Noisy homes are damaging the health and wealth of UK householders and action is now needed to design quieter homes and urban neighbourhoods.
That’s the core finding of new research commissioned by insulation specialist Rockwool among UK property professionals which found that almost two-thirds (64%) said the UK needs quieter homes, with 77% saying levels of noise in buildings are damaging people’s health.
The survey asked a panel of 206 architects, planners, estate agents and property developers across the UK whether noise is a problem in urban homes, and 64% agreed it was and said the levels of noise entering properties needs to be addressed.
A staggering 94% of property professionals said noise has a material impact on people’s enjoyment of their homes, with 70% stating that noisy homes will command a lower re-sale price in future, rising to 86% of the estate agents and architects questioned. In addition 77% believed noise has a detrimental impact on householder’s health.
A further 68% of those questioned stated that urban areas are getting noisier and said sound insulation levels in buildings needs to be improved to ensure it remains effective.
The research reflects the findings of numerous studies which have linked noisy homes with health issues. The World Health Organisation has stated that noise can create cardiovascular problems, insomnia, reduced educational and work performance and hearing issues. In addition an assessment by DEFRA this year estimated that the annual cost of the impact of road noise alone is between £7 - £10 billion a year.
The findings come ahead of the National Noise Summit, being held on November 20 and hosted by The Noise Abatement Society and Rockwool, which will bring together architects, building developers, acoustics experts and planners, with the aim of finding new ways to address the issue of noise in urban buildings.
Thomas Heldgaard, managing director, Rockwool UK stated: “Noise is a serious and growing problem for householders in urban Britain, and our study shows that it is having a profound impact and property professionals recognise that action is now needed to design quieter homes.
“Noise can seriously affect health and wellbeing and tackling this has to be a priority for architects, builders, the Government and local authority planners.
“We hope that the Noise Abatement Society and Rockwool National Noise Summit, being held today, will help find a blueprint for tackling noise in buildings and create quieter, healthier and happier homes for the future.”
