Bad neighbours are not only stressful to live next to, they can also adversely affect the sale of a property with would-be buyers looking for tell-tale signs of potentially problematic neighbours, new research suggests.
Overall in Britain some 28% of people have fallen out with a neighbour, with the most common disputes relating to noise, pets and rubbish, according to the study from Gocompare.
The top grump is loud music, shouting and banging doors, which 40% claim is the cause of a fall out, followed by 25% over barking and pet fouling and 16% connected with rubbish or junk being left in the garden.
Some 4% fell out over a parking space, 13% due to overgrown trees and hedges, 11% over maintenance to a boundary fence or hedge, 10% over damage to property or a car and 10% also over a boundary dispute.
The research reveals how this might affect the sale of a home. It found that 48% of buyers would be put-off a house if the garden of a neighbouring property was littered with rubbish.
Some 43% said that they wouldn’t buy a property if the neighbouring address was in a dilapidated state and 37% wouldn’t buy a home next door to a property let to students.
On the bright side, the survey also found that many neighbours get along well and help each other out. Half of those surveyed said they would call their neighbour a friend, 51% have lent items to a neighbour and 42% have borrowed items.
Also, 51% of respondents look after a neighbour’s property if they are away and water their plants or feed their pets.
‘Most people get along well with their neighbours, however, not all neighbours are easy to live next to. If you have an issue with a neighbour, the first thing you should do is to have a friendly chat with them, as they may be completely unaware of any upset they may be causing,’ said Ben Wilson, GoCompare’s home insurance spokesperson.
‘If you’re unable to resolve the matter amicably, depending on the cause of the dispute, there are a number of options available to you. Citizens Advice have a useful step by step guide on the action you can take, and your home insurance may provide valuable help as well,’ he explained.
‘What’s also worth noting, anyone looking to sell their property is legally required to disclose information about any disputes they’ve had with neighbours on the ‘Seller’s Property Information Form’ provided by their solicitor. Providing false or omitting information could lead to legal action taken against you by the buyers, so honesty is the best policy,’ he added.
