The Effect of Electricity Distribution Equipment on the UK Residential Property Market

The effect of electricity distribution equipment, in particular high voltage overhead transmission lines (HVOTLs), on the value of residential property in the UK remains relatively unexplored due, in part, to the lack of available transaction data for analysis. In addition, property tax bands are too wide to allow small changes in value to be apparent, therefore other methods of determining value impacts (if any) need to be explored. The use of qualitative analysis as an alternative means of establishing any negative impacts is examined, revealing that depending on the methodology used, this type of study can result in surprisingly accurate results. Based on an analysis of literature spanning a wide range of interrelated subjects, a UK study was undertaken to determine the opinions of two groups of property professions; Chartered Surveyors and Estate Agents, towards the presence of distribution equipment in close proximity to residential property. This paper examines the relevant literature and presents the results of a perceptual study using simple visual simulation techniques and attitude surveys