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The Impact of Transmission Lines on Residential Property Values: Results of A Case Study in a Suburb of Wellington, Nz

Author/s: Sandy Bond, Judith Hopkins

Date Published: 1/01/2000

Published in: Volume 6 - 2000 Issue 2 (pages 52 - 60)

Abstract

This article summarises the results of research consisting of two parallel studies: firstly, an analysis of residential property sales in a case study area to determine the effect of high voltage overhead transmission lines (HVOTLs) and supporting pylons on residential property values. Secondly, a study of the attitudes and reactions of property owners in the case study neighbourhood toward living close to HVOTLs and pylons. A comparison of the results helped determine the extent that these reactions are reflected in the prices paid for property close to HVOTLs and pylons The results of the sales analysis indicate the effect of having a ‘pylon’ close to a particular property is statistically significant. However, the presence of a ‘transmission line’ in the case study area has a minimal effect and is not a statistically significant factor in the sales price. The attitudinal study results indicate that nearly two thirds of the respondents have negative feelings about the HVOTLs. Proximity to HVOTLs determines the degree of negativity; respondents living closer to the HVOTLs expressed more negative feelings towards them than those living further away. It appears, however, from a comparison of the results, that the negative feelings expressed are often not reflected in the price paid for such property.

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Keywords

High Voltage Overhead Transmission Lines and Pylons - New Zealand - Residential Property Values - Residents’ Attitudes

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