Another allocated parking post...

PlumLuck

Thought I'd come here and get the consensus on whether on not this parking issue is something to worry about or not...

Considering putting on offer in on a house that has 2 allocated parking spaces, of which a neighbour currently parks in one. From what I gathered, they never asked the current owner but as they only have 1 car so they don't mind and it's never been a problem for them. 
We have 2 cars and would need to be able to use both spaces. If we did buy the house, we're concerned about the neighbour making it difficult for us to park in our own space...

I'm not sure how we could handle this in a way that avoids creating a bad relationship with the neighbour before we'd even moved in??

user1977

No idea until somebody talks to the neighbour - they might happily go and park somewhere else, they might be less helpful.

cymruchris

Probably go around have a chat - ask them what they think of the area - and that you're thinking of putting an offer in - then ask 'any idea who that car might belong to, as it says there are two allocated spaces, and I think that's one of them' - and then depending on their reaction you'll know what kind of neighbour they might be.

eddddy

As step 1, ask the seller to confirm that the neighbour realises that they'll no longer be able to park in the space. (But obviously, the seller might fib)

As step 2, maybe tell the neighbour that you're going to offer (or you've made an offer) on the house, and you'll need both parking spaces, so they'll need to park elsewhere - and judge their reaction.


If they react in a friendly way and say it's no problem - it's a good sign.

If they react badly - maybe it's an indication of friction over parking in the future - and you need to decide whether that's enough of an issue to make you reconsider buying that property.

Countrysider

PlumLuck said:

they never asked the current owner but as they only have 1 car so they don't mind and it's never been a problem for them. 

I find this a bit hard to believe tbh. Even though they only use 1 of their 2 parking spaces regularly, they would presumably like the space available for visitors - so finding it routinely taken by a neighbour who didn't even have the courtesy to ask would surely irritate them. 

If this neighbour also has 2 parking spaces allocated to their house, does that mean they require an additional space for their 3rd car? If they have no where else to park then this would concern me. People can be very stubborn and entitled when it comes to parking. 

PlumLuck

Thank all for the suggestions.

Unfortunately I don't know exactly which neighbour it is, but the vendor mentioned them by first name and said that they get along well. I am in touch with the vendor directly (online EA) so I guess I could ask?

It sounds like first port of call might be to broach the subject with them alongside an offer?

@Countrysider The stubbornness you refer to is why I'm concerned... There is plenty of room on the street for parking also so they said that when they have visitors they just do that.

thegreenone

You make it a condition of your offer that two parking spaces will be available.  Make sure the EA note and correspond it and that your solicitor know.

Jenni_D

What do the deeds/terms/whatever say about parking? Are they demised to the property and are freehold? Or something else?

If the latter, how are they allocated? Are parking permits needed? Is there any parking enforcement? (I'd suggest running a mile if there's a Private Parking Company involved with "enforcement").

PlumLuck

@thegreenone I had considered this option - but I didn't know what could actually be done about it? Say we move in and the neighbour is still using the space, really there's nothing much we can do is there?

@Jenni_D They are freehold, no permit needed and no enforcement (I'm assuming as the vendor said there is no management fee). Just located behind the house and highlighted on the deeds.

Jenni_D

If it's your land you can fit retractable/folding parking posts to prevent anyone parking there without your permission.

user1977

PlumLuck said:

@thegreenone I had considered this option - but I didn't know what could actually be done about it? Say we move in and the neighbour is still using the space, really there's nothing much we can do is there?

You'd have as much right to "evict" them as you would if you had a normal driveway and they decided to use it. Obviously the practical way is to nip in with your own car before they do, and hope they eventually got the message.