Neighbours - should I be concerned?

Carter_2

I am midway through buying a new home, mine is SSTC and had survey and searches on the property I am buying. The thing is when I viewed the property the vendor told me she had lovely neighbours one side of her but said she could tell me nothing about the other side. She said they had not moved in yet. I have drove past a few times and today noticed the curtains downstairs to this neighbours house half shut (at 1.30 in afternoon). I've never really paid much attention before but looking at it today the property next door seems in need of a bit of tlc.

Now my question is, as it appears to be empty or poorly maintained, should I be worried about these neighbours? I have had nightmare neighbours in the past, some which were tenants. I have not seen the neighbours house with any 'for sale' or 'sold' board up and there is no evidence of it being sold recently on landregistry.

I may be panicking unnecessarily and it could well be it has recently sold and they have yet to complete and move in. I just dont want dodgy neighbours. What would anybody else think? Also, as I have specifically asked the vendor about her neighbours, if they are terrible and she has not informed me, is there any recourse for me?

cashdaddy

Use your solicitor to ask the vendor specific questions about the neighbours and do not settle for vague answers. If in doubt and if it was me, I would cut your losses and look at another property if you do not get the answers you need. You are stuck with neighbours and they really can ruin your quality of life. I too have had miserable neighbours and am now moving to get away from them which is very costly. Good luck.

Debt_Free_Chick

It's pretty much impossible to check out your future neighbours. People that seem nice on the surface can turn out to be a complete nightmare.

Even if you do check out the current neighbours, you have no control over who might move in the future, if the existing neighbours sell up.

Carter_2

Very true, what's acceptable for one person is not for another.

I was hoping to canvass people's opinion here or if there was anything further I could do to check before exchange.

sanfrancisco

cashdaddy wrote:

Use your solicitor to ask the vendor specific questions about the neighbours and do not settle for vague answers. If in doubt and if it was me, I would cut your losses and look at another property if you do not get the answers you need. You are stuck with neighbours and they really can ruin your quality of life. I too have had miserable neighbours and am now moving to get away from them which is very costly. Good luck.

This is a good idea. I too have had bad neighbours. It almost gave me a breakdown and cost lots of £££.

carolbee

is there a corner shop you could go in and make enquiries about say having papers delivered and get chatting, or when you are in the area speak to mums/dads outside school, that sort of thing

Mrs_Arkwright

My curtains are often shut in the afternoon, simply because the sun shines through on to the TV.

Also, my neighbours house and garden is not the tidiest in the street, as they bought it as a repossession and it needed a lot of work and tidying up doing, and they, as most people, are doing it bit by bit as and when they have the time and the money. They are the nicest and most friendly and helpful neighbours you could ever wish to have.

Things are not always as they seem

lizzie12_2

What is the area like? WE looked at our house at different times of day and night....... lovely and quiet, nothing seemed a miss, infact were quite looking forward to moving in.......... AFTER we were in, a couple of people saying why had we moved there???????? too late then we were in!!! Neighbours fine, lovely people - just the flippin area - just be careful, if you are not sure then dont! good luck with what you plan to do.

Carter_2

I have to confess, I drove round there today and knocked on a house that has their backgarden at the side of these properties. A lovely lady answered and I cheekily asked what the neighbourhood was like as I was looking to move into one of the neighbouring streets. She could only say what her neighbours either side were and that she had been there a year. I asked about the back of her and she didnt know any of them but said it is a fairly quiet area with people out most of the day at work.

Hmmm.....I may drive round there tonight after dark to see what the activity is like. As it is a cul de sac though, I might be done for stalking!!!

Carter_2

Area is known to be ok when I tell people where I am moving to. I have spent a long time looking at locations and I viewed at least a dozen or more houses, some only by driving past and didnt like the area.

Omg at this rate I will never buy a house if this one isnt right, I am so picky!!!

Carter_2

Mrs_Arkwright wrote:

Also, my neighbours house and garden is not the tidiest in the street, as they bought it as a repossession and it needed a lot of work and tidying up doing, and they, as most people, are doing it bit by bit as and when they have the time and the money. They are the nicest and most friendly and helpful neighbours you could ever wish to have.

Things are not always as they seem

I know you have just sold your house so did your neighbours house put buyers off or did it raise any questions, like mine?