Potential Impact on Property Value
Buyers may still be scared away from a property located adjacent to a cemetery. The dead tend to keep to themselves, so a cemetery is a comparatively peaceful place to have next door. Seen as an important symbol of life, hands carved into gravestones represent the deceased’s relationships. Cheap rent I guess because people are reluctant to live there? Living near a cemetery doesn’t really affect your home’s value, instead, it shrinks the market.
In general, living by graveyards and cemeteries is considered ‘negative’ Feng Shui because on the very practical level, the land is literally home to decaying bodies. So, visually, that could become a huge turn-off and ‘creep’ factor. However, perhaps you enjoy that very Yin (quiet) energy that surrounds your home.
Think of it like a lease – the lease on the plot may run out in 20 years, in which case they may offer the opportunity to renew the lease. If the lease is not renewed, the plot will be reused. A house near a graveyard might stay longer on the market, waiting for a buyer – up to 48 days, according to Redfin.
Health and Safety Concerns
Is it safe to live next to a cemetery? Mercury is what most people who live near crematories worry about. It causes brain and nerve damage. The Environmental Industries Commission says doing nothing exposes people to increasing mercury.
Coffins pose environmental and health hazards. The metals can corrode into toxins.
In 1978, cemeteries near waterways were banned due to poisonous leaching. Homes likely filter water, but risks remain, especially from older cemeteries with more decomposition.
Cultural Implications and Considerations
Many consider it taboo to live near a cemetery, which can make selling harder. It’s also considered inauspicious to buy a home near one, and it’s considered negative Feng Shui due to decaying bodies being a turn off.
The gravedigger may use a sod cutter or spade. The top sod is removed. Graves are often 6 feet deep.
Many feature old gravestones offering historical perspective. They are often green spaces with no developments.
Distance Recommendations and Superstitious Beliefs
The highly recommended distance is 500m from a cemetery. Graveyards for cremated bodies tend to be more neutral with happier atmospheres. If a cemetery is only 50m from your plot, consult a vastu expert before constructing a home. Homes should not be within 500 m of a cemetery, although some agents say many Chinese won’t live within 5 miles of one.
Coffins collapsing over time mars cemeteries’ appearances and makes maintenance harder. Graves stay intact at least 100 years, often longer, before being left to get overgrown.
If you have reservations about comfort with a cemetery, look elsewhere. Location matters more than cemetery proximity. Compromises between ideal location and budget may be needed. Make sure you feel peaceful and at ease with the plot.