Lawyer explains if you can ask messy neighbours to tidy up as it could knock £89k off YOUR home's value
YOU might scrub your home till it sparkles, but if your neighbour's garden looks like a scrapyard, it could end up costing you tens of thousands.
New research shows that messy or neglected homes next door can wipe as much as £89,000 off your house price, according to Churchill Home Insurance.
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From overgrown lawns and broken fences to rubbish-filled drives and shoddy DIY jobs, a scruffy property next door can seriously sabotage your sale.
According to a survey of estate agents by Censuswide, homeowners across the UK could lose £43,000 on average, or 16 per cent of their property's value, thanks to untidy neighbours.
Matt Lanniage, from The Property Expert, also pointed out that having a messy neighbour could put a buyer off completely.
He said: "A neighbour's garden is not only a matter of first impressions; it's also an indicator of the type of person you are about to move next to.
"I've sold homes on the same street as much as 10% more if it can be highlighted that the neighbours are nice and considerate. With permission we often use the neighbours first names as part of our marketing strategy."
But can you order a neighbour to tidy up? we spoke to experts to find out.
Can I make my neighbour tidy up?
Almost all estate agents, 97 per cent, in fact, say you should try talking to your neighbour first.
A polite conversation can go a long way. Some people might not even realise their home is putting off potential buyers.
Sarah Khan, Head of Churchill Home Insurance, said: "Sometimes, a simple, friendly conversation with your neighbour could be the most valuable step you take before putting your home on the market."
You could even offer to help, especially if your neighbour is poorly or elderly.
Patrick Ansell, head of litigation at Taylor Rose, said: "In most cases, the cause is unintentional. The owner could be elderly or unwell, or the property might be vacant due to probate etc."
"A respectful conversation is usually the best first step. Most people are reasonable and may already be aware of the issue, but unable to resolve it without help."
If you've tried and nothing's changed, you might need to contact Citizens Advice or your local council.
The Top Five Reasons Neighbours Squabble
One study by Compare the Market revealed the top reason British neighbour's argue
Broken fences - top of the board was broken fences and whose responsibility it was to fix it
Parking: one of the leading drivers of neighbour disputes, with 54.1 per cent of people having issues with people parking in front of their house, parking bay or driveway
Trees - complaints about a neighbour's tree cracking your garden path was also common with nearly half of participants finding it frustrating
Bin wars - outdoor bin etiquette continues to ignite the most furious debates between neighbours
Nosy Neighbours - some people have their eyes and ears at the ready to have a peek causing problems for others
Your council can act if the property is causing a nuisance or breaking environmental rules. But this should be a last resort.
If you do need to go down this route, then it's worth being prepared, Mr Ansell added.
He said: "Before escalating, it's wise to document everything first. Keeping a diary of conversations and key events (e.g. incidents) and taking photos can be vital evidence if legal action becomes necessary.
You should also consult an estate agent to understand how much the problem is affecting your property's value, although there is no guarantee that a successful claim will result in this amount being awarded to you.
"Disputes must be disclosed when selling a property, which can deter buyers, so resolving the issue early is normally in everyone's best interests."
How to boost your home's value
While you can't control your neighbour's mess, you can make your own home irresistible to buyers.
Property expert Liv Conlon, who stages hundreds of homes each year through her business ThePropertyStagers.co.uk, says first impressions count - and fast.
'You've got 10 seconds to impress a buyer. Make it count,' she says.
Start by giving your entrance a glow-up: a fresh coat of paint on the front door in a smart shade like black or navy, two matching potted plants, and a spotless doormat can totally transform your kerb appeal.
Inside, focus on the living room — clear clutter, pull sofas away from the walls to create cosy conversation zones, and use a large rug to define the space.
Statement accessories like oversized lamps or chunky vases also give the impression of a polished, show-home finish.
And don't forget the bathroom.
Fresh towels, a matching soap dispenser and a clean bath mat can make even a basic space feel more luxurious.
Simple styling updates can cost just a few quid, but add serious value when it's time to sell.
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