25/08/2009

25 August 2009

Noise - the New Frontier for Housing in Australia
Local councils now have noise abatement departments and keep records of noise complaints numbers, usually on a monthly basis.

With governments planning to add hundreds of thousands of more residents to existing suburbs in Australia's capital cities to battle the urban sprawl, noise will become a major economic, social and environmental issue for home buyers and home owners.

Noise levels are an issue with higher density living

Australia's current residential densities and more consolidated urban development are putting neighbours closer together than ever before and linked with already heavy road congestion in many of these areas will have major increases in noise levels which could impact on property values, Archicentre, the building advisory service of the Australian Institute of Architects said today. Angus Kell, ACT & NSW State Manager of Archicentre said whilst some of the new developments may have double glazing and other noise proofing elements, existing homes and commercial buildings in areas selected for denser populations will need to be retrofitted to cope with new noise levels of higher density living as proposed by governments. "Noise will increasingly play a part in valuing property and home buyers purchasing in areas likely to be impacted by increased population densities should do their homework on noise and the environmental impact on their neighborhood. "For home buyers it always a good idea to visit a property at the noisiest time of the week and ensure a thorough check of the planning regulations which are in place for the area."

Mr Kell said that noise is a significant issue for people who have retired or who work from home as they are in their homes for longer periods during the day where they are usually seeking peace and quiet to work or relax.

"One of the major problems facing home owners with a noise problem is the complexity of dealing with many different agencies and different legislation as no one agency owns the noise issue.

"Councils usually have jurisdiction to act on certain noise complaints, and share the responsibility of noise control with other government bodies.

"Designing of new homes and renovation of existing homes requires careful consideration and use of new technologies to contain noise within the building so neighbours are not annoyed and to keep out external noise."

Mr Kell said noise is not just a nuisance but it can lead to the development of a number of health issues such as stress, sleep deprivation as well as a major loss of property value through the downgrading of the neighborhood's environmental amenity.

"Local councils now have noise abatement departments and keep records of noise complaints numbers usually on a monthly basis."

www.archicentre.com.au

Media Enquiries:
Angus Kell, ACT & NSW State Manager Archicentre (02) 9411 1000 Mobile: 0412 565 023
Ron Smith Corporate Media Communications Archicentre (03) 9818 5700 Mobile: 0417 329 201