Do burglar bars lower property value?

Do burglar bars lower property value? Burglar bars can lower property value in some markets by 2 to 5 percent as they may signal high crime area and look institutional, but in high crime areas they may not affect or slightly increase value due to security. In low crime suburban areas, burglar bars may lower property value $5000 to $15000 for $300000 house as buyers perceive area unsafe and bars look unattractive and institutional, reducing curb appeal, especially fixed ugly bars versus decorative wrought iron. Real estate agents report homes with bars may take longer to sell 10 to 20 percent longer and may need price reduction. In high crime urban areas, bars expected and may not lower value, buyers value security $100 to $200 per window, and may not affect price. Decorative wrought iron bars $100 to $300 per window with scrollwork look more attractive and may not lower value as much as plain steel bars $50 to $100. Hinged bars with quick release $80 to $200 look less institutional. To minimize value impact, choose decorative interior bars $60 to $120 or security film $50 to $200 or security screens $200 to $500 as alternatives maintaining aesthetics. So burglar bars can lower property value 2 to 5 percent in low crime areas due to perception and aesthetics, but may not affect in high crime areas where security expected, decorative bars less impact than plain bars.