Loud music. Shouting abuse. High leylandii hedges. Parking issues. Boundary disputes.
These are just some examples of neighbour disputes which can make your dream home into a living nightmare.
A survey conducted by Good Move found that 64% of homeowners have had arguments with the neighbours, with noise being the number one cause. Research from Churchill Home Insurance has revealed that a staggering 6.6 million Brits have experienced boundary issues with a neighbour in the past year.
If you find yourself embroiled in a neighbour dispute, you might be tempted to sell your property. But if there is an ongoing dispute, or if you are aware of anything which might lead to a dispute, you must notify any potential purchaser on the Law Society Property Information Form, and this can lead to problems with your property sale.
But there is light at the end of the tunnel. By following these 3 simple steps, you will be best placed to try and resolve your neighbour dispute:
1. Try to communicate your concerns to your neighbour, considering how you might both resolve the issues. Document any discussions in writing.
2. If resolution is not possible, you might consider reaching out to your local authority for assistance.
3. If the local authority cannot assist or their involvement is not appropriate, seek expert legal advice. You are likely to require all the paperwork relating to your property, evidence of the problems, and any attempts you have made to try and resolve the dispute. You may consider mediation with your neighbour, or court action as a last resort.
It is a form of torture: People share what its like to live next door to a neighbour from hell