Finding the right property can be very difficult, and sometimes we are looking for a specific feature that makes finding the right property even harder. If you are looking for a quiet property, it’s a hard task to secure one that you know will be quiet once you have moved in.
When you are house hunting for a home or rental property, it can hard to spot the signs of a home that offers a quiet place to live. Here’s our advice on finding the right property for your noise needs, and ensuring that your home isn’t too noisy for you or your tenants.
Choose the location carefully
This piece of advice comes without saying, really. When you are looking for somewhere to live, the location is key to ensuring that you won’t be faced with any constant distractions. Make sure you consider the roads and rail routes around the property, as though these will be great for a commute they will be a huge issue in terms of noise.
As well as checking for transport links, it also makes sense to have a look at any local plans to introduce any new links. For example, major transport websites like Transport for London and Transport for Greater Manchester will often feature any new train or bus links planned in the future.
In addition to the transport links/proposed links, think about any local industry. Avoid areas with heavy industry, anywhere in close proximity to recycling centres, and any local water management/cleaning plants.
Pay attention to the details
There are certain issues affecting noise that will be clear if you know to look for them. Speed bumps may slow traffic, creating a safer area, however they are also a cause of noise (and are always installed for a reason…)
Another area to think about are positive and negative noise altering factors. An example of a positive noise altering factor is any restriction on heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) on your road. If there is no change of lorries coming back and forth, this is a good thing for the noise levels. However, living below or near a nightclub or pub is likely to cause noise issues, overspill can be a problem even if you are a short distance from the premises.
Keep visiting if you aren’t sure
Buying a property is a huge choice to make, so it pays to visit the property several times in order to make the right decision. Some streets are busy during the day, but quiet at night and weekends. For example, buildings such as schools can generate noise during the day but aren’t used at night. These are not a disadvantage if you work away from home during the day, however with the COVID pandemic in full force working from home is much more common.
In regards to COVID, if you aren’t able to see inside the property then visiting the local area is encouraged – this is of course in reference to the current isolation levels and should only be done if safe.
Try looking for the top floor
If you are looking for an apartment, leasing/buying/renting from the top floor is almost always the safest bet. With no neighbours above, and the shop or enterance far below you, the top floor is very regularly quite quiet. On the top floor you also won’t hear any noise from traffic.
Make modifications – Add carpet
Once you have bought a property there is a lot you can do to help make the property itself quieter. Double glazing, sound insulation, and soft furnishings can all help absorb unwanted sound. Double or triple glazing can be added inside the building if necessary if you are not allowed to make external modifications. In addition to all the above, even having thicker curtains (instead of blinds), even having carpets absorbs noise.
A simple step; adding some sort of audio balancing carpeting can be massively beneficial for those suffering with noise. Rubber matting can help reduce the sounds coming from below. Watching out for wood is important too, with a wooden floor you may find creaks (and you may find creaking from above you as well…).
Prepare for surprises…
Unfortunately, even in isolated or previously peaceful locations, things can change… Keep your eyes peeled for unused property which may turn into noisy development sites. At the end of the day, we should all bear in mind changes could come at any time, and noise can be unpredictable. Keeping an eye out during the purchasing process and even once you have already moved in will help you ensure you still own a quiet property.
If you want to learn more about property, and learn some of the advice on how to construct the best rental portfolio, have a look at the Nick Fox books.
Nick Fox started his property investment career 10 years ago and his portfolio has grown to one of the largest in the UK. Nick now mainly focuses on HMOs (houses in multiple occupation) and works to help others achieve property success too. Visit here to find out how he can help you.
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