Five tips to help you avoid conflict with new neighbours
Moving home soon? Want to make a good impression with your new neighbours? Here are five tips to help you avoid conflict.
28% of the UK has admitted that at some point, they have fallen out with their neighbours. With an estimated 309,000 people set to move home in 2023, first impressions are crucial to avoid confrontation with new neighbours.
To help you get off on the right foot, property expert Terry Fisher at We Buy Any Home reveals the five moving in rules to avoid confrontation.
1) Say hello
Introducing yourself to new neighbours is a must, and even more important if you plan to conduct renovations that are likely to cause noise. But it can be tricky to work out the best time to initiate introductions as you don’t want to impose, especially if your new neighbours work from home or have children.
Writing a card or quick note is the perfect way to make intros and make it known that there may be noise, without worrying that you may be imposing.
2) Check the parking situation
62% of the UK has fallen out with their neighbours over parking. Often, there are parking rules between neighbours, even if they are unsaid. Before parking your car, ensure that none of the spaces are private.
Some neighbours have an agreement where they aid in helping each other park outside their property, even if they don’t have a driveway. If a new neighbour communicates that there are neighbourhood parking rules, try your best to keep to them.
3) Ask about trampolines
According to Google trend data, the search term, ‘neighbours’ trampoline’ has received a 5000% uplift within the last month alone. Such an uplift reflects the UKs frustrations that their neighbour’s trampoline may be impacting their privacy and/or creating noise.
When moving into a property, be aware of neighbouring boundaries. Do not build play apparatus that may impact the privacy of others. If it’s unavoidable, discuss with your new neighbours where they can place the trampoline or even set times where children may play on them.
4) Pre-warn neighbours about housewarming parties
A housewarming party is the norm, and while some opt to have a couple of friends toast the new home, others can invite everyone they know to party in the property.
Whether it’s just a handful of friends or a big bash, let your neighbours know if noise is likely to occur into the early hours. This will reassure them that parties aren’t a regular occurrence, and that you are aware of potential nuisances.
5) Help your dog settle in quietly
Moving into a new property can upset pets, such as dogs, as they get used to the change, and this may cause them to make more noise than usual as they bark and cry.
Try to pre-empt this by purchasing some new toys and refrain from leaving pets in the garden for any length of time. You may even consider bark collars for dogs. It’s also wise to give your neighbour a heads up, to let them know that it’s unusual behaviour that will settle down.
