Do power lines decrease home value?

Author: Ms. Annetta Kunze DDS  |  Last update: Saturday, September 6, 2025

For buyers, a lower upfront cost when purchasing near power lines may seem like a good deal. However, the same lines will remain when reselling, hampering value. In extreme cases near high-voltage towers, a study from the Journal of Real Estate Research shows nearby property values reduced by 44.9 percent.

Why do power lines decrease property value?

Most homebuyers do not find power lines aesthetically pleasing, especially if they are in a location that would otherwise have a pristine ocean, river, or forest view. While this personal preference does tend to lower property values, another major factor in the power line debate concerns health.

Is it hard to sell a house near power lines?

The right of way for the power lines runs adjacent to the property line. We did not notice this the first time around. This unfortunate location will negatively impact any type of resale value. As a matter of fact, properties by power lines often lose 10% to 40% of their market value.

Is there a downside to living near power lines?

In conclusion, there are no known health risks that have been conclusively demonstrated to be caused by living near high-voltage power lines. But science is unable to prove a negative, including whether low-level EMFs are completely risk free.

Is it bad to have power lines on your property?

In theory, properly installed power lines (residential service level) are insulated and, if undisturbed, should pose no serious risk. HOWEVER, accidents (and equipment failure) happen all the time and a stray tool can cut or damage insulation. The Evil One has a point.

Do Power Lines Decrease the Value of a Property? │ REI with Ryan

Is it safe to buy a house close to power lines?

While no universally accepted safe distance exists, some guidelines suggest: Living 700-1000 feet from high-voltage lines is best to limit EMF exposure. Each additional 100 feet reduces EMF field strength exponentially. Beyond 1300 feet, EMF intensity matches typical background levels.

Do power lines give off radiation?

EMR associated with power lines is a type of low frequency non-ionizing radiation. Electric fields are produced by electric charges, and magnetic fields are produced by the flow of electrical current through wires or electrical devices.

How far should you live away from power lines?

Based on findings like these, a minimum safety distance of 1/4 mile (1320 feet) might be considered prudent. And again, individuals with EMF hypersensitivity or other serious health issues may want to consider a much greater safety distance, perhaps a half mile, or even more.

Do you get paid for having power lines on your property?

Many residential and commercial property owners do not realize they have a right to compensation for the electric lines and towers placed on their properties. If even a portion of your property is used by electric companies for their utilities, you deserve just compensation.

Can living near power lines cause headaches?

Interviews with residents living in close proximity to overhead power lines reveal that they associate non-specific health complaints such as tiredness, headaches and neurological problems with exposure to ELF-EMF from nearby power lines [9].

Do transformer boxes decrease property value?

Having a transformer box close to a house can sometimes lower its value, but the impact varies. It could be a small decrease or more noticeable depending on factors like location, buyer preferences, and the appearance of the box.

Who owns the power lines on my property?

Homeowners usually have overhead power lines or in-ground sewer lines that run through their property. In such cases, it usually means the utility company has an easement over the property. An easement gives the holder a right of way over property owned by someone else.

What is a fair price for an easement?

Compensation usually falls in the 25% to 50% range of the affected land's value. The exact amount depends on how much the easement impacts your property's usability.

Does insurance cover power lines?

Fallen Power Lines Are Dangerous And Destructive

Home damage caused by falling trees or power lines themselves is covered by most homeowners insurance policies.

How much does it cost to run power lines to my house?

Cost to Run Electricity to Your House

If power lines exist at or near your property line, getting an electricity hookup is simple. Expect to pay around $1,000 if this is the case, or about $5 to $15 per linear foot. If you pay to hire an electrician, the hourly rate is $50 to $100.

Is it unhealthy to live near power lines?

Portions of the electromagnetic spectrum do have emissions that may pose a risk of cancer. The spectrum ranges from extremely low-frequency radiation, such as that generated by overhead power lines, to higher-frequency radiation, such as the energy emitted by X-rays and gamma rays.

How far away from TV is radiation?

In most modern TVs (LED and LCD) this EMF extends up to one or two feet in front of the screen. So as long as you are two feet or more away from your screen, you will be safe.

Can you build under power lines?

Anything that is too close to high-voltage lines can cause electricity from the lines to “flash” or cause a short circuit.

How do I block EMF from power lines?

If you are planning to block EMFs from a power line, you have two main options: metal shielding and EMF-blocking fabric. Metal shielding is the most effective option, as it completely blocks EMFs.

Do trees block EMF from power lines?

Electromagnetic fields (EMF) are a combination of electric and magnetic fields. Electric fields come from electricity, such as when a kitchen appliance is plugged in. Trees, walls, and most objects can block or weaken electric fields.

Are power lines a hazard?

Working near powerlines can be fatal. Touching them or straying into the exclusion zone around them can result in a serious electric shock.

Who is responsible for the power line from pole to house?

Who Is Responsible for a Down or Sagging Power Line From the Pole to Your House? Are you the one on the line for hiring an electrician? Your utility company is usually responsible for the wires connecting your home to the pole.

What is the safe distance from power lines?

A safe working distance depends on the voltage of the power lines. Always maintain a distance of at least 10 feet from overhead lines and more than 10 feet if the voltage to ground is over 50 kilovolts (50,000 volts). The higher the voltage, the greater the distance that is needed between the lines and the workers.

What do high-voltage power lines look like?

High-voltage transmission lines are quite obvious when you see them. They are normally made of huge steel towers like this: All power towers like this have three wires for the three phases. Many towers, like the ones shown above, have extra wires running along the tops of the towers.

Previous article
Does cracked grout need to be replaced?
Next article
What happens if you overfill a dryer?