It Goes Beyond Your Home - How Outside Changes can Affect Your Property's Value

Kim Bowling May 11, 2023

Living in a pleasant neighborhood adds character and value to your home. When a neighborhood undergoes changes, these changes can positively or negatively affect a property's value.

For example, an area might experience gentrification, where an influx of higher income and wealthier families moves into an area, either replacing the existing residents or adding to the population. This can transform an area into a sought-after zone and drive up property values, making it a desirable destination for homebuyers.

Alternatively, neighborhoods can also suffer from what is known as blight and disinvestment, where a neighborhood experiences significant economic and social decline. This can be caused by a number of factors, from economic downturns to an increased crime rate. Blight and disinvestment can lead to properties in the area losing value due to their lack of desirability. 

In order to know what kind of changes can affect a property, let's take a moment to show some examples of definitive positive changes, some that will actually damage the value of your property, as well as some changes that can bring forward both opportunities and challenges, and whose end result will depend on how quickly you can react and adapt to the new status quo, either by making additions or renovations to your property.

The Good

The positive changes that can have a positive effect on the value of a property can include changes to infrastructure such as improved roads, sidewalks, and access to public transportation. Additional positive changes could come from the opening of new businesses, such as restaurants and retailers, that improve the desirability of the neighborhood. These changes can also increase property values through an increase in demand for the area.

A growing economy can also have a positive effect on property values. When the local economy is booming, businesses in the neighborhood tend to thrive, further increasing property values. The presence of local employers can also lead to an influx of young professionals who can be drawn to the area due to its improved amenities.

The addition of new development can also drive up property values. New residential or commercial construction can signal to potential buyers that the area is desirable. The construction of well-designed buildings can add to the aesthetic of the neighborhood and attract buyers who want to live or work in a desirable location.

Improving the safety of a neighborhood can also have an impact on property values. The presence of neighborhood watch groups and other initiatives to increase a sense of security can make an area more attractive. Safety features that have been incorporated into the area can also have a positive effect on values, such as well-lit sidewalks, increased police patrols, or cameras.

Finally, increasing the amount of green space in a neighborhood can also have a positive effect on property values. Adding parks, playgrounds, and green spaces can make the area more attractive to potential buyers. The presence of green spaces also has a positive effect on the mental health of community members and can enable people to feel safer in the area. 

The Bad

Infrastructure is one of the most powerful ways a neighborhood can change and decay over time. If a local government decides to prioritize another area of town, they may decrease the maintenance and upkeep of your area, resulting in fewer services and resources than you had before. This can be especially damaging to residential areas, as poor infrastructure and a lack of services will usually decrease the value of nearby homes and apartments. 

Another issue that can affect the value of a property is an influx of crime. If a certain neighborhood gains a reputation for certain crimes, people may become scared to move into the area, resulting in fewer people wanting to buy or rent houses or apartments nearby. This leads to a downward spiral in property value as more criminals move into the area and the community becomes less safe. 

Finally, a change in laws can have serious implications for a neighborhood. For example, a city-wide ban on certain kinds of buildings may force homeowners to sell their property. This can devalue entire neighborhoods as the number of available homes decreases, and those looking to invest in the area may become disinterested. 

The Unknown

Some neighborhood changes are out of the control of the residents. Trails and plans for public transportation can sometimes prompt changes in an area, as can changes in policy regarding public housing. While public transportation and improved public services are often considered a positive development, it can disrupt existing communities as real estate prices can fluctuate, depending on the area's increased accessibility.

It is always a good idea to be aware of the changes taking place in a neighborhood. This could include zoning laws, the history of the area, the crime rate of the area, or the selling of properties in the area. While not all neighborhood changes are negative or have a huge impact on the value of a property, some changes may make a neighborhood a less desirable place to live and, as a result, can affect the value of a property. 

The best way to protect a property’s value is to stay abreast of changes that are taking place in the area and make sure any necessary repairs or improvements are made quickly in order to keep the property attractive.

Additionally, keeping up with neighborhood-related news and trends, such as how the local economy is doing, can help homeowners make sound decisions when it comes to investments in their property.

As usual, a quick reaction is good, as markets do not always respond instantaneously, so it may be a good idea to make plans in advance in a "just in case" fashion, and you will be able to stay ahead and make the best moves at the best possible moment.

Ultimately, neighborhoods can change drastically over the years, and these changes can have a positive or negative impact on the value of nearby properties. It is important to stay informed on what is happening in your area and consider the long-term implications of changes, as these can affect the value of your property and your overall quality of life.

When it comes to assisting you with your ideal real estate purchase, look no further than Kim Bowling, a Real Estate Professional. I am an experienced Real Estate Professional dedicated to providing you with top-notch services and detailed guidance throughout your journey. With an impressive portfolio and unbeatable customer service, you can be sure you'll receive the best possible guidance in your real estate pursuits.

Don't hesitate to reach out today! Reach out to Kim Bowling, Real Estate Professional through [email protected] and get the excellent real estate advice you deserve.


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