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How Location Affects Your Home’s Value: A Complete Guide
Did you know that a 10% increase in violent crimes can reduce neighborhood home values by up to 6%? This is just one example of how location plays a crucial role in determining property value.
As a real estate expert in Quebec, I often get asked about the relationship between location and home value. Whether you’re buying or selling, understanding why “location, location, location” matters will help you make smarter real estate decisions.
Why Location Matters More Than Your Home Itself
While your house naturally depreciates over time, the land it sits on often appreciates in value. This is because land is a finite resource—we’re not making more of it! That’s why two homes with identical layouts can have dramatically different price tags based on where they are located.
So what specific factors increase or decrease property value?
Location Factors That Increase Home Value
1. Proximity to Essential Amenities
When I show properties to buyers, they always prioritize convenience. Homes near the following amenities tend to hold their value better:
✅ Top-rated schools (even if you don’t have kids, school zones impact resale value)
✅ Restaurants and shopping centers
✅ Public transportation (metro stations, commuter rail access)
✅ Healthcare facilities (hospitals, clinics, pharmacies)
✅ Parks and recreation areas
✅ Community centers and entertainment hubs
💡 Pro Tip: Even if a home isn’t your forever home, consider resale potential. A home near great schools or transit hubs will always be in demand.
2. Infrastructure & Development
Upcoming developments boost property values over time. In Quebec, for example, the new Réseau express métropolitain (REM) project is making certain areas more desirable.
Keep an eye on:
✔️ New public transit projects (metro stations, bus routes)
✔️ New hospital or healthcare expansions
✔️ Commercial developments (malls, entertainment complexes)
✔️ Community improvement projects
When investing in real estate, always check future development plans for the area.
Location Factors That Decrease Home Value
Not all location factors work in your favor. Here are a few red flags that may negatively affect a home’s worth:
❌ High-tension power lines (buyers may have health concerns)
❌ Heavy traffic zones (busy intersections, highways)
❌ Nearby industrial areas (noise, air pollution)
❌ Proximity to hospitals (siren noise)
❌ Airport flight paths (loud takeoffs/landings)
❌ Cemeteries (some buyers may see this as a negative)
Before buying a home, always visit the area at different times of day to check for noise levels, congestion, and overall ambiance.
How the Remote Work Trend is Changing Location Demand
Before the pandemic, commute time was a major consideration for homebuyers. However, with remote work on the rise, buyers are willing to move farther from city centers in exchange for larger homes, more green space, and affordability.
This means that suburban and rural areas with great local amenities are seeing an increase in demand.
💡 Takeaway: If you’re selling, highlight your home’s work-from-home-friendly features, like home office space and fast internet connectivity.
How to Assess a Location’s Long-Term Value
1. Research the Neighborhood
Before making a real estate decision, do your homework:
📍 Drive through the area at different times of the day
📍 Research crime rates and safety stats
📍 Check for planned developments (new roads, malls, transit)
📍 Evaluate public transportation access
📍 Look up school district ratings
2. Consider Future Growth
Smart buyers and sellers look beyond current conditions. Ask yourself:
- Are new businesses moving in?
- Are there city improvement projects planned?
- What are the local real estate trends?
- How has the neighborhood changed over the past 5-10 years?
A little research now can save you thousands in the long run!
Making Smart Real Estate Decisions
🏡 You can renovate a house, but you can’t change its location. That’s why I always advise my clients to consider:
✔️ A “less-than-perfect” home in a great location over a perfect home in a bad area
✔️ Neighborhood trends and future potential
✔️ Long-term infrastructure developments
✔️ Local market data (growth trends, price history)
📍 Related: How to Evaluate a Neighborhood Before Buying a Home: Key Factors to Consider
Need Help Selling Your Home?
Every home has the right buyer—sometimes, it’s just about making the right adjustments.
If you have questions about why your home isn’t selling or want an expert’s opinion on market conditions in Quebec, reach out today!
📞 Call Peter Thompson: (438) 500-8344
📩 Email: peter@peterthompson.ca
🏡 About Peter Thompson
Peter Thompson is a Quebec real estate expert specializing in helping homeowners navigate complex market conditions. Contact him today for a personalized home sale strategy.
🔗 More Resources:
- When Should You Update Your Certificate of Location?
- Certificate of Location: What Every Quebec Homeowner Should Know
Peter graduated from Lasalle College in hospitality and spent 13 years managing the infamous Chateau du Lac, where he built a reputation for leadership and forming genuine, trusting relationships.
Peter’s real estate career is built on a foundation of honesty, trust, and tireless effort. He takes pride in going above and beyond to ensure his clients feel supported and confident throughout their journey. He regularly provides timeline market insights on his local service areas of Saint-Lazare, Hudson, Vaudreuil, and Rigaud, but has expanded to service clients across the Vaudreuil-Soulanges and West Island regions.
Outside of work, Peter’s world revolves around his wife and two young boys, who inspire him every day. A die-hard Montreal Canadiens fan, Peter never misses a chance to cheer on the Habs or crack a dad joke to keep everyone smiling.
This is #AskPete. If you have any real estate questions, feel free to send them and I will get you the answers. Or stay up to date on the latest tips for real estate buyers and sellers by clicking the YouTube button below:
