Should you buy property near pylons?

Thinking about buying a house near power lines or pylons? With the UK's ambitious net zero targets driving rapid expansion of electricity infrastructure, more properties than ever are being affected by overhead cables, substations, and transmission equipment. Here's what you need to know before making an offer.

One of the current government's manifesto promises was to work towards net zero, a policy which plans to ramp up the adoption and roll-out of 'cleaner' energy options, such as the installation of solar panels and the creation of solar and wind farms. The target for this plan is 2030, which is the year after the latest time when the government's tenure runs out and the country goes back to the polls.

The ambitious plan to reach net zero in the next five years relies on significant infrastructure changes, with the Planning and Infrastructure Bill identifying ways to speed up planning and the installation of new electricity transmission equipment.

This infrastructure expansion could directly impact your property purchase. New pylons, electricity substations, or underground cabling planned for your area may affect your property's future value and saleability. Understanding these potential changes is crucial before you buy.

At the end of May, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) endorsed a new code of conduct and best practice guidance alongside the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV) and the Energy Networks Association (ENA), covering professional work relating to electricity infrastructure rights over land.

This means that electricity infrastructure projects requiring rights to farms and other land must properly recognise all interests - including property owners, tenants, land users and businesses - as part of the planning process.

As Minister for Energy, Michael Shanks, explained:

"Securing Britain's clean energy future means improving infrastructure in a cost-effective way to get renewable electricity on the grid. Without this infrastructure, we will leave families exposed to unstable fossil fuel markets and energy price spikes."

What property searches will reveal

When buying a property near electrical infrastructure, your conveyancing solicitor initiates searches that identify:

• Future infrastructure projects (additional pylons, substations, poles and wires)
• Access requirements over your land
• Rights of way for maintenance and upgrades
• Planned network expansions in your area

Why you need a professional property survey

Since you need to understand the physical implications of nearby electrical infrastructure, a detailed survey is essential. A chartered surveyor will:

• Assess the property's structural condition and stability
• Examine boundaries and access points
• Identify who has rights to access your property
• Evaluate the impact of electromagnetic fields (if applicable)
• Check for any previous flooding or ground stability issues related to infrastructure

While you may not want to join the Pylon Appreciation Society, understanding the implications of living near electrical infrastructure helps you make informed decisions about your property purchase.

Key questions to ask:

• Property value impact: How do nearby power lines affect resale value?
• Health considerations: Are there any proven health risks?
• Noise levels: Do transformers or substations create ongoing noise?
• Maintenance access: What rights do utility companies have over your land?
• Future expansion: Are additional pylons or equipment planned?

If you're considering buying a property near electrical infrastructure, a professional property survey can help you understand the full implications of your purchase decision.

Look for chartered surveyors who are RICS members to ensure professional standards. A comprehensive survey should cover infrastructure impact assessments, structural considerations, boundary issues, and any access rights that utility companies may have over the property.

Call  to get your no-obligation survey quote started, or to discuss your concerns with the acquisition of your planned property.

Or you can get a quick quote, using Surveyor Local's easy-to-use quote generator.