Moving home should feel exciting. A new street, a fresh start – maybe even a better takeaway nearby. But sometimes, the dream can unravel when the neighbours aren’t quite what you hoped for.
We’ve all seen it. The jungle-like garden next door, the dog that never stops barking, or the DIY enthusiast who thinks midnight is prime hammer time.
Whether you rent or own your home, who lives next door can shape your day-to-day life. And unlike a dodgy paint colour, neighbours aren’t easy to change… So, what really gets under our skin? We asked members of our research panel, Living Room, to share the neighbourly habits that raise the biggest red flags. Here’s what you told us.
1. The Wi-Fi borrowers
A huge 87% said neighbours asking for their Wi-Fi is a no-go. It’s not just cheeky – it can slow your connection to a crawl. One minute you’re watching Bake Off, the next you’re stuck buffering.
2. The bin offenders
Overflowing bins spilling onto the street? Seven in ten say it’s a major red flag. It’s messy, it attracts pests, and it’s just not neighbourly. In fact, 69% of people said animals causing problems is another top annoyance.
3. The parking pinchers
More than half of people (51%) said they’d be unhappy if a neighbour took their parking spot. And it doesn’t stop there – 71% are irritated by people parking outside their homes, and 70% dislike it when non-residents use their street. Parking politics are real.
4. The window watchers
Four in ten feel uneasy when neighbours watch them leave the house. It’s nosy, it’s awkward – and 70% of us say nosy neighbours are a real issue. Curtain twitching? That’s a red flag.
5. The pop-ins
A surprise knock for a cuppa might sound quaint, but 38% say it’s a boundary-crossing move. Peace and quiet matters – and unexpected visits can throw off your home’s calm.
How movers are spotting the signs
The worst-case scenario? A neighbour who ticks every box: Wi-Fi stealing, bin overflowing, parking pinching, window watching, and door knocking.
Noise complaints are the most common issue (57%), followed by parking (28%), pets (26%) and overhanging greenery (24%). And six in ten movers say avoiding neighbour disputes is a top priority – rising to 69% in the East Midlands.
So how are people dodging the drama?
- 59% drive by at different times to check the vibe
- 43% check local community groups for disputes
- 58% are open to new areas if it means better neighbours
With the UK’s biggest choice of homes, Rightmove helps you find the one that fits – and hopefully avoid those red flags.
The good news? 64% of Brits say they’ve never had any sort of dispute with their neighbours. But a little extra research could make all the difference in finding your perfectly harmonious place.
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