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When it comes to buying property, prospective homebuyers can be easily divided into two distinct categories: those who prefer living on a main road and those who like a quiet or peaceful location.
Of course, there are pros and cons to both of these preferences. For starters, buying a house on a main road can offer its dwellers easier access to public places, mass transit, shops, and schools. However, the drawbacks include excessive noise, lack of privacy, and air pollution. Sometimes, these details can turn into major deal-breakers for some property seekers, while others don’t necessarily mind the busy environment and value accessibility above everything else.
Moreover, some buyers opt to buy a property if it satisfies their basic criteria. It may include the size of the property, the number of rooms, amenities, and the neighbourhood. On the other hand, some people think beyond the property lines and desire to live in a place that is closer to bus stops, markets, and other modern facilities.
To bring you up to date with the basics of real estate investment in Pakistan, we have drafted a list defining the advantages and disadvantages of living on a main road. You can easily compare these points with your lifestyle choices to make the right decision for you and your family.
Pros of Living on a Main Road
Finding the home of your dreams can be a tough hunt at times since there are a lot of aspects to consider. The most crucial decision is whether to purchase a house in a bustling location or an isolated and serene one. Well, if you’re also struggling with such a dilemma – here are some pros of buying property on a main road.
Accessibility to Mass Transit and Public Places
Living near a main road will certainly favour homeowners who desire to stay close to schools, hospitals, retail stores, and recreational spaces. Moreover, they can easily find public transportation or walk a few steps to shop for daily commodities without any hassle. If the homeowners want to be right next to social amenities such as restaurants, cafes, playgrounds, and parks, then this type of property is a huge plus for them.
On a side note, you can also read our guide on the pros and cons of buying a property near a school.
Safe and Secure Environment
Generally, busy streets and main roads are well-lit and crowded at all hours. With a large number of people walking on the pavements and a lot of cars driving around throughout the day, these areas tend to have a stronger presence of law enforcement authorities. This not only means fewer break-ins but also ensures a higher level of safety for those who like to go for a late evening or an early morning walk through the neighbourhood.
Better Maintenance and Upkeep
Another pro of buying a house near a highway or a main road is that they receive more attention from the local government in terms of maintenance and upkeep. Since smaller streets do not get as much traffic, they are usually not high on the list of roads to fix in case of excessive rainfall or another type of damage. Meanwhile, busier roads are the first to be resurfaced and re-carpeted.
Affordable Prices
While this may vary with each area, the prices of property near a main road are often lower than homes on the backstreets. This happens because many buyers prefer less traffic and noise than what is found on busy roads. While the discount may not be more than 5% or 10%, it can still be quite substantial for those on a tight budget.
Cons of Living on a Main Road
Buying a house is a huge financial milestone. While it is easy to get swept up in the excitement of moving into a new place, it is important to remember that you are choosing where you will live for the next several years. Hence, it should be comfortable and feel like a home. So, if you can’t decide between a property on a busy street and one in a relatively isolated area, here are a few cons of living near a main road that may help you reach a decision.
Increased Noise Pollution
Buildings constructed on main streets are closer to bus stops and public spaces. Therefore, increased noise from high-traffic areas is one of the biggest downsides of living on a main road. Although there are certain measures to reduce the intensity of noise, such as installing double-glazed windows, the outdoor areas can get extremely noisy if you happen to live on a busy street.
Nevertheless, prospective homeowners should remember that the streets mostly get crowded during peak hours and do not remain the same for the entire day. Hence, they should walk the extra mile and investigate this before making a decision.
Dust and Air Pollution
It is also important to note that exposure to busy streets will invite more dust inside your home. Pollution and dust from automobiles are among the most irritating and uninvited visitors to properties on a main road. Apart from requiring constant clean-up, poor air quality can also trigger certain allergies among homeowners, requiring owners to install an air filtration system in the house, which is an added expense.
Slower Price Growth
As mentioned above, buying a property near a main road usually costs lower than one in the back streets. So, as much as living on a main road is an affordable option, it can go against the buyer when they are trying to sell it. To put it simply, properties on busy streets usually have slower price growth and lesser resale value. However, please note that this may not be the case for every neighbourhood or area.
Less Suitable for Families with Kids and Pets
Homes on busy streets and in proximity to high-traffic areas will require parents and pet owners to be more vigilant in ensuring that their children and furry friends are not left unattended in case they wander or escape out. In other words, living on or near a main road can tend to be a risky option for families with kids and pets – especially if they have not installed safety boundaries or alarms.
This concludes our blog on buying a house near a highway or main road. We hope our list of pros and cons will help you reach a swift decision.
You can also check out the following guides for more home-buying tips:
- Buyer’s Guide to Choosing Between Two Similar Properties
- Ultimate Guide to Luxury Real Estate in Pakistan
- Should You Consider Living on a Dead-End Street?
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