Tips for Finding a Peaceful Home
For some, it’s about being close to the excitement and action of city life, while for others, finding a peaceful home is their top priority.
If you’re house hunting, it can be challenging to know (beyond the obvious) what to look for. What are the key signs to watch out for if peace and quiet are essential to you? And what can you do to make your home quieter?
Here are nine top tips from OnTheMarket to help you find and create a tranquil home:
1. Choose Your Location Carefully
The location plays a significant role in how peaceful your home will be. Look for factors like proximity to bus routes, bus stops, and train stations. These can significantly impact noise levels in the area.
2. Be Observant
Some noise-related factors will be obvious if you know what to look for. For example, speed bumps may slow traffic, but they can also increase noise levels.
Check for restrictions on heavy goods vehicles on your street, as they can add to noise pollution. Additionally, consider the presence of bars, pubs, or nightclubs nearby, as these can create overspill noise, even if they aren’t directly adjacent to or below your property.
3. Visit at Different Times of the Day
Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make, so it’s worth visiting the property at various times of the day. Some streets may be very busy during the day but quiet at night and on weekends. Buildings like schools may generate noise during the day, but this won’t be an issue if you’re away at work during those hours.
4. Consider the Top Floor
In apartment buildings, the top floor is often a quieter choice since no one lives above you. It’s also farther from the lobby, which can reduce noise levels. Additionally, you’ll be more removed from street-level sounds, such as traffic.
5. Ask Your Surveyor
If you’d like to know more about any sound insulation already installed, ask your surveyor to investigate. Older buildings converted into flats many years ago may not meet modern soundproofing regulations, but more recent conversions are likely to have safeguards for fireproofing and acoustics.
Materials like rubber matting between floors can help reduce noise from other parts of the building.
6. Learn About the Neighbours
Sellers are legally obligated to inform you if they’ve had any significant disputes with their neighbors. What constitutes a dispute is open to interpretation, but generally speaking, if a formal complaint has been made in writing, or if the council or another authority has been involved, the conflict must be disclosed.
7. Watch Out for Wood Floors
Some leases stipulate that properties must have carpeted floors instead of wooden ones, especially in converted buildings sold as separate flats.
While many people prefer wooden or tiled floors nowadays, soundproofing materials beneath the flooring can help minimize noise transmission.
8. Make Changes
Once you’ve purchased a property, there are several steps you can take to reduce unwanted noise. These include:
- Installing double or triple glazing to reduce outside noise (these can be added internally if external modifications aren’t allowed).
- Using soft furnishings like thick curtains, rugs, and upholstered furniture to absorb sound.
- Adding sound insulation to walls, ceilings, or floors to further reduce noise from neighboring properties.
9. Prepare for Surprises
Even in detached or previously quiet areas, things can change. Watch out for outdated facilities nearby that could turn into noisy construction sites in the future. However, keep in mind that noise can be unpredictable, and changes may happen at any time.
Final Thoughts
Finding a peaceful home requires a combination of careful observation, research, and preparation. By taking these tips into account, you can increase your chances of securing a quiet and serene place to live.