Should you buy on a main road?

This episode isn't just about busy roads; it focuses on factors impacting livability and capital growth, particularly location. Many of my clients avoid busy roads, but some are open to them. It's a subjective decision, but buyers should be aware of the potential drawbacks. In this episode I run through - Livability Considerations: Main Road Factors: Noise, safety, pollution (air and potentially visual), getting in and out of the property, aesthetics, tram lines, speed humps. Different Levels of Busy Roads: Not all busy roads are the same. Different Times of Day: Consider how busy the road is at various times. Google Maps: Use Google Maps to understand the thickness (number of lanes) of the road. Setback from the Busy Road: Busy road but set back in the block can mitigate some issues. Public acquisition overlays (potential future road widening). Proximity (a few houses back): Topography can affect noise; near a freeway, noise can carry far. Proximity to Amenities/Disruptions: Next to a pub/shops (noise, traffic). Near industrial/commercial zoning (noise, traffic, potential odors). Train line/airport (noise). Social housing (potential for increased activity). Transmission power lines (potential health concerns, aesthetics). Blocks of vacant land/development sites (potential for future disruption). Other Considerations: Overcapitalizing: You might overcapitalize by extensively renovating a property on a main road. Discounted Properties: Bigger blocks with rundown properties on main roads might be discounted (Fairfield example: $1.1m vs. $1.7m). Growth Zoning and Main Roads: Consider growth zoning and buying near main road projects/developments (potential for future changes). Buying Near Big Road Projects/Developments: Be aware of potential disruptions during construction and long-term impact. When Buying a HOME, What's Important? Ticking Your Own Boxes: Prioritize what's important to you, but consider future capital growth. Buying at a Discount: You might get a discount on a busy road property, but it could be harder to sell and potentially at a bigger discount in softer markets. Compromise: Consider buying on a busy road or another compromise (e.g., further from the city). Key Takeaway: Sometimes, being on a busy road allows you to get into a suburb you couldn't otherwise afford, or a renovated property, or into a certain school zone. This highlights the trade-offs involved. Keen to know more? Visit

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Should you buy on a main road? is an episode from The Buyers Bible by Amy Lunardi.

This episode is 19:17 long.

This episode was published on Apr 7, 2025.

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