Two thirds (63%) of homebuyers actively avoided areas of high air pollution when on the hunt for their current home, research by estate agency network eXp UK has found.
A third (31%) said this avoidance was to secure a better standard of life; 23% said it was due to general concerns about the health of the planet; 22% stated it was about protecting their own personal health; and 15% pointed to the health of their children.
In London the Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) is set to expand across all boroughs from 29th August 2023.
Two thirds (67%) are in favour of schemes such as the ULEZ, with 83% stating there should be more schemes designed to lower air pollution rolled out across other areas of the UK.
Adam Day, head of eXp UK, said: “It’s clear from this survey that, given the opportunity, most people will choose to avoid living in areas of high air pollution. But many people don’t have the luxury of choosing because they have to stay in certain built-up areas for work, schools or other family obligations.
“So it certainly appears that the increasing appeal of the commuter belt and beyond isn’t just about affordability; it’s about health as well, which, in turn, leads to a better quality of life.
“Of course, this could be seen as a double-edged sword as more demand for housing in less polluted areas will inevitably result in pollution levels rising.
“However, schemes such as the ULEZ in London are one way of curbing this increase in air pollution to ensure that those residing within a given area are safeguarded from a growing population.”
