The Impact of Proximity to Cell Phone Towers on House Prices in Randpark Ridge, Johannesburg

Abstract

Cell phone tower deployment is globally met with public concerns relating to the aesthetically unappealing nature, health risks associated the electromagnetic field (EMF) emissions from these devices, negative public perceptions and, as a result, the negative effect of these devices on property values for properties in close proximity to these devices. As such, this study analyses the impact of cell phone towers on the house prices. Using a GIS tool to determine distance of cell phone towers to the houses, the study employed a hedonic price model using sales prices of residential transactions between 2012 and 2022 for Randpark Ridge, Johannesburg, to determine the actual impact of proximity to cell phone towers on house prices.In the Johannesburg context, the results of the study found that were no statistically significant findings that suggest there is a correlation between the presence of cell phone towers in close proximity and house prices. The findings of the study were contrary to the findings of the majority of similar studies, where cell phone towers were found to have a negative impact on the price of houses. Due to the limitations of line-of-sight confirmation, budget constraints and time limitations, there is difficulty in using the findings for generalizability.