Do wind farms have an effect on house prices?
There is no evidence in the UK that wind farms have a long-term effect on house prices. Applications for new development can cause a degree of uncertainty in property values, but as confirmed by recent surveys any negative effect on values lessens over time as the form of development is confirmed. In 2003 a MORI survey, commissioned by the Scottish Executive, asked 1,810 adults living close to operational wind farms what they considered the most likely causes for concern before construction. Among the 46% that did expect problems, impact on property values was not a key concern. Furthermore, 82% said the actual construction and operation of the wind farm had caused no problems. The survey also found that people living within 5km of an operational wind farm were the most likely to say the development had a positive impact on the area.
