Introduction/welcome card to neighbours?

benjus

When we moved into our block (only 6 flats - conversion of large Edwardian building) we put an invitation through the doors of all the neighbours' flats to come over on a specified evening any time from 8 to have a drink.

Two sets of neighbours came over with some wine, while a third responded with a note to say he would have liked to come but he was due to be away on business that evening. Of the other 2 flats, one is almost always empty, and the other's owner is away quite frequently.

I think it set us off on a good footing and we all get along well. We don't see the neighbours very often apart from a quick "good morning" in the lobby or car park, but we do have parties every few months.

18 flats would be a lot of people if everyone did turn up, but you could do 2 separate evenings.

moneyistooshorttomention

Indeed benjus and you "showed willing" with doing things that way and I think that's the main thing, ie that even if people don't respond (for whatever reason) then you've showed willing iyswim.

mgarl10024

I agree with the above - no presents. I wonder if even the card is too much.

When I moved in to my new house, I wrote a short note to both neighbours saying 'hi' and giving them my contact details. The thinking was that this would be a simple icebreaker, and that by virtue of us both having each other's details our properties would be safer (i.e. if there is a water leak in my home when I'm at work, they'll know who to call - and if I spot an issue with theirs I can call them).

Not sure I'd do it for all 18 flats - but distributing a few contact details (mobile/email) to the flats above/below/adjacent would be well worth the risk (of giving out details) in my opinion.

CWSmith

When we moved house a few months back, the 4 immediate neighbours each gave us a welcome card and introduced themselves. The man next door also gave us a bottle of wine and the couple over the road added a bag of runner beans from their garden! Coming from London where after 30 years we only knew the first name of one next door neighbour, we were both touched and gobsmacked!! :rotfl:

So I think a card is a great idea.

hazyjo

We moved in a year and a half ago in the April. Just introduced ourselves to neighbours when we saw them.


We now know who our close 'friends' are out of our neighbours. Mainly opposite rather than either side of us. Oh and a young family 3 doors down. We send Christmas cards and get a few back, and give chocs or a plants to three addresses. It's nice.


In my first flat, there were 10 flats in the block (2 old Victorian houses split into flats). The weekend we moved in, some neighbours invited us to their party which we went to. I also used to go shopping with some of the girls now and again. It was very strange looking back, more like we'd all moved there after college or something. We had no common parts so we only really saw each other in the car park. It was what is commonly termed as 'share of freehold' though so we did all have to have meetings at someone's flat to discuss the upkeep/future plans/accounts, etc. I loved it


Hope you end up with some lovely neighbours


Maybe a card, definitely not a present, btw. And I'd save the cards until Jan and put a message in a Christmas card instead of a welcome/hello card (although appreciate you've bought them now). It's a nice gesture.


Jx

Paully232000

We don't live in a flat but when we moved into our house our new next door neighbour bought us a card and a bottle of wine and a card which was a nice gesture.
Now I wouldn't say you should buy a present for everyone, but a card is a nice thought.

Some of your neighbours may think even a card is a bit weird, but some of them are going to appreciate it and may even come over and start a conversation with you and you will get to know them.

Jagraf

I think the christmas card idea is best, I wouldn't give a present though. Most people want to keep themselves to themselves until they are settled, it may be better getting yourself established then you will bump into people naturally.

The worst thing is that they all see you as the one to sort things out - don't go there!!!

We moved into our house before,christmas and the neighbours left us a bottle of red with a christmas card attached, so a nice gesture but it was christmas.

Hope you are happy in your new home xx

London_Town

PasturesNew wrote: »

There's a possibility nobody else owns - and everybody else is 19-21 and renting.

This would be my concern. Unfortuntately many new build flats were and indeed are bought as buy to lets. This means you can have a constant stream of new neighbours every 6 months. Any investment in getting to know them may feel wasted if this is the case. Also, as PN says, they could well be half your age.

I think your attitude is lovely, but I would hold back on either cards or presents and just try and build a rapport by meeting people in the communal areas as you all go about your business. This way, any natural friendships or bonds that may develop will do so.

nobodysdriving

London_Town wrote: »

This would be my concern. Unfortuntately many new build flats were and indeed are bought as buy to lets. .

they are shared ownership flats from a housing association, can these be bought as 'buy to let', on the documents I have received from the solicitors it says all other properties in development are being purchased as shared ownership and not let out....
I know someone can eventually stair case to 100% and then rent, but wondering if to begin with we will all be 'home owners'? I know I had to fill in a form to qualify for it and on there I had to meet 'strict' criteria to be offered the flat including:

- income (minimum and maximum)
- I would only be 'allowed' one bedroom extra (so if on my own max 2 bed, if with one child max 3 bed)
- first time buyer
- living or working in area

blahblahblah85

I think a card is a lovely idea!! How neighbourly and thoughtful, I hope where I move my neighbours are half as sweet as you op ����