Earthquakes can cause enormous damage to housing and infrastructure and put people's lives at risk. Therefore, when choosing a location to buy property, it is important to consider seismic risks. In this material, we will analyze the factors influencing the choice of location and use specific examples to show promising locations for purchasing real estate with low earthquake risks.

Contents:

  1. How we Conducted a Seismic Risk Assessment
  2. Countries with Minimal Risk of Earthquakes 
  3. Leaders in Safety Among Cities and Regions
  4. Additional Factors When Choosing a Region
  5. Recommendations for Purchasing Housing in Seismic Zones

How we Conducted a Seismic Risk Assessment

To objectively analyze the seismic situation in different regions of the world, we used authoritative sources, including the Global Seismic Hazard Map, the Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Center (EMSC) and the national geological services of countries.

In our analysis, we focused on the following factors: 

1. Geological structure and tectonic structure of the region. Were there large faults in the earth's crust in the past, in proximity to the boundaries of lithospheric plates.

2. Historical seismic activity, taking into account the strength and frequency of earthquakes in a given area.

3. Quality of development and compliance with building standards for seismic resistance in the housing sector.

4. The level of preparedness of the region for earthquakes — the presence of monitoring and warning systems, evacuation plans, and shelters.

5. Development of seismic infrastructure — landslide protection structures, seismic insulation of buildings, and other protective measures.

Based on this data, we have identified the geologically safest regions for real estate investment.

Seismic hazard map

Seismic hazard map

Countries with Minimal Risk of Earthquakes 

While there are countries that are most prone to earthquakes, there are also those that are considered among the most favorable in terms of seismic threats:

1. Canada is located within the ancient, stable part of the North American Plate. Seismic activity here is low; there have been practically no large destructive earthquakes. The exception is the Pacific coast of British Columbia.

2. Australia's mainland is located on a very stable section of the lithosphere, geologically representing an array of ancient crystalline rocks. The region is considered seismically inactive; strong tremors are extremely rare. 

3. Norway is a Scandinavian country located on the ancient Baltic part of the Eurasian plate, where the risk of earthquakes is minimal. Seismic hazard may be higher only in the Svalbard and Jan Mayen archipelagos.

4. Denmark is one of the most seismically stable countries in Europe due to its location on the Baltic Shield with ancient rocks. There are practically no earthquakes, even of small magnitude, here.

5. Brazil — the vast territory of this country lies within the South American plate, most of which is characterized by low seismicity. The risks are slightly higher only in the north of Brazil, in the area of ​​the Amazon Trench.

Regions with minimal earthquake risks also include Finland, Sweden, most of Russia (exceptions are the Caucasus, Kamchatka, Altai, and the Baikal Rift Zone), Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Belarus, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, France (except the southeast), Great Britain, South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia.

Leaders in Safety Among Cities and Regions

Let us now consider in more detail the most promising cities and regions for purchasing housing in countries with low seismic hazards.

Let’s begin with Canada:

  • Ottawa and National Capital Territory region

  • Toronto, Mississauga and suburbs

  • Much of the vast province of Ontario

  • Montreal, Quebec and other cities in this province

  • Saskatoon, Regina, Winnipeg, and other cities of the Canadian prairies.

In Australia, regions with minimal seismic hazards include:

  • Canberra and Australian Capital Territory

  • Adelaide and surrounding areas of South Australia

  • Most of New South Wales, excluding the coast

  • Central Australia — areas around Alice Springs, etc.

  • Interior of Victoria and Queensland.

In Norway, the leading ones in terms of geological stability are:

  • Oslo and surrounding Eastern Norway

  • Interior of the southern part of the country

  • Cities of Stavanger and Trondheim with districts

  • Northern Norway, excluding the Svalbard and Jan Mayen archipelagos

For Denmark, as one of the most earthquake-free countries, safe locations include:

  • Copenhagen and Greater Copenhagen area

  • Aarhus and central Jutland

  • Other large Danish cities: Odense, Aalborg, etc.

In Brazil, the lowest seismic hazard is expected in the following regions: 

  • Rio de Janeiro area and southeast of the country

  • Central states of Brazil — Federal District, Goiás, etc.

  • Northeast Brazil, excluding areas bordering the Amazon

  • The region of São Paulo and part of the states of Parana and Santa Catarina.

Additional Factors When Choosing a Region

In addition to the low level of seismic risk, when purchasing real estate, other factors that influence the safety and investment attractiveness of the region should be taken into account:

1. Protection from other natural disasters — hurricanes, floods, landslides, etc. It is optimal to choose areas with a temperate climate and low risks of natural disasters.

2. Economic stability and development of the real estate market. In countries with growing economies and high demand for housing, investments will be more profitable.

3. The legal system and regulatory framework of the construction sector. In regions with clear legislation, the rights of the owner are better protected.

4. Transport accessibility and developed infrastructure. Proximity to business centers, airports, and convenient transport hubs is very important.

5. Socio-political situation and crime level. Safety of life and business is one of the main criteria for purchasing real estate.

6. Quality of life, ecology, development of the service sector, and the availability of recreational facilities. These factors increase the liquidity and value of your home.

Thus, the optimal solution would be to choose economically stable and safe areas in all respects with a low level of seismic risk.

Recommendations for Purchasing Housing in Seismic Zones

If, for some reason, you decide to invest in real estate in a region with increased seismic activity, you should take a number of additional precautions:

1. Carefully study the history of earthquakes in the area. Pay attention to the strength, frequency, and effects of tremors.

2. Contact professionals to assess the degree of seismic resistance of the selected property. Old buildings may require significant structural strengthening.

3. Give preference to high-quality new buildings from reliable developers who comply with strict seismic codes and standards.

4. Choose low-rise permanent buildings with low structural weight, as they are better able to withstand earthquakes.

5. Evaluate local seismic hazard monitoring and warning systems. Study the plan for evacuating your home and area in case of an emergency.

6. Be sure to take out insurance in case of damage or destruction of real estate by earthquakes.

Compliance with the above measures does not guarantee 100% safety, but will significantly reduce the risks of financial losses and injuries.