One of the most common questions asked by landholders and nearby residents is whether a proposed solar farm will affect surrounding property values.

The honest answer is that there is no single outcome that applies to every property. Property values are influenced by many different factors, and research into the effect of renewable energy developments has produced mixed findings.

How Are Rural Properties Valued?

Professional valuers consider many factors when assessing rural property values, including:

  • Location.
  • Property size.
  • Agricultural productivity.
  • Water availability.
  • Buildings and infrastructure.
  • Access to roads and services.
  • Recent comparable sales.
  • Local market conditions.

A nearby development is only one of many factors that may influence how buyers view a property.

What Does Research Show?

Studies from Australia and overseas have reached different conclusions depending on the type of renewable energy project, the location and the property market being examined.

Some studies have found little measurable impact on surrounding property values, while others have identified effects for particular property types or locations. Outcomes vary depending on the circumstances of each project.

What Factors May Influence Buyers?

Potential buyers may consider:

  • Distance from the development.
  • Visual impact.
  • Landscape character.
  • Traffic and access.
  • Noise (where relevant).
  • Future land use in the surrounding area.
  • The intended use of the property.

Different buyers may place different importance on these factors.

Can There Be Positive Effects?

Some landholders who host renewable energy projects receive lease income, and construction activity can create short-term economic benefits for local businesses. In some regions, infrastructure upgrades associated with major projects may also benefit local communities.

These benefits do not necessarily affect the value of neighbouring properties and should be considered separately.

Questions Worth Asking

  • How close is the proposed development?
  • Will there be visual screening?
  • What traffic changes are expected?
  • How will the surrounding landscape change?
  • Has an independent property impact assessment been undertaken?
  • What information is available from comparable projects?

Our Position

Fair Go for North East Country believes landholders deserve clear, evidence-based information about the potential impacts of major developments.

Where concerns about property values are raised, they should be considered transparently and supported by independent evidence wherever possible.

Looking Ahead

Every community and every property is different. Understanding the factors that influence rural property values helps landholders ask informed questions and participate confidently in planning discussions.

Fair Go for North East Country supports practical planning based on facts, transparency and meaningful community engagement, ensuring local people have access to the information they need before important decisions are made.