Power Lines, Property Values, and Health: What Every Homebuyer Should Know

By David Locke, Realtor – Locke and Key Associates at Keller Williams

When searching for the perfect home, buyers consider everything from school districts to curb appeal. But one often-overlooked factor can spark both curiosity and concern: **high-tension power lines**. Do they affect property values? Are they safe? Let’s break down what the experts say—because peace of mind is just as important as location.

What Are High-Tension Power Lines?

High-tension or high-voltage power lines are part of the electrical grid that delivers electricity across long distances. These lines emit extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields (EMFs). While invisible, these fields can raise questions among potential homeowners.

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What Science Says About Health Risks

Medical and EMF Experts Weigh In:

Over the past few decades, numerous studies have examined the health implications of living near power lines, particularly the risk of cancer.

- EMFs are non-ionizing, meaning they **do not have enough energy to damage DNA or cells in the same way X-rays or UV rays can.

- The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Cancer Society agree: current scientific evidence does not conclusively link EMFs to cancer.

- However, out of an abundance of caution, the **International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies EMFs as “possibly carcinogenic” (the same group as coffee and pickled vegetables) due to some limited evidence linking them to childhood leukemia in early studies.

In short: no definitive health risk has been proven, but it’s understandable that some families want to limit prolonged exposure.

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What Is Considered a Safe Distance?

EMF strength drops rapidly with distance:

- Directly under high-voltage lines: **20–200 milligauss (mG)**

- At 100 feet: **0.5–10 mG**

- At 300–500 feet: often **indistinguishable from normal background levels** (0.5–1 mG)

While there is no legal “safe distance,” many experts agree that **living 300–500 feet or more from high-voltage lines** significantly reduces exposure.

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Do Power Lines Affect Property Values?

The answer is yes—but not necessarily for scientific reasons. Buyer perception plays a big role in real estate.

- Discounts of 3–10% on home prices are common for properties adjacent to or directly underneath power lines.

Buyers may be deterred due to:

- Concerns about potential health risks

- The visual impact on landscaping or views

- Buzzing or humming noises from the lines

- Homes near power lines often experience **longer days on market** compared to similar homes in nearby neighborhoods.

In urban settings, where infrastructure is part of the landscape, the impact may be less severe—but it's still a factor.

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How to Navigate These Concerns as a Buyer or Seller

As a Realtor, my job is to provide facts and context so you can make confident decisions. If you're considering a home near high-tension lines:

- Ask for EMF readings if you're concerned—some inspectors offer this service.

- Consider the home’s distance from the line* and how visible or audible they are from the living areas.

- If selling, highlight other strong features of the property—location, renovations, yard space—to balance out buyer hesitations.

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Final Thoughts

While there’s no clear evidence that high-tension power lines pose a serious health threat, buyer perception does impact property values**. A well-informed Realtor can help buyers and sellers navigate these concerns with clarity and confidence.

If you’re considering buying or selling a home in Upstate South Carolina—whether it's near power lines or not—I’m here to help you make smart, informed choices.

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