Melbourne, once hailed as one of the world’s most livable cities, is facing a surprising challenge in some of its suburbs—persistent, overpowering odors. Recent data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has unveiled the city’s smelliest suburbs, and notably, many of these areas also feature some of the most affordable property markets.
Cranbourne tops the list, with 884 complaints about landfill stench in the past two years. The suburb’s median house price is $660,000, having grown only 1.5% in the past year. Nearby Botanic Ridge follows closely with 463 complaints, and a median price of $907,500 (up 4.3% year-on-year).
The growth trajectory of Cranbourne South, however, tells a different story. Despite being free from the pungent issues that plague its neighbors, this suburb saw a more robust 11.2% increase in house prices, now sitting at $828,500.
Residents living in these areas, particularly near landfills or industrial zones, have voiced significant frustration. Harpreet Singh, a former Cranbourne resident, shared that his family endured the unbearable stench of decomposing waste for two years before relocating. “We had to keep our windows shut all the time because the stench of decomposing waste was so strong,” he said.
While some buyers are willing to overlook the unpleasant scents due to affordability, others are fleeing the areas, causing some to incur financial losses as the smell becomes an inescapable feature of daily life. For instance, families like the Lenko’s moved only to encounter the same stench in nearby suburbs.
The Psychological Impact of Odours
Monash Business School professor Harmen Oppewal explains the emotional and psychological effects of odors, noting that scent is deeply tied to memory and emotion. “Scent bypasses conscious thought and triggers immediate emotional responses,” he stated, suggesting that pleasant smells like fresh coffee may draw people in, while unpleasant odors can lead to instant aversions.
Real estate experts also emphasize that smell should be considered as important as other neighborhood factors such as traffic or noise. Andy Reid, head of Apollo Auctions Victoria, pointed out that while some areas offer comforting aromas, like the fresh bread of Melbourne’s café culture, others are dominated by industrial or landfill smells, which may deter potential buyers.
EPA’s Response and Recommendations for Buyers
The EPA has ramped up efforts to tackle odor pollution, deploying sniffer drones to track down offenders in real time. They’ve also issued fines and shut down businesses violating odor regulations.
For prospective buyers, experts recommend inspecting properties at different times of day to assess how the scent changes. “A suburb might seem fine in the morning, but if there’s an industrial or landfill odor at night, it could be a problem,” Reid said.
Some developers and real estate agents are capitalizing on the power of scent to enhance home appeal. Staging homes with fragrances like fresh linen or vanilla is becoming increasingly popular as a way to create an inviting atmosphere.
As for residents in areas like Brooklyn, where industrial smells linger, home prices remain sluggish due to the persistent stench. Even as prices rise, the overpowering smells may continue to shape buyer decisions.
In Melbourne, scent isn’t just an environmental factor; it’s an emotional and economic one, influencing the desirability and marketability of suburbs. The city’s diverse olfactory landscape could be a pivotal factor in the future of its housing market.
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