Are your neighbours letting the side down and scuppering your sale?

Ever felt like your neighbours let the street down, with rubbish bins left out and uncut lawns? Besides being annoying, it could even affect the resale of your home.
Property newsProperty news
Property news

Estate agents Harrison Murray have put together some tips to make sure you don’t suffer as a result of those nagging neighbourly worries.

The firm’s Su Snaith said: “Time and time again we see homeowners who have invested time and money into making their property market-perfect only to be let down by their neighbours.

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“Not all neighbours are on first name terms but that doesn’t mean homeowners should avoid approaching them with regards to keeping the street looking nice.”

“When viewings take place, potential buyers want to be able to imagine themselves happy not only in the property but in the area too. Having good neighbours is all part of the package – and it starts with a tidy looking house.”

To make sure your home benefits from a tidy street when it comes to putting your house on the market, here are few tips from Harrison Murray:

Even if you don’t talk to your immediate neighbours often, pop round and let them know you’re putting your house on the market. It’s courteous to let people know that there will be potential buyers viewing the property: there may be the occasional extra car parked outside and people looking at the surrounding area.

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If you’ve noticed that bins are left out a long time or are always in plain view, politely ask them to put them away. Perhaps offer to pop their bin back in place when you do yours.

Tackle the issue of shared land. Perhaps you live in a cul-de-sac with a shared driveway or lawn area. Look at the paperwork you have on your property to see who is responsible for these areas.

Is the council responsible for maintaining the appearance of hedges and other areas in your neighbourhood? Give them a call to find out when they will be tidying up the local area and if needs be, give them a hint about areas that may need a little upkeep now.

Be prepared for potential buyers to ask about the relationship you have with your neighbours.

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Your estate agent will be obliged to tell potential buyers about historical disputes due to Consumer Protection Regulations.

Make sure you have addressed any problems with noise, untidiness or inconsiderate behaviour well in advance of putting your house on the market.

That way you can remain transparent with potential buyers and state previous disputes, but also say the relationship with your neighbours has improved.

All-in-all fostering a good relationship with your neighbours is done over time. So when you move into your new home, be sure to introduce yourself to the families living next door – then from day one you’re off to a good start.