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How to identify a troublesome neighbor before purchasing a house You’ve meticulously planned your finances for the next 25 years, sacrificed countless weekends to attend viewings, and finally stumbled upon your dream home. But as soon as you settle in after receiving the keys, you’re greeted by the distant thump of drum and bass music through thin walls at 11.23pm on a Tuesday night. It turns out that you’ve unknowingly purchased a property next to a major nuisance. Unfortunately, you’re not alone in this experience. According to a survey of 1,000 homeowners conducted by Good Move, 64% reported having issues with neighbors, with one in 10 even going as far as to file complaints with the council. Buyer beware: Sellers are obligated by law to disclose any past or ongoing conflicts with neighbors in a Property Information Form (TA6). However, the scope of questions in this form is limited, making it difficult to prove that the seller was aware of the disruptive neighbors. «In reality, you have very few rights,» a real estate agent insider informed Money. «You will never know if an agent failed to disclose information about problematic neighbors or if the seller deliberately withheld details of disputes.» Perhaps among all the responsibilities you’ve juggled throughout the home buying process, one crucial role you overlooked was that of a detective. To help you navigate this challenge, we’ve consulted top buying agents for their advice on how to detect potential problem neighbors and compiled a list of lesser-known tools that could prevent you from encountering a literal and metaphorical headache. External clues: Henry Sherwood from The Buying Agents highlights that most neighbor disputes stem from noise or financial issues. Neglected neighboring properties may indicate a lack of funds for maintenance or a lack of interest in upkeep. In apartment buildings, inspect communal areas on adjacent floors for signs of loud occupants, such as prams and excessive bikes. List of noise complaints: Some local councils maintain a public register of noise complaints by postcode, providing valuable insights into the noise levels in a particular area. Next Door app (and local groups): The Next Door app allows residents to share information about various local matters, including noise disturbances. By searching for keywords like «noise,» you can uncover recent complaints from neighbors in your potential area. Additionally, consider joining local social media groups to stay informed about any ongoing issues in the community. How to identify a problematic neighbor before purchasing a home | Money News Chances are, any significant issues will have been brought up there. Speak with the neighbors Not everyone feels comfortable knocking on doors, but according to our social media survey, most people find it perfectly acceptable to do so. Around 91% of the roughly 5,000 respondents said they would come up with a reason to engage with a neighbor to assess their character. «Just mention that you are considering buying the property next door and inquire about the parking situation around 4 pm, etc.,» advised Sherwood. He suggests that Sundays are a good time to run into neighbors. The internet is full of unfortunate stories of individuals who neglected to do their due diligence. One Mumsnet user, Mommabear20, shared, «Definitely knock on doors! We didn’t and regret it so much! We have a neighbor across the street in a terraced area who has threatened to blow up their house at least six times in the last three years, causing the entire area to be evacuated each time!» If you do decide to knock on doors, remember to be polite. Sam Edington, a director at Edingtons buying agent, advises, «We recommend doing so casually and respectfully, simply introducing yourself, asking friendly, open questions about the area, and observing day-to-day life.» Airbnb Henry Sherwood suggests looking for combination locks at apartment entrances as a sign that someone inside has listed their property on Airbnb. While having a revolving door of overnight guests may not necessarily lead to issues, it is worth considering if it is a risk you are willing to take. You can also search on Airbnb for listings in the area you are interested in buying to potentially identify immediate neighbors and gather insights into their lifestyle. Crime statistics Although it may not offer details about specific neighbors, websites like Police.uk allow you to check and map crime statistics in the local area. Determine if your neighbor is a landlord Many councils maintain a public register of licensed landlords or houses of multiple occupancy. For example, Enfield Council allows you to input your postcode to view any landlords on your street, while Buckinghamshire Council enables you to download an Excel spreadsheet of HMOs. Ask questions of the seller Henry Sherwood emphasizes the importance of asking the seller if they are familiar with their neighbors and whether they are owner-occupiers or renters. While sellers may not disclose negative information willingly, asking a series of questions can make it harder for them to fabricate details. Get your solicitor to inquire An experienced property solicitor can ask the right questions as the purchase progresses. During the conveyancing process, you can request your solicitor to inquire about any disputes or altercations, as sellers are less likely to lie if the information is requested through legal channels. How many times has the house sold recently? «Stability is a good indicator,» according to Sam Edington, so it is worth inquiring or researching how long neighbors have resided in the area. Websites like Zoopla and Rightmove provide historical sale and listing data that can help determine if the property has struggled to sell or has changed hands frequently in recent years. Planning permission Check the planning section of local council websites to stay informed about any proposed or ongoing plans in the area. This information can include potential extensions that might impact your view or lead to a period of construction work. Google Earth/Street View Utilize tools like Google Earth and Street View to observe how the area has evolved over time. While this may not provide definitive answers, it can help you piece together a clearer picture. Golden rules Henry Sherwood advises clients to follow a golden rule: «Never purchase a property without viewing it at least twice, once during the week and once on the weekend. If possible, also inspect the exterior late at night after agents have closed around 9 pm or 10 pm.»

Oct 5, 2025 Staff