Are you making your real estate clients aware of the impact of noise pollution? With the Geoapify Places API, you can get detailed information on noise sources, helping you answer critical questions from buyers about the noise levels in new neighborhoods.
Sellers look to you for accurate home valuations and the best possible price. Buyers are looking for the right property that fits their budget. That means you need to be transparent about every aspect of a property. The good and the bad.
That includes noise pollution. Many buyers are already wondering “how loud is my new neighborhood?” and they need you to answer the question.
Noise pollution can drop the value of a home, making it harder to sell later. Even more worrying, noise pollution has detrimental effects on health. The European Environment Agency found that noise contributes to sleep problems, chronic annoyance, and even heart disease.
Let's take a closer look at how real estate agents can improve their services with accurate noise pollution assessments.
What is noise pollution?
The World Health Organization says noise levels above 65 decibels (dB) count as noise pollution, with noise above 75 dB being harmful, and above 120 dB painful. They also estimate that ambient night time noise levels of above 30 dB make it impossible to get a restful sleep.
Ongoing background noise can quickly reach harmful levels.
If a property is near an airport, a plane flying overhead can reach 130 dB. If there's a construction site nearby, the heavy machinery and drills can reach 120 dB, while a jackhammer can reach 130 dB. It's not limited to transport and machinery noises, either. The overspill from busy bars and restaurants can reach 100 dB, and even an enthusiastic, shouted conversation in a crowded place can reach 90 dB (source).
Estate agents need to be especially aware of the impact of traffic noise on a property's value. Traffic noise can stay constant all day and night if the road is busy enough, with heavy traffic reaching up to 85 dB.
Why do real estate agents need to be aware of noise pollution?
Sellers are relying on you for an accurate picture of the current market value, and noise pollution has a direct impact on that. Omitting noise data means clients don't have the full picture, which damages their trust in your service.
Sellers might be wary of disclosing noise issues. But being honest from the start helps them build better relationships with potential buyers. Buyers are also looking for up to date information:
- People looking for a new home need to be aware of the potential impact of noise on their daily lives.
- Landlords buying property to let out will find that noise pollution has a negative impact on the rent they can charge. The same is true of holiday let owners. Customers might be wary of staying in a noisy area.
- Business buyers need to know that their new property won't be a hotbed of unpleasant background noise for their workers or customers.
Communicating noise issues to both buyers and sellers helps everyone make informed decisions.
Does noise pollution affect real estate appreciation?
Absolutely, Many buyers don't want to live near unpleasant noise! Noisy areas are perceived as less desirable, less liveable, and even less safe.
One Polish study found that high levels of background noise negatively impacted the price of apartments. Railway noise was the biggest nuisance, with every increase of 1dB above a 55 dB level causing a 1.79% decrease in the value of an apartment. Aviation noise was the next biggest problem, with every decibel increase causing a 0.59% decrease in value, while road noise caused a 0.12% drop per decibel.
Does road noise affect house prices? That question turned out to be a little more complex.
The study found that road noise below 60 dB and tram noise below 65 dB didn't cause a significant decrease in apartment prices. It could be that the levels were more bearable than, say, an airplane or railway. Most of us are used to general background road noises. It's also possible that the convenience of being closer to public transit or good roads balances out the inconvenience of the noise, keeping sale prices steadier.
Below is a table that outlines various noise sources, their typical noise levels measured in decibels (dB), and how they might affect real estate prices. Noise levels are approximate and can vary depending on specific circumstances. Real estate prices can be influenced by the perception of noise as a nuisance, with potential impacts ranging from minor to significant, depending on the noise level and the local market sensitivity.
| Noise Source | Noise Level (dB) | Potential Impact on Real Estate Price |
|---|---|---|
| Highway traffic | 70 - 80 | Significant decrease |
| Urban street traffic | 60 - 70 | Moderate to significant decrease |
| Subway/train | 75 - 85 | Moderate to significant decrease |
| Airport (near flight path) | 75 - 85 | Significant decrease |
| Industrial activities | 70 - 80 | Moderate to significant decrease |
| Construction sites | 80 - 90 | Temporary, but potentially significant decrease |
| Nightclubs/bars | 70 - 85 | Moderate decrease |
| Busy restaurants/cafes | 60 - 70 | Minor to moderate decrease |
| Residential area (daytime) | 50 - 60 | Minor decrease or negligible |
| Residential area (night) | 40 - 50 | Negligible to minor decrease |
| High-Voltage Power Lines | 20-30 | Moderate decrease |
| Wind Turbines | 35-45 | Moderate to significant decrease |
Key Points to Consider:
- High-Voltage Power Lines: While they may not produce significant noise, the perception of noise and potential health concerns can impact property values.
