Effects of Noise Pollution on Residential Property Value in Enugu Urban, Nigeria

Abstract

One of the persistent environmental issues today is high noise levels in residential areas especially in the developing countries. There are several unorganized informal sector activities such as recreational, road traffic, household and religious activities, operation of power generating sets, incompatible uses in space among others that are the sources of noise pollution in residential areas. A number of empirical studies have been carried out on the impact of noise on residential property values. However, one finds it very difficult to ascertain whether noise pollution affects residential property value in Enugu Urban. The aim of this study is to ascertain whether noise pollution has significant influence on residential rental values in the study area. The study has discovered that residential properties affected by noise pollution have lower rental value compared to those unaffected by 3.1% of its rental value. The study has provided some insight to guide property buyers or users, investors, property managers, and valuers as regards property transactions. The study has suggested that property value spatial index of noise pollution in the study area can be built and use as a guide for urban management strategy to achieve sustainable development.