What Could It Mean for Chester County Homeowners?
One of the biggest development stories in Chester County right now is the proposed data center project in East Whiteland Township near Malvern.
The project is planned for roughly 1.5 million square feet and has received a lot of attention because of its size, electricity and water needs, and the property’s history as part of the former Foote Mineral Superfund site.
What Could This Mean for Property Values?
For nearby homeowners, this is likely one of the biggest questions.
Right now, there isn’t enough local sales data to say that the project will automatically increase or decrease nearby home values.
Research from the National Association of REALTORS® shows that data centers can affect communities differently. Some areas benefit from increased investment, tax revenue and economic activity, while homeowners in other markets have raised concerns about noise, traffic, utilities, appearance and overall proximity to large facilities.
What Should Nearby Homeowners Be Watching?
For homeowners in East Whiteland, Malvern and surrounding areas, I would be paying attention to a few things.
Location Matters
A property directly next to a large development may be viewed differently by buyers than a home several miles away.
Noise & Visibility Matter
Landscaping, lighting, generators, cooling equipment and how well the facility is screened could all influence buyer perception.
Water & Infrastructure Matter
East Whiteland issued a stop-work order in August related to documentation surrounding adequate water capacity for the project. Questions surrounding utilities and infrastructure will continue to be important as the project progresses.
Could There Be Benefits?
There could also be benefits. Large data centers can create construction jobs, permanent employment and additional tax revenue for local municipalities and school districts.
Real Estate Is Ultimately Local
The best way to determine whether a project like this is affecting home values isn’t through national headlines. It is by watching actual buyer behavior, showing activity, days on market and comparable sales in the neighborhoods closest to the development.
That’s something I’ll continue monitoring closely as this project moves forward.
Curious What Your Home Is Worth?
If you own a home in Malvern, East Whiteland, Exton or anywhere in Chester County and you’re curious about what is happening with home values in your neighborhood, feel free to reach out. I can provide a current market analysis based on the actual sales happening around you.
Check out this article next
