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Dangerous roads devalue properties

09/11/05

Having a dangerous road outside your front door may bring down the selling price of your home, according to estate agents.
 
In fact, houses built on roads with a known reputation for accidents can be worth several thousands pounds less than houses with a safer tarmac.
 
In a recent poll of members from the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) 97 per cent believed that having an unsafe road outside of a home would devalue the asking price for the property.
 
Up to 35 per cent of those estate agents surveyed also thought the amount off the price could be as much as £10,000 depending on the area.
 
The results of the survey come just as road safety week steps into full swing.
 
The week is designed to encourage community involvement in road-safety awareness.
 
Further results of the NAEA revealed that having speed cameras and safety zones around schools in an area could also help maintain the price of a property as well as helping to save lives.
 
NAEA chief executive Peter Bolton King told the About Property website: "Calls upon the government and local authorities to endorse specially-designed 'safety zones' to help drivers remember their responsibilities in residential areas will make these roads less hazardous.

"Safety is clearly at the forefront of residents' minds and this is reflected by the impact on house prices.

"It is worth noting that any safety measures carried out may help to prevent some of the price differential."