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Original poster

House on A3 motorway

42 replies

Munnex · 14/02/2026 20:17

We are looking at options to buy a house along the A3 motorway. It’s known to be a slightly polluted post code but its pricing reflects the proximity. And is great value in terms of house itself. Would you take a chance or pull out offer

OP posts:
Peonies12 · 14/02/2026 20:18

I personally would rather have a smaller house than live somewhere with that much pollution

muddyford · 14/02/2026 20:20

No chance. I lived a mile from M5 and had to move. Constant traffic noise is very wearing.

PreMad0nna · 14/02/2026 20:21

Agree with the above. Especially if you have kids. No way I’d risk it if there are other options

Nickyknackered · 14/02/2026 20:21

Well not to point out the obvious but the A3 is an A road not a motorway.

Bitzee · 14/02/2026 20:21

Is the A3 a motorway??
But where it is and the speed limit are a significant factor. If it’s only the 40 mph and you get a big house backing on to Richmond Park I could potentially see the appeal even if I wouldn’t choose it myself.

Ticktockwatchclock · 14/02/2026 20:22

Isn’t it the A3M though, so carries a substantial amount of traffic akin to a motorway.
Apologies, just checked and only part of it is A3M

PURPLErainiswhatmadePrincegreat · 14/02/2026 20:29

is it the one going through New Maldon coming from South Surrey? I always wondered how these people buy these houses there

TwoLeftSocksWithHoles · 14/02/2026 20:39

Many years ago I lived about half a mile from the A3 near Tolworth. When I first moved there I was puzzled as to what the background, roaring noise was when I was in the garden and then I realised it was the constant traffic on the A3.

You do get used to it, although I don't live there any more, but the traffic is likely to be worse now.

Riverflow6 · 14/02/2026 20:41

Different strokes for different folks. It will bother some but others won’t mind. Only you know your family

Mauro711 · 14/02/2026 20:52

Knowing what we know about the health risks of living in very polluted areas it would be a definite no from me. No point in living in a house that would damage and potentially could kill me or my children.

Rollercoaster1920 · 14/02/2026 22:50

The change to electric cars doesn't get rid of the roar from tyres. And it's noisier when wet.

I wouldn't buy on the A3, it's to busy for me.

TheWillToSurvive · 14/02/2026 22:52

Could not think of anything more unappealing.

likelysuspect · 14/02/2026 22:53

Same on the A2, I often wonder who buys those houses but people do live there and raise families

Not sure theres much different between a 4 lane A road going at 70 to a 4 lane motorway going at 70 so not sure why people are quibbling, OP is asking about the concept not the road category.

HappyFace2025 · 14/02/2026 23:53

The A3 doesn't back on to Richmond Park 🤔

Runningismyhappyplace50 · 15/02/2026 00:03

If it is where I’m thinking I wouldn’t.

I do often wonder how much they sell for; they are a good size but actually face the A3.

AliMonkey · 15/02/2026 00:07

HappyFace2025 · 14/02/2026 23:53

The A3 doesn't back on to Richmond Park 🤔

Yes it does - admittedly only for a few yards but the Robin Hood Gate entrance is at the A3/A308 junction

MeganM3 · 15/02/2026 00:13

Well where on the A3? Where it passes through Clapham Common yes I would be fine with living very close to it. It’s noisy anyway. Same for anywhere central in London, the pros outweigh the cons for me of living centrally.
Out in the sticks somewhere, or closer to where it finishes (Portsmouth? Can’t remember) no I probably wouldn’t. But it does depend on the exact location, neighbourhood and the house. And also why you need a bigger house. The decision has to be based on your own set of circumstances.

DecisionTime123 · 15/02/2026 00:15

I'm thinking of buying very close to A3, on a new build site. I previously backed onto the A2! It's just coincidence, I don't set out to live on a motorway or whatever, but yes I suppose I am less worried by the noise than most, and yes it is worse when wet! However, I have never given a lot of thought to the pollution aspect.

When you say on the A3 OP do you mean a row of housing facing directly onto the traffic, or well set back from it?

MrsMoastyToasty · 15/02/2026 00:23

SIL used to live alongside the A38 (its a major trunk road) between Bristol and Gloucester, where it runs parallel with the M5. As soon as there was a closure of the M5, the M4 and to some extent the Severn bridges then the A38 takes all the motorway traffic. It was dreadful.

Not2identifying · 15/02/2026 00:31

I'm familiar enough with part of the A3 to know that, in that region, they are forever building houses next to dual carriageways and motorways. Drives me mad, no pun intended. I'm not keen but I know you might not have much choice.

Pryceosh1987 · 15/02/2026 00:34

I wouldnt take a house on a motorway unless i had a car and it was clsoe to shops.

Original poster
Munnex · 15/02/2026 00:39

Munnex · 14/02/2026 20:17

We are looking at options to buy a house along the A3 motorway. It’s known to be a slightly polluted post code but its pricing reflects the proximity. And is great value in terms of house itself. Would you take a chance or pull out offer

thanks all agreed not a motorway but it’s towards Guildford.

OP posts:
Twiglets1 · 15/02/2026 07:16

I would pull out. The reason it seems well priced for the area is that it's unappealing to live on such a busy road. I would be put off the noise as well as potential pollution and wouldn't like not being able to open windows in summer because of the noise.

porridgecake · 15/02/2026 07:59

I lived in a house on the A3 for a while.
Couldn't hear the phone/TV/doorbell/myself think. Day and night.
I suggest you go and view it at a busy time and just focus on traffic noise and see if you can stand it. Maybe triple glazing would help, but traffic fumes would be an issue too.

fiorentina · 15/02/2026 08:24

If it’s Burpham and you have the trees between you and the road it could be ok. Friends who live there don’t seem
too bothered. If it’s the new development near Ripley I wouldn’t be keen. Dense housing and no trees to dull any news.