How PFAS Lowers Your Home’s Value (And What You Can Do About It)

In recent years, PFAS—per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—have emerged as a significant environmental concern, earning the nickname “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment. These chemicals, commonly found in AFFF firefighting foam, have led to PFAS water contamination near military bases, airports, and firefighter training facilities, impacting local homeowners. For those affected, PFAS exposure not only raises health concerns but also threatens property values, making it difficult to sell or finance their homes.

For many property owners, the presence of PFAS contamination in their water and soil due to community AFFF usage nearby has a direct financial impact. As contaminated water becomes a red flag for potential buyers, property values decline, leading to long-term economic repercussions. Fortunately, homeowners are not without recourse. Those living near contaminated sites may qualify to file a property damage lawsuit against the companies responsible. Compensation may be available for loss of property value, water filtration costs, and remediation expenses.

This blog will explore how PFAS contamination lowers home values, what signs to look for, and what steps homeowners can take if they suspect their property has been affected.

What is PFAS and How Does It Affect Property (Home) Values?

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of man-made chemicals that have been widely used since the 1940s for their water-resistant and nonstick properties. Found in firefighting foams, nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, and food packaging, PFAS chemicals are known for their long-lasting nature, meaning they do not naturally break down in the environment. This persistence has led to widespread PFAS groundwater contamination, particularly near military bases, airports, and firefighter training facilities where AFFF firefighting foam runoff has been extensively used.

One of the biggest contributors to PFAS contamination is aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), used to combat fuel-based fires. The runoff from AFFF use has contaminated soil and groundwater, putting homeowners near military bases and other affected areas at risk. Once PFAS chemicals enter the water supply, they can migrate miles from the original contamination site, affecting entire communities.

How PFAS Contamination Lowers Property Values

If your home is located near a known PFAS-contaminated site, its value could significantly decrease due to concerns about toxicity, water quality, and health risks. Here are some key ways PFAS contamination negatively affects property values:

1. Out-of-Pocket Cost
   • If you are planning on selling property that has been contaminated by PFAS, you run a risk of having to remediate your area before you sell it. Often, remediation is required by certain states, depending on where you live, before sellers put the property up for sale. The price of remediation is not always covered by homeowners’ insurance, meaning you could be stuck with the tab.
     • Property remediation requirements and costs depend on many factors, including which state your property is in and how contaminated the area is, as well as the surrounding areas, tests to be conducted. The cost of remediating PFAS soil and private water wells can begin at about $10,000 and upwards to tens of thousands of dollars. It includes digging up your soil, landscaping, pathways, driveways, and more.
2. Insurance Companies May Increase Premiums or Deny Coverage

• In some cases, insurance providers may raise premiums due to the increased risks associated with PFAS contamination. They may also deny claims for any/all property remediation efforts.
• Remediating contaminated land may lower the owner’s rate initially, but unless your neighbors remediate their properties as well, the community’s insurance costs will not stay down.

3. Homebuyers Avoid Contaminated Properties

• Many prospective buyers are unwilling to purchase a home in an area with known toxic contamination, fearing potential health risks and future property devaluation.
• Even if a buyer is interested, they may demand a significant price reduction due to the risks associated with PFAS exposure and property contamination.

4. Banks May Refuse to Finance Homes in Contaminated Areas

• Mortgage lenders are often reluctant to approve financing for properties with PFAS water contamination.
• If a home is in an area where PFAS exposure lawsuits are active, banks may deny financing altogether or require expensive remediation before issuing a loan.

5. Lower Appraisal Values

• Property appraisers often adjust values downward if a home is in an area affected by PFAS real estate impact.
• Even if a home itself has not tested positive for contamination, being near a known PFAS site can be enough to drive down home values.

6. Lawsuits and Regulatory Scrutiny

• The growing number of PFAS lawsuits against companies like 3M and DuPont has brought more attention to PFAS property devaluation.
• Properties located in affected areas are often harder to sell, as buyers fear potential future costs related to PFAS remediation or health risks.

Legal Action Against PFAS Polluters

Hundreds of PFAS contamination lawsuits have already been filed against major chemical manufacturers like 3M and DuPont. Initially, most lawsuits focused on PFAS water contamination cleanup and remediation costs, with cities and water districts suing for funds to remove PFAS from drinking water. However, an increasing number of homeowners are now filing lawsuits for property devaluation, arguing that the presence of PFAS in their groundwater or soil has directly impacted their home’s resale value.

Recent multi-million-dollar settlements indicate that courts are beginning to recognize the financial and environmental damages caused by PFAS contamination. If you suspect your home’s value has suffered due to PFAS groundwater contamination, you may have legal options to seek financial compensation through an environmental tort lawsuit.

What Can PFAS-Affected Homeowners Do?

If your property is located near a PFAS-contaminated site, you may be entitled to compensation for property damage, water filtration costs, and remediation expenses. The first step is to test your water supply for PFAS contamination and document any official notices from local authorities. If contamination is confirmed, you may qualify for a PFAS property damage lawsuit.

The Downs Law Group is offering a FREE case review to homeowners who believe PFAS exposure has negatively impacted their property value. Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay anything unless we win your case.

To see if you qualify at no cost, call us today at (305) 444-8226 or visit our website to learn more. Your home is your most valuable investment—let us help you protect it.