Deciding whether to buy a home on a main road can present a dilemma for some home buyers. You might have found your dream home in your dream suburb, but its position on a major road might be making you think twice.
We’ve put together a list of pros and cons that come with living on a main road to help make your decision easier.
Pros
1. More affordable
Purchasing a home on a main road is generally more affordable. The traditional rule of thumb is that you will pay approximately 10 per cent less for a home on a main road than you would if that same house was set one street back. If you want to buy
in a suburb that is a little out of your price range, choosing a home on a main road can be a good way to purchase in the lower quartile price range of your dream area.
2. Accessible
Living on a main road generally cuts chunks of time off your commute. Usually main roads are located close to freeways and other major highways that make getting from one destination to another much easier.
You are also more likely to have superior transport options close by which can help reduce your car usage saving you money.
3. Convenient
Convenience is another positive to living on a main road. Generally, most main roads are within walking distance to major amenities like schools and shops, and are also closer to cafes and other lifestyle features than homes in other areas of the
same suburb.
Cons
1. Noise and traffic
Increased noise and traffic is one of the biggest drawbacks associated with living on a main road. There are things you can do to reduce the noise inside like double glazing windows and doors, but your outdoor areas are still likely to be punctuated
with the sound of passing traffic. If noise is a deal breaker for you, then a home on a main road might not be the right fit.
On the other hand, if it’s something you’re weighing up, perhaps try visiting the home at different times to gauge how traffic ebbs and flows throughout the day. You may find it is particularly loud during peak hour times, but then much
quieter outside of those hours. It’s worth making the effort to investigate this before making your decision.
2. Not as kid and pet friendly
Living on a main road can pose an increased risk of danger to kids and pets. Extra traffic means you will need to be more vigilant in ensuring your kids don't wander out unattended and that your pets don’t escape out of the front door or side
gate.
While there is always a chance kids and animals can slip through a front door and escape onto a street no matter where you live, the risk of danger is heightened when your front yard overlooks a busy road with a high traffic flow.
3. Slower price growth
You can’t overestimate the importance of location when it comes to a property’s capital growth potential. Before moving forward with the purchase be sure to consider how important its growth potential is to you. For investors, this may
be more of a deal breaker than for buyers who might value the lifestyle opportunities above potential long term returns.
Verdict
As with many things in life, there is no right or wrong answer to living on a main road. We recommend weighing up the pros and cons and making an informed decision about what is most beneficial to you and your family.
Have more questions on buying your next home? Check out our WA first home buyers guide for answers.
