Buying a flat opposite a school AND near an electricity sub-station

needhouseadvice

Had just about talked myself into the school being OK but now reading the Homebuyer Survey there's an electricity sub-station near the property. Didn't really twig when I went to see the flat as it's bricked up and quite small but my bedroom would be overlooking it (and the school playground) as it's just a few metres away.

I'm slightly concerned about the health issues as I would like to have kids soon but also that the combination of the two would affect resale value. I'm so annoyed as there's nothing to buy in London at the moment and this would actually be a cheap purchase!

Would you steer clear? Or is it not that big a deal?

AFF8879

I didn't know being near a sub station was linked to health issues - I thought it was only being underneath overhead power lines (and even then - the evidence is patchy).

needhouseadvice

AFF8879 wrote: »

I didn't know being near a sub station was linked to health issues - I thought it was only being underneath overhead power lines (and even then - the evidence is patchy).

'Measured electromagnetic fields such as those produced by substations have been associated with health effects such as cancer, depression, dementia, infertility, miscarriage, heart problems, etc. For further details see our library article Powerfrequency EMFs and Health.'

http://www.powerwatch.org.uk/elf/substations.asp

zagubov

I wouldn't be bothered, as I'm rational.

If you're planning to move on from there soon, you may need to worry what mix of your potential buyers are rational or, alternatively, away with the fairies.

kinger101

There are three camps.

(a) tinfoil hat brigade who believe the nonsense on sites like the one posted above;
(b) people who are unsure and therefore cautious
(c) people who know the scientific evidence doesn't provide any evidence of risk (and people have looked).

I'm in (c) but would still be put off buying because (a) and (b) would never buy the house if I needed to sell. Though it's likely this is already reflected in the price.

needhouseadvice

kinger101 wrote: »

There are three camps.

(a) tinfoil hat brigade who believe the nonsense on sites like the one posted above;
(b) people who are unsure and therefore cautious
(c) people who know the scientific evidence doesn't provide any evidence of risk (and people have looked).

I'm in (c) but would still be put off buying because (a) and (b) would never buy the house if I needed to sell. Though it's likely this is already reflected in the price.

I would say I'm b but also worried about putting off a large majority of future sellers. also this is in london so perhaps future buyers would be prepared to overlook more than in other places. but i think the combo of a noisy school and this might be too much...

AnotherJoe

This is in London?Where 20,000 people a year die prematurely from nitrous oxides from diesel cars and then some worry about non existent issues from electric power stations? Jeez.

Being near school will trump the substation issues by definition, since anyone worried by this junk science wouldn't put their kids in the school so I'm sure you'll find plenty of buyers when you come to sell who may wish to move their to get their kids in the school

. If all else is good, buy.

needhouseadvice

AnotherJoe wrote: »

This is in London?Where 20,000 people a year die prematurely from nitrous oxides from diesel cars and then some worry about non existent issues from electric power stations? Jeez.

Being near school will trump the substation issues by definition, since anyone worried by this junk science wouldn't put their kids in the school so I'm sure you'll find plenty of buyers when you come to sell who may wish to move their to get their kids in the school

. If all else is good, buy.

it's a studio flat so not really a property that families would buy

AnotherJoe

Ok so the noise or congestion from a school might put potential buyers off in that case ?
I would,not worry about the substation though,

Personally I'd be more worried about it being a studio flat, in a property price dip, they do worse, and they are more limited in the price they can command. I appreciate it may be all you can afford though..

lush_walrus

In London pretty much every new development has a substation within the scheme. It's very rare not to require one as density is increasing on every site and with a new building full of flats there are 9 times out of ten additional power needs - where else is the power going to come from. As they are a fire risk they are encased in concrete box effectively with vents and a door. There are far bigger risks to health in London than a substation. I can assure you if you walk around the city you will be passing dozens everyday.

It's not an issue. The school well again in London the annoyance of people dropping and picking up from schools in cars is less. Unless you don't like the sound of kids playing and are st home during the school day it's really not an issue.

But I am not you, you need to get to understanding what is your tipping point of unacceptable.

Actually edited to say if you are thinking of having children soon then I would not tie yourself to a studio flat. If the market does fall and you are in a studio you will struggle to have a child in such as small property. If I were you the size of it and future plans would be my concern

marksoton

needhouseadvice wrote: »

I'm slightly concerned about the health issues as I would like to have kids soon

needhouseadvice wrote: »

it's a studio flat so not really a property that families would buy

And yet you're planning a family....:huh: