Prospective buyers weigh up south-facing gardens, storage and local shops — but one of the most important questions is what the neighbours are like. Difficult neighbours can turn a dream home into a nightmare and, in extreme cases, knock as much as 10% off a property's value, according to experts. Based on the latest UK average house price of £272,611, that could equate to more than £27,000.
Is it always this noisy?
Noise is often cited as homeowners' biggest bugbear. While legislation exists to protect residents' rights and keep unreasonable noise to a minimum, it can be incredibly hard to enact actual change. Verona Frankish, CEO of estate agents Yopa, tells Metro that whenever you visit a property for the first time you should make a note of any 'loud music, shouting, persistent barking, regular parties or constant DIY'.
A single noisy afternoon does not necessarily tell you much, so Frankish recommends arranging another viewing at a different time of day. 'If you are seriously considering buying, return independently on a weekday evening and again at the weekend. A street that seems perfectly peaceful during an estate-agent viewing at 11am can feel very different at 9pm on a Saturday.'
While noise is par for the course in London, prospective homeowners might want to be extra cautious if they're looking in Kensington and Chelsea, Hammersmith and Fulham, or Islington — all three of which made it into the top five noisiest boroughs in London last year.
Who do all these cars belong to?
A couple of cars parked on the driveway is no cause for concern, but it's worth paying attention to whether there are lots of vehicles and people turning up. 'A constant stream of people or vehicles coming and going from a neighbouring property is definitely worth investigating,' Frankish shares. 'There may be a completely innocent explanation, such as a large family, but it could also point to a busy home business, short-term accommodation or some other intensive use.'
This could mean extra noise or strangers loitering around your own home. Again, Frankish says you'll only be able to work out what's going on by booking to see the property more than once. 'The key is not to jump to conclusions based on one viewing but to return at different times.'
Where did all this mess come from?
You can learn a lot about your neighbours by observing the condition they keep their home in. Frankish notes that 'overgrown gardens, overflowing bins, rubbish being left outside or poorly maintained communal areas' are all things that could indicate ongoing problems and could potentially impact your day-to-day quality of life.
The same goes for if you're buying a flat. Frankish encourages all buyers to spend time looking at any shared spaces: hallways, bin stores, lifts, parking areas, and communal gardens — the state these are kept in can paint a pretty clear picture. If you spot mounds of discarded rubbish, damaged doors, abandoned belongings, or persistent smells, it's probably a sign that residents aren't following communal rules.
What are they really like?
One of the most helpful things Frankish suggests is paying close attention to how a seller or agent responds when you ask about the neighbours. 'Start with a general question about what they are like, then ask specifically about previous complaints, noise, boundary issues or disputes,' she advises. 'Sellers are asked about neighbour disputes and complaints as part of the standard property information process, so buyers should not be afraid to ask direct questions.'
If you spot any unusual security measures, such as makeshift barriers, damaged fencing, or extensive security lighting, ask about it. Find out if there have ever been any disputes over the exact boundary line or problems with crime or trespassing. As Frankish says, 'arguments in the street, intimidation, deliberate obstruction or obvious hostility between neighbours should carry far more weight than something cosmetic such as an untidy garden.'
