You’ve finally found the one—the house you’ve always dreamed of adding to your portfolio. But, before you sign on the dotted line, consider all the variables that could affect this purchase. You may have most of your bases covered as a savvy investor, but if you’re considering buying a home near an airport, there are a few additional factors you should take into account before taking the plunge.
Know the truth about noise pollution
If you’ve thoroughly scoped out your airport-adjacent dream property, you’ll probably take note of the noise overhead. Even smaller, regional airports have a significant amount of air traffic that generates a steady buzz. You’ll need to be honest with yourself to determine just how much noise pollution a prospective tenant or buyer can reasonably put up with.
Can they manage a restful snooze with planes coursing in and out of the airport down the street? Don’t gloss over the property’s shortcomings—after all, it’s an investment you’ll likely be committed to for the foreseeable future.
It’s also worth noting that many zoning laws try to account for residential areas near airports, so hopefully the noise factor won’t be too glaring. If you’re not sure, make use of an excellent resource through the Federal Aviation Administration, which issues reports on Airport Noise and Land Use for specific areas. You can search by state and by airport to get a date-driven sense of reported noise in the area.
Consider the health effects of properties close to airports
While noise may seem like the obvious issue to look out for when considering a property near the airport, you should also take into account the health factors of living close by. Studies show that air pollution spikes within a ten-mile radius of a major airport. Particulate-matter pollution is a health consideration, since pollutant particles breach the lungs and the bloodstream, which could impact existing conditions, like asthma or other chronic respiratory conditions.
While research is still catching up to this phenomenon, it’s worth taking into consideration as air quality is a top priority for tenant and buyer safety.
Don’t forget the advantages of living near an airport
It’s not all doom and gloom. Remember, plenty of people live near airports and are quite happy with their homes and neighborhoods. There are numerous benefits to living close by. For instance, frequent travelers can cut down on travel times, and many areas situated near airports enjoy easier access to public transportation lines. Likewise, home prices can sometimes benefit from close proximity to an airport.
Here’s the bottom line: you have to determine for yourself what works for you as an investor. There are pros and cons to almost every house purchase out there, so be diligent and choose the right investment opportunity for you.
