Exploring the impact of noise pollution on health and property value.
A recent article on increasing noise pollution at metros and it’s impact on health insists on the urgency for the requisite corrective actions. Healthcare experts warn that abnormal decibel levels can lead to hypertension and may even impact the mental health.
Every Indian city has surpassed the prescribed noise levels, whether it is residential, commercial or industrial areas. Industrial noise, extensive traffic, construction works, political rallies, and religious festivals are the major contributing factors.
A Dubai based investment professional talks about the same issue in a different perspective. It is about return on investment.
In a LinkedIn post he advises the buyers to check the noise map before buying a property. According to him, for instance, aircraft noise can lower property price by upto 9% for every 10 dB increase in the noise level. A serious dent in the RoI. So before making an investment he suggests to check the noise exposure of the area.
However, in India the real estate industry works totally in an opposite direction. Both the promoters and the buyers play it differently.
Properties located near airport, railway station, metros, malls, etc are promoted as premium properties with buyers ready to pay that extra pricing.
Of course, India’s real estate market works with different dynamics with the common public having bottlenecks like local transport, accessibility to essential services, poor infra, and many such things. Still in the long run the impact on health will be irreparable.
Living or investment — quiet choices are smart choices!