10 Things You Should Avoid Buying A Home Next To

Last Updated: November 8, 2024 by Michael Kahn. Published: November 8, 2024.

Buying a home in the right location is crucial. After all, you can improve a home, but you can’t change where it’s located. When judging the location, you should start by looking at what is directly next door. Buying a home next to one of the following features could be something you regret. This guide explains why you should avoid buying a home next to one of these things. 

Schools

Some parents go to great lengths to choose a home near a certain prestigious school so that they’re in the catchment area. And such homes may even be priced higher because they’re so desirable. However, you should probably avoid buying a home directly next to a school. Not only will there be a lot of noise during the day, but you’ll have to deal with large amounts of traffic in the morning and afternoon. This can quickly become a nuisance. 

Airports

Buying a home directly near an airport is useful when you need to go on vacation, and planespotters are likely to enjoy it. But the noise levels could quickly start to become a problem – hence why homes next to airports are often much cheaper. The noise levels may even be high enough to cause hearing loss unless you invest heavily in sound insulation. 

Railroad tracks

While some people are able to eventually tune out the noise of trains passing by, it’s still likely to be something that is hard to adjust to initially. Properties within 250 meters of a railroad also commonly experience structural damage as a result of vibrations, which can mean a higher repair bill. 

Highways

Living next to a highway can have numerous pitfalls – and may even be hazardous to your health. Noise levels can be enough to cause hearing loss, while air pollution levels can increase the risk of developing lung cancer by 10% (a high quality air purification system may prevent this, but not if you spend a lot of time outdoors). There’s also the risk that urban planners may choose to expand a highway in the future, which could require your home being demolished. 

Nightclubs/music venues

Living next to a nightclub or music venue could mean having to put up with loud noise at night. Beyond potential insomnia, you also have to deal with the risk of drunken people  vandalizing or vomiting on your property (this also applies to homes next to bars). 

Electric pylons

Electric pylons give off radiation known as EMFs. While many electrical items in our homes give off this radiation, you’re likely to be exposed to larger amounts when living directly next to a pylon – which could mean an increased risk of cancer. Fortunately, there are some ways to reduce radiation exposure. There are sites online that can provide more information about EMFs and how to protect yourself. 

Sewage plants

Sewage plants typically aren’t as smelly as people think. However, on a hot day when the wind is blowing your way, you will experience some odors when living next to a sewage plant. This could lead to nausea and you may find that you don’t want to spend any time outdoors. It’s a good idea to drive by on different days to get a good idea as to whether there is a smell.

Gas stations

The smell of petrol fumes can also be off-putting to many people. Homes near gas stations will regularly experience this smell, and you could find there are even health risks due to the greater levels of chemicals in the air. Therefore you should be cautious of buying a home next to a gas station.

Flooding rivers

Many people love the idea of living next to a river. However, it’s important to do your research as to how often a river floods before choosing a home near a river. Flood damage could be incredibly costly to repair and many insurance companies may refuse to cover you if you live in a well-known high-risk flood zone. Of course, measures can be taken to reduce flooding, but there’s only so much you can do.

Eroding cliffs

Too many homeowners with dreams of a sea view have fallen into the trap of buying a clifftop home on the coast – only to realize that their home is slowly falling into the sea! Always get a home inspection done and do your local research to make sure that you’re not buying a home on an eroding cliff. A suspiciously low price is often a telltale sign that a clifftop home is at risk.