Neighbours Hindering Sale... what can we do?

Rob_Mogs

Comms69 wrote: »

Did you read my previous comment? The previous owners might have loved having children next door, and thought the dog provided extra security.


You don't feel that way and have communicated it both here and to the neighbours; and probably to other people too.


A realistic outcome of court action could be compensation, so it might be deemed that the issues and disputes devalued the house by £x (e.g. 5,000) and that is what you would owe them + potentially legal costs.


Now it's very unlikely to happen, but it's possible.

Scary stuff, and I did indeed read your previous comment, but surely whether they enjoyed it or not is irrelevant as it could (as it almost has) caused a dispute in future, therefore should have been mentioned, but wasn't?


Seems it's more about how people feel rather than actual issues.

Comms69

Rob_Mogs wrote: »

Scary stuff, and I did indeed read your previous comment, but surely whether they enjoyed it or not is irrelevant as it could (as it almost has) caused a dispute in future, therefore should have been mentioned, but wasn't?


Seems it's more about how people feel rather than actual issues.

No, because the test is subjective ('to your knowledge'), they didn't know you and could not realistically expect you to be bothered by this.


In essence you're right it's how people perceive things.


Often the issues are around noise and parking. Someone who must have 'their spot' vs someone who doesn't mind walking a few extra yards.

CocoLouie

Rob_Mogs wrote: »

You seem to be reasonably knowledgeable on the subject, so in my case now, how long is deemed 'too long' to pursue the previous owners for damages in our case? as we weren't made aware there were children or dogs next door?
Also in such case, what would a realistic outcome be?

The neighbour has a new dog so it could be argued that it is a new issue and the kids have grown up slightly so again could be argued that it is a new issue or the parents could have altered work habits which have caused the issue. I wouldn't be able to say whether you'd have a case or if you sold without declaring how much of a case your buyer could have.


Chances are nothing would come of it but there is a risk of it even if really small. And although they may find it extremely difficult to prove there would be an emotional and financial cost to fight it.


I am not that knowledgeable on the matter, a friend of mine had a nightmare neighbour and was advised by his solicitor to answer the questions truthfully to avoid any issues. But his neighbour was much worse than yours with drugs, fights, police etc.

Rob_Mogs

Yeah that does sound pretty severe!
I once lived next to someone who was badly into the drink and drugs and it wasn't pleasant.

CocoLouie

Back to the main matter. As you can't afford to drop the price further or get the neighbours to alter their ways you will need to present your house as well as possible.


You won't want to post a link for people to give tips on given this thread but have a look at other threads where people are given advise on improving their ad and pictures on rightmove.


You will still have the neighbour issue but it might help get more people through the door to help find the right person who won't mind the neighbours.