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Original poster

Would you buy house near elecricity sub station?

19 replies

prolificnamechanger · 04/06/2013 23:40

Just that really. Found a house but have discovered it's very close to an elecricity substation. Just beyond a row of three garages at the end of the garden. Worried about potential health risks and resale value.

I've already posted about another potential problem with this property so I think I'm talking myself out of it...

OP posts:
Ablababla · 04/06/2013 23:46

No I wouldn't. We viewed an amazing house that we were very keen on but a sub station was next door. I have direct personal experience of a family member who grew up next to one and who developed a serious and rare tumour, so while I know there is no proven link it was a flat no from me.

I'd worry about the resale value too. This house was in an area which is very popular but this house has been on an off the market for over a year with no takers.

PigletJohn · 05/06/2013 10:57

I had two relatives who developed a rare and fatal tumour.

Neither of them lived next to a substation.

I suppose that means I should never buy a house that is not next to a substation.

Notyetthere · 05/06/2013 11:09

We complete on Friday on a house the is near one! I could not find any evidence to support people's fears.

diamondee · 05/06/2013 11:14

In the house I grew up in there was one right across the road, in the house I'm in now there is one at the bottom of the garden.
Certainly wouldn't put me off

PigletJohn · 05/06/2013 11:25

Wherever you live there will be one near you, and there are no detectable effects.

CaurnieBred · 05/06/2013 11:26

We have lived next to a sub station for 11 years - hasn't bothered us.

CorrieDale · 05/06/2013 11:47

We live across the road from one. Our neighbour is a gp. I'm guessing she might not be worried... And when we have a power cut there is always entertaining floodlit activity at the substation to entertain the children. Much more fun than watching the candles!

Original poster
prolificnamechanger · 05/06/2013 12:11

Ok, these are all the arguments my DH is putting across. He also grew up next to one, to no ill effect.

Thanks everyone, appreciate the comments.

OP posts:
UniqueAndAmazing · 05/06/2013 12:12

i would.

if there's no proven harm, then why not?

(you might even find it'll be a bit cheaper...)

specialsubject · 05/06/2013 12:17

there is no evidence AT ALL that living near one has health risks. If you can't hear the hum it generates, it will have no effect on you.

Original poster
prolificnamechanger · 05/06/2013 12:22

Can you tell I'm a very nervous time buyer!?

OP posts:
crazyhead · 05/06/2013 12:54

I avoided buying a house which backed onto one because of potential buzzing noise and resale worries. I was buying in a seller's market, but in a buyer's market it worried me that people might really be put off by it.

If you can't hear the buzz, I think my main concern would be about relative price - if you're getting a good enough discount that you think you'd be able to pass on if you did sell, then fair enough.

Original poster
prolificnamechanger · 05/06/2013 12:59

Definitely didn't hear a buzz. Only noticed it because of the 'danger' sign on the fence.

We are going to offer considerably lower than the asking price, explaining why.

OP posts:
PigletJohn · 05/06/2013 13:25

you must do as you wish, but "Just beyond a row of three garages at the end of the garden" means it will have less effect on you than the light switch in the room you're sitting in now.

specialsubject · 05/06/2013 13:33

sounds like your 'considerably lower than the asking price...' offer will be rejected unless they are utterly desperate.

as I said and others say - no evidence that it is a health risk.

WarTime · 05/06/2013 13:54

We considered a house near one and I discussed it with a friend who is a property surveyor. His view was not to touch it with a bargepole. There is no evidence that they are dangerous, but it only needs a spate of publicity about some who thinks they've been harmed by one and the house is practically unsaleable.

I'd be less concerned if it's only as close as you describe though (rather than bottom of garden) after all there are a lot of them about, aren't most houses within a few hundred yards of one?

HazeltheMcWitch · 05/06/2013 16:43

Is buzzing one of the noises that young ears can hear better than older?
I say this as when I was a kid, my aunt lived near a sub station. I HATED visiting, as the buzzing near drove me potty. But the adults said they couldn't hear it!

littlecrystal · 05/06/2013 17:02

I would not but accross three garages is not exactly near. If you hear a hum while in the garden, then definitely no. If not, then maybe.

Original poster
prolificnamechanger · 06/06/2013 17:47

no, definitely can't hear buzzing. Think my fears were unfounded.

We actually made an offer today and it was accepted. Feeling very excited. Thanks all!

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