Buried Gems – Buying Near a Cemetery
Published on 29 August 2022, 07:22:56 AM
Does buying a house near a cemetery have grave consequences? Astoundingly, homeowners report living next to the dearly departed has some upsides.
Living on a waterfront or beside a golf course — now that’s a desirable location that commands high prices. But a cemetery? Rest assured, lots of people are buying a house near a cemetery.
It might be just the ticket if downsizing or buying a first home has you on a restricted financial diet. Come to think of it, buying a house near a cemetery could be a pleasant respite from a starter home near a busy freeway or noisy schoolyard.
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Pros and Cons of Living By a Cemetery
Buying a house near a cemetery, with its leafy, green spaces and well-manicured lawns, has its pluses.
The reality is new graveyards just aren’t being constructed at the rate they used to be. Nowadays, only 20% of Canadians opt for burial, and that makes buying a house near a cemetery all the more unique.
Don’t get let down – your realtor’s duty to you.
Peaceful stroll on a sleepy Sunday afternoon, anyone? Our top 4 reasons to consider buying a house near a cemetery:
- No worries about new development. City council likely isn’t to uproot the cemetery anytime soon. Your home’s views, and peace of mind, won’t be impacted by noisy construction or annoying sight lines.
- They’re quiet most of the time – other than for the occasional burial.
- Most cemeteries are well established. Older subdivisions can have bigger lots and mature, more affordable homes. Realtor.com reports home prices are 12% lower around cemeteries.
- Sellers may be more willing to negotiate. Not everyone is keen on buying a house near a cemetery. Since you don’t mind the location, they may be happy to lower the price to get a quicker sale. Of course, you may have to be flexible yourself when the time comes to sell your piece of peaceful paradise.
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No, It’s Not Bad to Buy a House Near a Cemetery
If that doesn’t convince you to take a second look at buying a house near a cemetery, science might help. That’s because living near a cemetery or crematorium is safer than it used to be.
A January 2000 Ohio research project found chemicals like mercury from dental fillings, and formaldehyde from embalming fluid, travelled vertically into cemetery soil samples. Environmental damage was confined to the cemetery site, not adjoining property.
Modern wooden caskets are well sealed, and those leafy trees take up groundwater and soil, disposing of some contaminants. Ontario’s cold, dry climate preserves bodies longer (50 to 500 years) than warmer spots. Eco-friendly solutions like biodegradable cardboard coffins and shrouds make an impact too.
You can rest assured modern zoning regulations take into account how far a cemetery is from groundwater, surface water, and ditches. That said, you probably don’t want to buy in a flood prone zone. For the last word, read: Cemetery Setback Distances to Prevent Surface Water from Contamination from the National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health.
Worries about health effects from living near a crematorium aren’t bolstered by research either. You won’t have to fear distasteful smells because odours are sealed beneath the soil.
What About the Feng Qshui?
Is It bad feng qshui to live near a cemetery?
Now that depends on who you ask. A cemetery is seen as a mountain in feng qshui, but also a place of decay, and a reminder of death and mortality. Despite potential dark energies or “yin”, what direction your face homes, the cemetery’s size, and who’s buried there can make a difference.
Look for a neat, orderly cemetery covered with lush greens, and definitely consult an expert. Certified feng qshui practitioner Laura Cerrano advises to balance negative energy with Yang (life force). She recommends bird feeders, creating a cozy, warm interior with real plants, and installing protective symbols like a Ba-gua mirror.
See how a landscape architect fixed a cemetery’s feng qshui.
Why You Need a Real Estate Lawyer
Axess Law makes buying or selling real estate near cemeteries, or anywhere in Ontario, easier to conclude. When you’re ready to complete the deal, bring us your agreement of purchase and sale.
Our licensed real estate lawyers can review your draft or signed offer to purchase, and offer suggestions about clauses that preserve your buyer’s right to cancel. We negotiate with the seller’s lawyer if you have to walk away because mortgage financing fell through, or a home inspection went sour.
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Selling and a buyer just won’t commit? We connect with the buyer’s lawyer to see if an amendment to the agreement of purchase and sale is needed to extend timelines, or make the terms more agreeable.
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Access lawyers for less in Greater Toronto Area, Ottawa, or anywhere in Ontario when you buy, sell, or transfer property. Axess Law’s flat fee real estate lawyers are affordable, and our rates are all inclusive (excluding taxes, disbursements, and third-party charges). Axess Law offers you only the legal services you absolutely need. Your final invoice includes no surprises or hidden charges. Your itemized statement of adjustments is explained when we deliver it, and we answer any questions you have about it.
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Now you can close transactions anywhere in Ontario without leaving home. Axess Law’s remote real estate lawyers let you sign legal documents online with confidence. If you haven’t tried a virtual real estate lawyer before, you could be surprised at just how convenient it really is.
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Our online booking form lets you pick convenient appointment times online. Dial our 647-479-0118 lawyer line for assistance finding Axess Law real estate lawyers near you in Greater Toronto Area, Ottawa, or virtually anywhere in Ontario. We accept toll free calls at 1-877-552-9377. Axess Law has onsite parking, and easy transit access.
