Power Lines, Visual Encumbrance and House Values: A Microspatial Approach to Impact Measurement

This research looks at the impact of high-voltage transmission lines (HVTL) on surrounding property values, using a microspatial approach. It is based on a sample of 507 single-family houses sold over the 1991-96 period in the City of Brossard, in the Greater Montreal area, Canada. Findings suggest that although severe visual encumbrance due to a direct view on a pylon or conductors does exert a significantly negative impact on property prices with depreciations ranging from 5% to well in excess of 20%, being adjacent to the easement will not necessarily cause a house to depreciate and may even increase its value in similar proportions where proximity advantages exceed drawbacks.