The question of how crime rates affect property values in New Houghton, a built-up area in Bolsover with a population of 2,580, is a complex one. Generally, higher crime rates can deter potential buyers and negatively impact property values, but the picture is rarely straightforward.
New Houghton’s crime rate stands at 92.3 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is slightly above the UK average of 91.6 incidents per 1,000. While this difference is small, it's important to understand what that means in practice. A significant portion of this figure is attributable to property crime, which in New Houghton is recorded at 28.7 incidents per 1,000 residents. Property crime includes offences like burglary, theft, and criminal damage.
However, the overall safety score for New Houghton is 79 out of 100, which is identical to the UK average. This suggests that while there may be specific crime concerns, residents generally perceive the area as reasonably safe. The safety score takes into account a range of factors beyond just crime statistics, including perceptions of safety and community cohesion.
The impact on property values is difficult to isolate. It's likely that the slight increase in the crime rate, particularly property crime, could be a factor in lower property values compared to areas with lower crime rates and higher safety scores. However, other factors such as the availability of local amenities, quality of schools, and overall desirability of the location will also play a significant role. Furthermore, the perception of safety within the community, even if crime statistics are slightly higher, can mitigate some of the negative impact on property values. It's worth noting that a perceived lack of safety can be more detrimental than actual crime rates.
Ultimately, potential buyers in New Houghton should weigh the slightly elevated crime rate against the other positive aspects of the area. Detailed research into specific crime types and engagement with local residents can provide a more nuanced understanding of the situation.