The world-first research sets a new standard in transparent and innovative property valuation.
The study utilised PropTrack’s industry-leading AI-powered Automated Valuation Model (AVM) with an overlay of sophisticated noise modelling data to examine the impact on estimated values of more than 3.7 million properties across Victoria.
The study found aircraft noise had the most influence on estimated values, with a 6-9% average decrease in value for every 10dB(A) increase in noise, while road noise saw a 6% decrease in value for every 10 dB(A), and rail noise saw a 4% average decrease for every 10 dB(A).
Larger decreases were seen in certain pockets near freight rail corridors.
PropTrack Executive Manager – Data and Analytics, Kevin Ward, said the integration of ESG data into PropTrack’s AVM is part of a broader trend towards more environmentally conscious and responsible property valuation, which can equip buyers, sellers, investors and agents with deeper property insights.
“We’re continually looking for ways to further enhance the AVM’s accuracy and provide timely and relevant property insights, including environmental factors such as noise.
The impacts of noise extend beyond property prices, with research from the World Health Organisation showing that noise is the second largest environmental problem affecting health after air pollution.
“While Victorian based, our research aligns with other studies and suggests these findings are likely to apply in other markets,” Kevin said.
“Noise exposure data has the potential to empower buyers to make more informed decisions to suit their lifestyle. A property that’s closer to public transport and other amenities may be in a noisier area, but we know that this ease of access is a priority for many buyers.
“For investors, transport noise impacts the return on investment beyond the overall home value, and this data can support the assessment of the potential impact on tenancy turnover.
“Our aim isn’t to make the decision for buyers, sellers or investors, but to support their decision making with the most comprehensive data available. Insights into the impact of noise can also support agent appraisals, helping them to provide the most accurate data-driven market value advice to their vendors.”
Ambient Director and Principal Acoustic Engineer, Ben Hinze, commented: “We’ve always known noise affects liveability, but now we can quantify its impact on property value with precision.
This collaboration shows how high-resolution environmental data, when merged with powerful AVMs, can deliver property valuations that are not just smarter, but fairer.
“Our data ensures AVMs don’t just see the house, they hear what it’s like to live there. Buyers and investors deserve transparency, and Ambient’s data gives them a clearer picture, right down to the quietest and noisiest wall of a property.”
The full report is available here.