In recent years, the number of flights at Brisbane Airport has continued to increase, and noise issues have become a major issue between citizens and the government. Since the opening of the second runway in 2020, noise complaints have increased sharply; SODPROPS(Dual runway departure and arrival pattern in the same direction) Although attempts were made to fly flights towards Moreton Bay to reduce urban noise, the actual effect was limited due to weather conditions.
Airservices Australia recently launched a new round of airway advisories, proposing to spread flights across more areas to reduce pressure on hard-hit areas. However, residents worry that this will only cause more communities to be "drowned" and will not actually reduce the noise problem.
✈️ New plan highlights
- North changes: There will be fewer flights over Samford Valley and Cedar Creek, but more flights over Everton Park and Brisbane CBD.
- Changes in the southLogan City will benefit from noise reduction, but Bulimba, Balmoral and West End will be subject to more flights.
Airservices Australia explained that the new scheme aims to "distribute the noise evenly" so that no single area is affected more often. However, the president of the Brisbane Flight Path Community Alliance criticized it as a "divide and conquer" approach that would simply shift the noise to other communities.
🔊 Noise affects more than just sleep
The noise problem is not just a simple inconvenience in daily life, it also has a substantial impact on the real estate market:
1. Property valuation and resale value
Waterway noise often directly impacts property values. Properties located in areas with significant noise levels generally have lower valuations than similar properties. Even if overall market values appreciate, the rate of increase may be slower. When new waterway noise is announced, the market immediately reflects the perceived risk, leading to a discount in local property prices.
2. Rent levels and tenant types
Noise issues can make tenants more discerning, with families and remote workers particularly valuing a quiet environment. Properties located below waterways may require lower rents to attract tenants, compressing rental returns.
3. Vacancy rate and turnover rate
Properties in noise zones often experience longer vacancy periods. When tenants move out, re-letting can take longer, requiring landlords to prepare additional cash flow to cope with rental gaps, otherwise financial pressure will increase.
4. Living comfort and renovation costs
Long-term exposure to flight noise can affect sleep quality, concentration, and even mental health. Improving comfort often requires additional investment, such as:
- Install double or triple glazed windows
- Add soundproof doors and soundproof walls
- Upgrade air conditioning systems to reduce the need to open windows
These additional expenses can range from thousands to tens of thousands of Australian dollars and must be factored into your home buying budget.
📈 Long-term impact: Olympics and flight growth
The 2032 Brisbane Olympics will bring more flights and international tourists, and flight volume is only expected to increase in the long term. Even if some areas experience a short-term reprieve due to flight path changes, noise issues are likely to worsen again as flight activity increases. Therefore, any real estate or investment decision should factor long-term flight path risk into consideration.
🧭 Homework to do before buying a house
- Check out the latest waterway maps
Airservices Australia offers an interactive map where you can enter your address to see if it will be affected by future flights. - Compare price differences between different locations in the same area
If some streets in the area are affected by waterways, you should compare the price and rental differences to calculate whether the risk is worth taking. - Calculating long-term costs
In addition to the purchase price, you also need to calculate costs such as soundproofing and renovation, possible rent reductions, and vacancy periods. - Consult professional advice
Seek assistance from professionals familiar with the local market, such as buyers' agents or urban planners, who can provide information on waterways, infrastructure, and planning to help assess the long-term impact.
🎯 Conclusion
Waterway noise isn't just community news; it directly impacts housing prices, rental rates, and potential for appreciation. Whether buying a home for personal use or for investment, it's important to investigate waterway conditions before purchasing and factor in potential long-term costs. Thorough research and professional assistance can help you make a more rational and reliable decision.
Chinese