A new study has found that 63% of those buying a home actively chose to avoid areas with high levels of air pollution.
With increasing concern over the hazards of air pollution, buyers are looking for healthier homes. Long-term exposure to air pollution can reduce life expectancy as a result of cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases and lung cancer. Recent research has also associated air pollution with a negative effect on the brain causing dementia and cognitive decline. Air pollution exposure in the womb has been linked to premature birth, health issues and behavioural problems in children. It can also exacerbate existing conditions.
Unsurprisingly, London has the highest levels of air pollution in the UK, followed by Birmingham, Manchester and Bristol.
Homebuyers’ response to air pollution concerns
Estate agency group eXp UK commissioned a survey looking at whether air pollution is a factor considered by those looking to move house. Some 3,000 homebuyers who bought a property within the previous six months were questioned.
For 67%, the issue of air pollution was a concern, while 63% said that while house-hunting they actively discounted areas with high air pollution.
Almost a third of these (31%) said that the reason was because they wanted a better standard of life, while 23% voiced concerns about the health of the planet. For 22%, looking after their health was important and for 15%, their children’s health was a factor.
The survey found that 30% of the homebuyers questioned decided to live further away from their desired locations so that they would be exposed to less air pollution.
Measures to reduce air pollution
The government is in the process of putting Ultra Low Emissions Zones (ULEZs) in place, charging high-polluting vehicles that wish to access these areas. ULEZs should be in effect across all London boroughs by the end of August 2023.
Other cities enforcing Clean Air Zones include Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, Liverpool, Sheffield, Bradford, Bath and Glasgow.
Adam Day, head of eXp UK said: “It’s clear from this survey that, given the opportunity, most people will choose to avoid living in areas of high air pollution. But many people don’t have the luxury of choosing because they have to stay in certain built-up areas for work, schools or other family obligations.
So, it certainly appears that the increasing appeal of the commuter belt and beyond isn’t just about affordability; it’s about health as well, which, in turn, leads to a better quality of life.”
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