POLICE STREET CRIME MAP LAUNCHED

Flat owners will be able to see a monthly snapshot of crime and anti-social behaviour across every street in Britain with the launch of a new online crime and anti-social behaviour map rolled out on the police.uk website this month. This new initiative provides a convenient visual tool that is easily accessible to homebuyers in aiding their decisions to relocate to a particular area.

It is uncertain whether property prices would be negatively affected, but industry participants suggest that the impacts are likely to be marginal as property valuations reflect the calibre of the neighbourhood. Andrew Turner of Smiths Gore says that although valuations are unlikely to take a blow, they will come under greater scrutiny. In addition, surveyors would be interested in assessing the impact on valuations to lenders.