Many landlords are unaware of their rights when it comes to the effect of utility infrastructure schemes on the value and use of their properties. Such schemes could be new water mains, sewers, gas mains, underground electricity cables or overhead power lines, for example. The different schemes and compensation paid are governed by different legislation. If you are affected by such a scheme it is important to consider your options as early as possible and these may include persuading the utility company to take a different route over your property or on neighbouring property. Landlords must ensure they claim full compensation for the impact on their property and the works undertaken.

New utility schemes like this are likely to only affect landlords who own large plots or additional land over which a new route for a utility is likely to be needed. However, for the more standard buy to let residential property there is one surprising opportunity available in respect of overhead power lines that landlords will not be aware of. In summary, most people know that power lines devalue properties but they may not know that they could be entitled to substantial compensation for this, even if they bought the property many years after the line was installed or if the property was constructed at a later date.

For background, overhead power lines come in different sizes and construction types. In summary steel pylon lines come in voltages of 400kv, 275kv, 132kv, 66kv and 33kv. The size of pylons varies considerably. There are also wooden pole lines of 33kv and 11kv. The vast majority of these lines will have been installed between the 1930s and 1970s.