- Wind Turbines: The noise level can vary depending on distance, wind speed, and turbine technology. The visual presence combined with noise can influence buyer perception.
- Traffic, Airports, and Industrial Areas: These are typically associated with higher noise levels and can significantly reduce property attractiveness, impacting prices negatively.
- Urban and Commercial Areas: Noise levels can be variable; some buyers might accept higher noise levels due to the proximity to amenities and work.
It's important for real estate agents to assess these noise sources accurately and communicate their potential impact to buyers and sellers, offering a comprehensive view of the property's value.
How can real estate agents assess noise pollution?
There are several ways you can build a picture of the noise pollution around a property:
Visit the property at different times
The roaring freeway on a Saturday might be quieter for the rest of the week. The relatively quiet town neighborhood might explode with noise on weekend nights, when the local bars use the pavement space as overspill. Check out the property on different days and at different times to get a fuller picture.
Assess the area for potential noise sources
Look for nearby airports, roads, railways, military bases and factories. Don't forget about seasonal or time-dependent noise sources that attract crowds, like clubs, takeaways, or tourist attractions.
Check the vibe of the area
Is it mostly middle aged professionals, or is there a large student population? Is it touristy? Are there any tell-tale signs of antisocial neighbors such as trash left around, an unkempt property, or dogs left to bark while the house is empty?
The best way to assess all these things is to make multiple visits. And of course the most important part - asking the seller for information.
Use geospatial data
Geospatial data gives real estate agents a fast and accurate way to examine possible noise pollution problems. The data for noise sources such as airports, highways etc, is open and publicly available, making it easy to assess noise level by address. A tool such as Geoapify Places API can help you find and make the most of that data.
Here are examples demonstrating how to query different noise sources using the Geoapify Places API:
Airports
Identified airports located within a 5km (approximately 3.1 miles) radius from the address '299 North 725 West, North Salt Lake, UT 84054, United States of America':
URL
https://api.geoapify.com/v2/places?categories=airport&filter=circle:-111.90033671068909,40.84743445422728,5000&bias=proximity:-111.90033671068909,40.84743445422728&limit=20&apiKey=YOUR_API_KEYResults
{
"type": "FeatureCollection",
"features": [
{
"type": "Feature",
"properties": {
"name": "Sky Park Airport",
"country": "United States",
"country_code": "us",
"state": "Utah",
"county": "Davis County",
"city": "Woods Cross",
"postcode": "84087",
"street": "West 2225 South",
"lon": -111.92751926215584,
"lat": 40.86792165,
"state_code": "UT",
"formatted": "Sky Park Airport, West 2225 South, Woods Cross, UT 84087, United States of America",
"address_line1": "Sky Park Airport",
"address_line2": "West 2225 South, Woods Cross, UT 84087, United States of America",
"categories": [
"airport",
"airport.international"
],
"datasource": {
"sourcename": "openstreetmap",
"attribution": "© OpenStreetMap contributors",
"license": "Open Database Licence",
"url": "https://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright"
},
"operator": "Skypark Airport Assoc., LLC",
"operator_details": {
"type": "association"
},
"name_international": {
"en": "Sky Park Airport"
},
"ele": 1290,
"wiki_and_media": {
"wikidata": "Q7537959",
"wikipedia": "en:Skypark Airport"
},
"airport": {
"iata": "BTF",
"icao": "KBTF",
"closest_town": "Bountiful, Utah"
},
"distance": 2590
},
"geometry": {
"type": "Point",
"coordinates": [
-111.92751926215583,
40.86792165037711
]
}
}
]
}
Try this in the Geoapify Playground
High-Voltage Power Lines
Power lines within a 500m distance from 'Schulgasse 39, 2102 Gemeinde Bisamberg, Austria':
URL
https://api.geoapify.com/v2/places?categories=power.line&filter=circle:16.357694934966617,48.33128874243124,500&bias=proximity:16.357694934966617,48.33128874243124&limit=20&apiKey=YOUR_API_KEYResults
{
"type": "FeatureCollection",
"features": [
{
"type": "Feature",
"properties": {
"name": "Bisamberg - Kritzendorf",
"lon": 16.3545347,
