Home » Library » The Impact of Open Space and Potential Local Disamenities on Residential Property Values in Berks County, Pennsylvania

The Impact of Open Space and Potential Local Disamenities on Residential Property Values in Berks County, Pennsylvania

This research project estimated the impact of different land uses on residential property values of 8,090 single-family houses in Berks County, Pennsylvania. Within 400 meters of a house, open space had the most positive impact on home prices, and, between 400 and 1600 meters, only government owned land or eased lands positively impacted residential property values.
  • Within 400 meters of a house, open space had the most positive impact on house price, followed by large-lot single family residential land. Commercial, small-lot single family residential, and multi- unit residential were less desirable and the least desirable land use was industrial.
  • Between 400 and 1600 meters away from a house, commercial land use had the most positive amenity impact, followed closely by large-lot single family residential housing. For open spaces, only government owned land and land protected by a conservation easement positively impacted residential property values.
  • Within 400 meters of the house, open space with conservation easements are viewed less positively than open space without easements. This could be because this category includes agricultural conservation easements, and such land tends to be intensively managed, which may not be desirable to nearby homeowners. Easements are perceived as a positive amenity if the parcel is located between 400 and 1600 meters from the house.

http://aese.psu.edu/research/publications