64% of Brits would be reluctant to buy a home near a fracking site, according to OnePoll.
Over 64% of Brits would be reluctant to buy a home near a fracking site, according to research by Onepoll.
The research, conducted by House Extension Online, asked 1000 respondents across the UK if they would ever consider buying a house near a fracking site, and whether they were for or against fracking if it reduced their energy bills.
Over 64% of respondents said that they would be reluctant to buy a home near a fracking site. In response to the question, 21% said that they were somewhat unlikely to consider buying a home near a fracking site, and 43% stated that they were very unlikely to do so.
The survey also showed that 68% of 45 to 54 year-olds were unlikely to buy a home near a fracking site, compared to 59% of 18 to 34 year-olds.
A higher number of women – 63% – stated they were unlikely to buy a home near a fracking site compared to 54% of men.
When respondents were asked if they were for or against fracking if it reduced their energy bills, 32% said that they were in favour of fracking. A similar proportion of respondents (31%) stated they were against fracking even if it resulted in lower energy bills.
Richard Sexton, director at e.surv, said: “Fracking, like any other major infrastructure project, can deter prospective purchasers. Perversely, the anticipation ahead of a project like this can often far outweigh the actual impact, with the effects being fewer than those feared.
“It is therefore no surprise that the ‘gut reaction’ described by the poll is so strong. If we look at the situation positively, this has the potential to bring some properties and areas previously deemed unaffordable within the reach of buyers who would otherwise be priced out of the market - though those selling at a ‘discounted’ price may not feel quite so pleased with the outcome.”
