How Proximity Affects Your Home Value

Location, location, location. 

You’ve definitely heard how important this is in real estate — and that's because it's true! Location is a crucial factor when it comes to the value of your home. What part of town you are in matters, but what is physically near you can actually help or hinder your property value. We put together a list of the most important proximity factors that will increase as well as decrease your home value.

Factors that increase home value

Schools

Homebuyers who have children are willing to pay more to live in a home closer to schools, especially ones with a good reputation and high academic scores. This article takes a deeper dive into why this may be.

Entertainment

In most cases, homes that tend to be within walking distance or a short drive from entertainment opportunities like a movie theater, golf courses, and parks usually sell for more money than homes farther away.

Shopping

Homes with close proximity to grocery and shopping stores usually sell for more. According to this article, being close to a popular grocery store or a shopping mall has shown to have a 5% premium.

Outdoor Recreation

Having great scenery and access to outdoor recreation like the lakes, rivers, and parks usually increase a home’s value.

Sought-After Views

Depending on where you live, things like cityscapes, mountains, or golf courses tend to increase value and even help sell your home faster.  

Public Transit

According to this article, Canada is spending billions of dollars on new public transportation infrastructure, which has a positive effect on property values.

Factors that decrease home value

Power Plants

Aside from being an eyesore, toxic emissions released from power plants will not only decrease the air quality but the value of your home, but properties located adjacent to certain kinds of facilities or infrastructure deemed undesirable.

Busy Areas 

Although being close to railroad tracks, airports, and busy intersections is convenient for when you need to leave, it can be pretty noisy when you are at home which could drop the value of your home.

Crime

Areas and neighbourhoods with higher crime rates tend to decrease home values. This article explores some of the reasons and consequences.

Low-Rated Schools

As we said above, the top-rated schools are a big priority for some home buyers so homes located in areas with a low-ranking or closed down school has resulted in a lower property value.

Cemeteries & Funeral Homes

Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the thought of living near a cemetery or funeral home is a bit eerie. According to Realtor.com, homes with a cemetery close by could be priced 12% less than homes in other nearby areas.

Bad Neighbours

You may think that your noisy neighbour is just an annoyance, but bad neighbouring properties could be driving your home's value down. In fact, it could be as much as 5-10% according to this article.