Shared drive

COLOURBOUNCE

I posted a few months back on a problem I had with a drive that runs infront of my house and onto my neighbours drive to their double garage. After a few altercations, they got the message that parking on the land outside of my house was a form of trespass as it is land owned by my home with access only permitted. Last week, I learnt the house has gone on the market. Knowing estate agents, they will attempt to sell the house with ample parking. In truth they have a double garage and 2 parking places to the front of it. I admit it does look a large area at first glance, but most of it is my drive! I want to ensure that new owners will not move in thinking they can leave cars anywhere they like, and start a decent neighbourly relationship that has been lacking to date. Should their solicitor point out their parking boundary, or should I point it out to the agent ? Really trying to avoid having a strained conversation, when it shouldn't be needed. Any advice very welcome.

choppy34

Can you put pot plants out on your drive to Mark your boundary??

COLOURBOUNCE

I need to give access so it wouldn't work. The hedges are differing plants so there is a natural colour change to the far boundary, but as far as the drive goes, nothing is too obvious.

DRP

just tell the EA.

When the house becomes sold, tell the EA again.

Probably a good idea to do this in writing as well as on the phone.

juffery

I would maybe speak to the estate agent who is selling the house and ask him/her to make it clear when showing the house.

budgetdiyer

Providing all the information is in the deeds of both properties. (I assume it is since you seem very sure of your stance), it should'nt really be a problem.

I would suggest when your new neighbours move in you just pop over to introduce yourself and politely explain that you had a few problems with previous occupiers parking where they should'nt so you wanted to explain the arrangements to avoid any hassle in the future.

COLOURBOUNCE

This was my thought, thanks guys, I don't want to appear paranoid over it, but do want to be neighbourly. The current owner will not help me in this one I know it. I assume if I tell the agent and have proof I have, they should make the buyers aware.

frankie16

Similar thing happened to a family member - they had a polite sign made up just stating it is a shared driveway and access is required 24 hours a day. (the sign was attached to a shared gate) They did this the minute the neighbouring property went on the market, so it was clear when viewings were conducted. They now get on well with their new neighbours!

DVardysShadow

frankie16 wrote: »

Similar thing happened to a family member - they had a polite sign made up just stating it is a shared driveway and access is required 24 hours a day. (the sign was attached to a shared gate) They did this the minute the neighbouring property went on the market, so it was clear when viewings were conducted. They now get on well with their new neighbours!

I think that this is the way to go. Manage the buyers' expectations.

It may cause some friction with the current neighbours, but it requires a firm but polite "if you take this further, it could become a dispute you have to declare to any buyer'

Strapped

You could also chalk out the division on the drive and write your house number on your side to make it "extra clear".

david29dpo

COLOURBOUNCE wrote: »

This was my thought, thanks guys, I don't want to appear paranoid over it, but do want to be neighbourly. The current owner will not help me in this one I know it. I assume if I tell the agent and have proof I have, they should make the buyers aware.

I had a similar problem, now resolved by politely telling the new owners.

However, if they ever sold, i can see the same problem happening again, the same as you.

I wouldn't tell the agent (i don't think they would tell any buyers anyway, or have a duty too)

I would politely point out to any viewers (in my case they are bound to park on the shared bit!) and the seller. As they are trying to sell, you will be in control!