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Answers (9)

- Shawn Ryan Rosa, "sryan1980"
- Contributions:493
Studies are biased toward whoever is financing the research. That's why there have been studies showing that power lines cause cancer AND power lines do not cause cancer. From a real estate perspective, the most important thing is to remember that many people will not buy a house that is near power lines regardless of whether or not power lines cause cancer.

- sunnyview
- Contributions:25139
There are two things at work with a house with power lines the actual risk if any and the next buyers perception of them. Some buyers will shun them even if you demonstrate that the risk is minimal so they should be considered before you purchase in terms of how visible they are, how high the voltage is and how other buyers will perceive them.

- Dan Malloy, "Dan Malloy"
- Contributions:286
High tension lines and towers that are visible from the home site will definitely lower the market value and greatly reduce the pool of interested buyers. It's hard to put a % on it - it will have to be substantially less expensive than a similar home without that condition.
That doesn't mean that it can't be sold. Once you have a prospect that likes the home, but expresses a concern about the high tension wires you can educate them (and yourself) by getting an emf meter. They cost about $120.00. Position yourself directly below the high tension wires and take a reading. Repeat the process every 50' as you move away from the lines. The levels will decrease as you increase your distance away from the lines. Once you are 200' or so away, the readings will be negligible.
As long as the outdoor living area is more than 200' away, the wires have no effect (other than visual) on the home site. Finally, get a clock radio and take a measurement from about 4' away...a typical distance from your pillow to a night stand. Most people are amazed to find that the emf from a clock radio at 4' away is far greater than the emf that is registered directly below high tension wires!
That doesn't mean that it can't be sold. Once you have a prospect that likes the home, but expresses a concern about the high tension wires you can educate them (and yourself) by getting an emf meter. They cost about $120.00. Position yourself directly below the high tension wires and take a reading. Repeat the process every 50' as you move away from the lines. The levels will decrease as you increase your distance away from the lines. Once you are 200' or so away, the readings will be negligible.
As long as the outdoor living area is more than 200' away, the wires have no effect (other than visual) on the home site. Finally, get a clock radio and take a measurement from about 4' away...a typical distance from your pillow to a night stand. Most people are amazed to find that the emf from a clock radio at 4' away is far greater than the emf that is registered directly below high tension wires!

- Greg & Lisa Doyle, "The Doyle Team"
- Contributions:442
Hi Sam,
Power lines can be tricky. They will always influence price, but much depends how close they are and how much can you see them. 200 feet is not very far. If they are hidden by trees or out of site from most areas you might see a 10% decline in the value. If they are larger then life and really get in the way, more like 25% would be possible. If you have any other questions you need help with, give a call or email anytime. We are happy to help. Good luck to you!!
Lisa Doyle
J. Rockcliff Realtors
[contact information deleted by Zillow moderator. Please see our Good Neighbor Policy]
Power lines can be tricky. They will always influence price, but much depends how close they are and how much can you see them. 200 feet is not very far. If they are hidden by trees or out of site from most areas you might see a 10% decline in the value. If they are larger then life and really get in the way, more like 25% would be possible. If you have any other questions you need help with, give a call or email anytime. We are happy to help. Good luck to you!!
Lisa Doyle
J. Rockcliff Realtors
[contact information deleted by Zillow moderator. Please see our Good Neighbor Policy]

- Vince Curtis, "SoCal Appraiser"
- Contributions:4701
Im assuming you mean HIGH TENSION power lines ?!?!
Depends on a lot of factors, Usually if you dont like them, you just wont buy near them. If you dont care, you'll pay market value. At least in my area, they may be in less desirable areas, and the folks dont care, and usually in the expensive area, homes arent built near them.
If they are in an area where people DO care, homes ADJACENT them will sell for a +/-10% discount, but it does depend on distance from the lines.
Depends on a lot of factors, Usually if you dont like them, you just wont buy near them. If you dont care, you'll pay market value. At least in my area, they may be in less desirable areas, and the folks dont care, and usually in the expensive area, homes arent built near them.
If they are in an area where people DO care, homes ADJACENT them will sell for a +/-10% discount, but it does depend on distance from the lines.

- sunnyview
- Contributions:25139
For a million dollar house near power lines, you would have to price that house to appeal to a stupid rich person so maybe a 25-30% discount and some good luck would do it. I say 750K tops, a cut out of George Clooney in the media room and you throw in a big screen TV as the cherry on top.

- Jim Stevenson, "therealtorguy"
- Contributions:1111
Hi Sam, I think it will depend on the community. If it is an area of high demand for housing, the power lines may have little affect. If it is in an area with a lot of $1 million houses, you may have to drop the price significantly ... maybe 25%.
Also, how noticeable are the power lines ... are there other focal points that will draw one's attention over the power lines? Magnificent landscaping, an elegant entry, an elaborate pool & cabana might be stronger selling points than the power lines are a deterrent.
Also, how noticeable are the power lines ... are there other focal points that will draw one's attention over the power lines? Magnificent landscaping, an elegant entry, an elaborate pool & cabana might be stronger selling points than the power lines are a deterrent.

- Brian Teyssier, "Brian Teyssier GRI"
- Contributions:964
Thanks for your question Sam, unfortunately there is no easy or correct answer as the buyer for the property is the only one that knows it. When listing, one is just trying to get in the ballpark.
Good luck.
Good luck.

- Dan, "the_country_hick"
- Contributions:4700
A lot of people will see those high power lines and simply turn around without looking at the house.
It will be hard to sell in this market and not easily sold in a better market.
It will be hard to sell in this market and not easily sold in a better market.




power lines 200 ft from house .
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