning on living there? I’d be happy for a few years but not for a forever home. The noise and pollution from passing cars would worry me.

FloraBotticelli · 29/07/2025 22:44

Have you checked you can get house/contents insurance? Presumably it’s okay if the current owner has a mortgage, but that would worry me! I couldn’t do with the smell and traffic either.

GulliaumeDuc · 29/07/2025 22:44

Is the air quality around a petrol station any worse than anywhere else?

Also, do you know of many petrol stations that have exploded? I suspect it’d take out more than just the house next door.

Thelondonone · 29/07/2025 22:41

I couldn’t stand the smell but it’s probably a bit late.

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