It’s time to sell your home. You’ve decluttered and cleaned, cut the grass and painted the walls, but there’s just one problem: your neighbours.
As the saying goes, a house is only as valuable as its surroundings. Neighbouring properties can significantly impact the value of your home and your ability to sell it.
In fact, some studies have shown that bad neighbours can affect the price of your house by up to 10%*. On an average UK property, that could mean knocking £31,000 off the price, while in London, it could equate to almost £60,000 off, on average.
We’ll break down everything you need to know about neighbours, neighbourhoods, and the sales process. Read on…
How do bad neighbours put off potential buyers?
Bad neighbours can put off buyers for many reasons. One of the most obvious impacts of poorly managed neighbouring properties is the overall atmosphere of the street.
Overgrown gardens, broken fences, blaring loud music, smashed windows, or sofas chucked out into the street can make the neighbourhood look unattractive, unkempt, and even unsafe. Potential buyers are unlikely to be drawn to a property situated on a street with obvious signs of neglect.
The state of a neighbouring home can decrease the value of a home by 10%, according to a study by Churchill Home Insurance*.
If you’re in a situation like this, what can you do?
If you feel that the appearance of your neighbour's house will negatively affect your sale, talk to them. This is the first step. Be diplomatic and respectful, and explain that you’re looking to sell and want everything looking as spick and span as it can.
“If the neighbours are problematic and unwilling to change, don’t be scared to speak to the council. Your neighbours can be fined for poor hygiene if there is rubbish piling up, particularly in a shared garden. You can even contact your environmental health department if things are really bad. There’s always a solution, so try not to worry.” - Craig Potter, Taylors Abbeydale Branch Manager.
Do you have to declare bad neighbours when selling a house?
You don’t have to declare that you are having a problem with your neighbours if it is simply a case that you do not get along. However, this is different if the issue you are having isn’t a personal argument and is related to boundary disputes.
Failure to disclose boundary disputes with potential buyers can lead to legal action for misrepresentation. This can even result in rescinding the sale. So, it’s better to be open and honest from the start.
Does my neighbour's extension devalue my house?
Your neighbour's extension can sometimes negatively affect the value of your property. This depends on the size of the extension, how near it is to your home, how visually appealing it is and whether it affects your access to sunlight.
“If your neighbour's extension is close to your house, you may enter a party wall agreement. This will ensure that the work carried out does not affect the structural integrity of your property. Entering a party wall agreement can improve your house price, making it easier for you to secure an extension in the future.” - Rebecca Doody, Branch Manager, Mann, Dartford.
Ongoing construction can affect house prices. Construction equipment, diggers and large building sites can leave a negative impression on potential buyers. “This isn’t much of a problem if it is a small construction project, but large-scale projects can put off buyers. Your best bet is to get a valuation, which will give you an idea of your property’s value. You can grab one online here or have us come around to the property. Both are completely free.” James Mansfield, Bridgfords Senior Branch Manager, Newcastle
What can homeowners do when selling a house with bad neighbours?
Speak to your neighbours and try to clean and tidy as much as possible before viewings. If you have a shared garden, offer to cut the grass and tidy up on their side as well. Report any rubbish piling up to the council as early as possible so that it may be removed before viewings.
Whether you have problem neighbours or great neighbours, a valuation of your property is always recommended. Grab one today.
