Should You Buy a Home Near High Tension Power Lines? Read This Before You Decide
A home can check every single box such as great layout, dream yard, perfect price, and still spark hesitation if there are high voltage high tension power lines looming nearby. Buyers often wrestle with this question. Is it safe? Will it hurt resale? What will my future buyers think?
Let me be honest with you. This is not just a “you” question. This is something that comes up again and again. And over my 25 year career, I have seen how buyers really feel about this issue. My rule of thumb is simple. About one third of buyers will refuse to even consider a home near high tension lines. Another third may not worry personally but will hesitate because they are thinking about how hard it may be to sell the property in the future. That means only one third of buyers will be open to moving forward without concern.
So what does that mean for sellers? It means two thirds of the market may not be interested. That is significant. And it shows up in the data. Homes near high tension lines often stay on the market longer and usually sell for 10-20% less than comparable homes without that same issue.
What Are Buyers Actually Worried About?
Buyers are rarely just concerned about how power lines look. They are worried about:
- Health risks from electromagnetic fields, even though the research is still inconclusive
- Constant buzzing or crackling sounds from active lines
- A negative emotional or aesthetic reaction to the presence of the towers
- Difficulty reselling the property in the future
This is not just fear mongering. It is buyer psychology. If a home has been sitting on the market for months in a fast-moving neighborhood, buyers are going to ask why. And if those lines are the first thing you see when you pull up to the driveway, the question is already answered.
Can It Still Be a Good Deal?
Absolutely. In fact, some savvy buyers use this situation to their advantage. If you are willing to live with the risk or you understand it more fully than the average buyer then you might land a beautiful home for less money. But you need to go into the purchase with your eyes wide open.
Here is what I advise:
- Research the proximity of the home to the actual utility easement or right of way
- Talk to local inspectors or engineers about any health or structural concerns
- Walk the property and listen for buzzing or humming. Is it constant? Seasonal?
- Factor a 10-20% discount into your offer price
- Understand that resale may take longer and require deeper negotiation
For investors, this could make sense. For a forever home, it might give you pause.
My Honest Advice
Do not buy a home near high tension lines just because it is the best deal in town. If you have lingering doubts, trust your instincts. If you are planning to sell within a few years, be prepared for the challenge. But if you are planning to stay long term, understand the pros, the cons, and the tradeoffs. It is not about fear. It is about strategy.
Are you thinking about buying a home near high tension power lines? Do not make this decision alone. I can connect you with a vetted real estate expert in your area who will help you understand the true risks and guide you through a smart purchase. Reach out before you commit. Knowledge is your power.
