Does Living Next Door to a Cemetery Adversely Affect Residential Property Values?

[BristolCavendish]

Curious. A work colleague relocating out-of-state is considering buying a house that is right next door to a cemetery. From the backyard deck, one can see rows of headstones and IMO it's kind of creepy (especially after sundown). The RE agent described the property as 'peaceful and in a bucolic setting' and his initial bid was readily accepted by the seller's agent.

When asked for my feedback, I tried to dissuade him from making a commitment towards purchasing this residential property. Years ago, an acquaintance bought a home adjacent to a church that had a communal burial ground and when time came to sell, the offers were noticeably less than other homes listed in the surrounding neighborhood.

It kind of reminds me of that old Grateful Dead song "Death Don't Have No Mercy" (whether in this life or in regards to the dollar sign.)

[andromeda160]

personally I wouldn't have a problem living near one, I like the fact that it usually means you don't have neighbors on one side of your house. I've never heard of zombies coming up from the dead and I don't believe in ghosts. However, I would factor in the fact that when come time to sell it might turn off a lot of prospective buyers and would use that to my advantage come purchase time.

[Jimbogigolo]

It’s bad fend shui to live near a cemetery. I do believe that values in terms of desirability is affected


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[hsm]

There are many ancient villages in England, I live in one, its 1000 years old, there are always houses near the church, near the graveyard, I think it may put a minority off, but some see it almost as a peaceful, natural asset.

I am away from the church, but if I was buying a house that was great, and near the yard, I don't think it would stop me from buying.

[jrs146]

I think it would be easy to see comps of houses in that neighborhood to determine if his offer is fair


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[GradyPhilpott]

During my childhood we lived next to a cemetery and it's not creepy at all.

As for property value, I don't know.

At least the neighbors aren't noisy.

[Magwitch]

I think the virtual certainty that the cemetery will not be developed would be a plus for buyers. In my neighborhood there were 8 acres with 3 homes from the 1950's on it. They developed it nicely with 14 new homes and the adjacent property owners get all bent. I told them they should move next to a cemetery.

[BravoOne]

I wouldn'y be caught dead living next to a cemetery and having to watch mourners pass through in their hearse and cars would be very depressing, especially military burials.

[MonBK]

Originally Posted by jrs146

I think it would be easy to see comps of houses in that neighborhood to determine if his offer is fair


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Of course, that would be the natural way to do it but some prefers to ask TRF.

[dysondiver]

huge bonus ,,,,

living so close to the dead centre of town.

[AzPaul]

Why am I thinking of the movie, "Poltergeist"

[Etschell]

depends if it is a pet cemetary or not.

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

During my childhood we lived next to a cemetery and it's not creepy at all.

As for property value, I don't know.

At least the neighbors aren't noisy.

When folks ask about the neighborhood you can say it's kind of dead around these parts!

[Tony64]

Originally Posted by Magwitch

I think the virtual certainty that the cemetery will not be developed would be a plus for buyers. In my neighborhood there were 8 acres with 3 homes from the 1950's on it. They developed it nicely with 14 new homes and the adjacent property owners get all bent. I told them they should move next to a cemetery.

^^^Agree with this.

It's a positive practical point to consider for an intelligent buyer.

Preserving one's view has become increasingly difficult, and living next to a protected area is an almost assurance that nothing will change.

[Tony64]

Originally Posted by MonBK

Of course, that would be the natural way to do it but some prefers to ask TRF.

And some, it seems, prefers to answer.

[larsr]

Well I would have no hesitation if it was a cemetery filled with old graves and not in current use. Modern, meaning actively being filled, it would really depend on my particular property, and its privacy, relative to cemetery, but I would have to think on this scenario.

[locutus49]

We almost bought a townhouse in Alexandria Virginia that was across from an old crematorium. The price was low and resale would be bad, so we passed on it. They eventually demolished the crematorium and put in a store.

So, while these things don't bother all people, I think they do affect pricing in America.

[rootbeer7]

Dead right it does.

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by Bigblu10

When folks ask about the neighborhood you can say it's kind of dead around these parts!

[cop414]

While it could diminish the price I wouldn’t have any problem living near one as long as I didn’t have to see daily processions go by my window.

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by Tony64

And some, it seems, prefers to answer.

Prefers to respond, you mean. The answer would require actual facts that demonstrate what the reality is. Otherwise, the responses are akin to “what’s your favorite color”.

[Iveflipped]

Here it for sure affects the price.

I’m not an environmentalist or anything close to it but i would be concerned with the amount of forameldyde etc in the ground that seeps into surrounding thing.
I know weird thing to think about ha ha


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[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by Iveflipped

Here it for sure affects the price.

I’m not an environmentalist or anything close to it but i would be concerned with the amount of forameldyde etc in the ground that seeps into surrounding thing.
I know weird thing to think about ha ha


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I’d be more worried about lead soldered casket seams than embalming fluid.

Golf courses are equally quiet and scenic... until some duffer drives a ball into your window. Of the two, I’d take the occasional grave digger and squaling mourners.

[tamiya]

Originally Posted by Magwitch

I think the virtual certainty that the cemetery will not be developed would be a plus for buyers.

Depends where in the world you are. If empty land is plentiful then you'd not choose to redevelop a burial ground, but if you're in land scarce Singapore it's a certain eventuality. Even downunder in Melbourne they're building over ancient mass unmarked graveyards.

[tamiya]

Originally Posted by Etschell

depends if it is a pet cemetary or not.

Every house I've lived in becomes a pet cemetery

I don't go burying valuables in my backyards

[mcorliss]

I lived next to one for 7 years when first married. Aside from being divorced now, I see no problem with it. In fact, you should welcome it if you too want to “date” lots of 30s and 40s MILFs someday.

[tamiya]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

Golf courses are equally quiet and scenic... until some duffer drives a ball into your window.

Golf estates used to be the rage, I've been on a few. Afaik they try to use some type of toughened glass that balls just bounce off.

It's your cars you've gotta worry about

[tamiya]

Originally Posted by Iveflipped

I’m not an environmentalist or anything close to it but i would be concerned with the amount of forameldyde etc in the ground that seeps into surrounding thing.

It breaks down into urea before long. Good fertiliser to push up daisies.

[Iveflipped]

good to know lol


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[BristolCavendish]

Originally Posted by tamiya

It breaks down into urea before long. Good fertiliser to push up daisies.

Methanol>Formaldehyde>Formic Acid. Something along those lines.

Ants secrete formic acid to protect their nests.