"lat": 48.3333374998571,
"categories": [
"power",
"power.line"
],
"datasource": {
"sourcename": "openstreetmap",
"attribution": "© OpenStreetMap contributors",
"license": "Open Database Licence",
"url": "https://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright"
},
"operator": "Wiener Netze",
"operator_details": {
"wikidata": "Q15854358",
"wikipedia": "de:Wiener Netze"
},
"ref": "106/71;106/81",
"power": {
"voltage": 110000,
"cables": 6,
"circuits": 2,
"wires": "single"
},
"distance": 324
},
"geometry": {
"type": "Point",
"coordinates": [
16.3545347,
48.3333374998571
]
}
},
{
"type": "Feature",
"properties": {
"name": "Bisamberg - Wien Nord",
"lon": 16.3515729,
"lat": 48.30130219986494,
"categories": [
"power",
"power.line"
],
"datasource": {
"sourcename": "openstreetmap",
"attribution": "© OpenStreetMap contributors",
"license": "Open Database Licence",
"url": "https://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright"
},
"operator": "Wiener Netze",
"operator_details": {
"wikidata": "Q15854358",
"wikipedia": "de:Wiener Netze"
},
"ref": "100/1;100/2",
"power": {
"voltage": 110000,
"cables": 6,
"circuits": 2,
"wires": "double"
},
"distance": 293
},
"geometry": {
"type": "Point",
"coordinates": [
16.3515729,
48.30130219986494
]
}
}
]
}Try this in the Geoapify Playground
Railways
Identified railways situated within a 1000m radius from 'Appelkantstraat 76, 2530 Boechout, Belgium':
URL
https://api.geoapify.com/v2/places?categories=railway.surface&filter=circle:4.483140301451385,51.15816494023093,1000&bias=proximity:4.483140301451385,51.15816494023093&limit=20&apiKey=YOUR_API_KEYResults
{
"type": "FeatureCollection",
"features": [
{
"type": "Feature",
"properties": {
"name": "IJzeren Rijn",
"lon": 4.5048338999999995,
"lat": 51.15819259922299,
"categories": [
"railway",
"railway.surface",
"railway.train"
],
"datasource": {
"sourcename": "openstreetmap",
"attribution": "© OpenStreetMap contributors",
"license": "Open Database Licence",
"url": "https://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright",
},
"operator": "Infrabel",
"name_international": {
"de": "Eiserner Rhein",
"en": "Iron Rhine",
"fr": "Rhin d'acier",
"nl": "IJzeren Rijn"
},
"ref": "L15",
"restrictions": {
"max_speed": 120
},
"way": {
"electrified": true,
"gauge": 1435
},
"distance": 967
},
"geometry": {
"type": "Point",
"coordinates": [
4.5048338999999995,
51.15819259922299
]
}
}
]
}Try this in the Geoapify Playground
Noise Sources Categories
To focus on categories that typically return noise sources from the Geoapify Places API, we can highlight several key areas known for their potential noise impact. Here are the relevant categories: To focus on categories that typically return noise sources from the Geoapify Places API, we can highlight several key areas known for their potential noise impact. Here are the relevant categories:
-
airport
airport.privateairport.internationalairport.militaryairport.glidingairport.airfield
-
highway
highway.motorwayhighway.trunkhighway.primaryhighway.secondary
-
railway
railway.surfacerailway.trainrailway.subwayrailway.tramrailway.light_railrailway.funicular
-
industrial and commercial
building.industrialpower.plantpower.generator.windservice.recycling.centrecommercial.shopping_mall
-
entertainment (for noise from nightlife and social activities)
adult.nightclubadult.stripclubadult.swingerclubadult.brotheladult.casinoadult.adult_gaming_centre
-
sport (for noise from sporting events and facilities)
sport.stadiumsport.sports_centre
These categories are associated with environments that can generate significant noise, affecting nearby residential and commercial properties. Using the Geoapify Places API to query these categories will help identify potential noise sources within a specified radius of a location, providing valuable insights for noise pollution assessment in real estate and urban planning.
You can also combine data. Look for schools that are a certain distance from airports, or homes that aren't too near highways. Look for city properties that are near the vibrant nightspots, but not overhead flight path. Geospatial data helps you assess the noise and pass up to date information to your clients.
Conclusion
Helping your clients understand and assess noise pollution helps you build strong client relationships. You can give them a fuller picture of any property, and they know they can trust you for an honest, reliable service.