Latest news with #ChurchillHomeInsurance
Scottish Sun
16 hours ago
- General
- Scottish Sun
Lawyer explains if you can ask messy neighbours to tidy up as it could knock £89k off YOUR home's value
We explain the rules on whether you can ask neighbour's to tidy up HOUSE THAT Lawyer explains if you can ask messy neighbours to tidy up as it could knock £89k off YOUR home's value Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) 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. 1 The state of your neighbour's house could affect your home's value 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. What actually counts as 'messy' The top turn-offs include: Abandoned or broken-down cars Peeling paintwork or graffiti Untended front gardens Overflowing bins Dodgy DIY or poor-quality extensions Broken fences, walls or gutters 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. Coronation Street star turned millionaire bikini boss shows off HUGE mansion she built herself 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 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. You can read more about Liv's top styling tips here.
The Sun
16 hours ago
- General
- The Sun
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. 1 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 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.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Say no to gnomes? New study says the cute lawn ornaments could 'knock £12,000 off price of neighbour's home'
Collecting garden gnomes has become a peculiarly popular British hobby and always provides a treat for passersby. But 'a lawn' filled with the quirky statues might not be as much fun for neighbours – as it can knock £12,000 off the value of their homes. Researchers at Churchill Home Insurance quizzed 500 estate agents across the country to find out the biggest problems caused by neighbouring properties when selling a house. They found that messy front gardens filled with junk or rubbish and decrepit sheds were the number one and number two issues, each knocking £13,000 off the asking price of a property. Excessive use of garden gnomes, statues and ornaments slotted in at third place, causing buyers to lower their bids by £12,000. The study found the average house price in the UK now is £268,000, but that having neighbours who 'lower the tone' could see up to £43,000 wiped off the selling price. There are believed to be around six million garden gnomes across the UK, up from five million in 2020. In Germany, the home of the gnome – where they were invented in the early 19th century and are known as Gartenzwerge (garden dwarfs) – there are between 25 and 30 million gnomes. The eccentric decorations were introduced to Britain in 1847 by renowned gardener Sir Charles Edmund Isham, although popularity dipped severely during the two World Wars. The British love affair with gnomes peaked in the 70s, after manufacturers came up with 'naughty gnomes' including ones dressed as Smurfs, in football strips and daft costumes. In the past five years, however, sales of garden gnomes have soared by around 20 per cent. Alison Taylor, 45, of Tring, Hertfordshire, said she would be put off buying a home next to someone who didn't keep their garden tidy – or had an 'army of gnomes'. She said: 'Obviously a messy garden is an indication of what your new neighbours could be like. 'If you see cars with flat tyres in the driveway and a sofa in the front garden, you're probably not going to put an offer in - or if you do, you'll put in a lower bid. 'Garden gnomes and ornaments are fine, within reason, but if you're talking 20-odd gnomes then it would definitely put me off, but that's because I find them creepy - I'm sure other people might love them.' A spokesman for Churchill said this week: 'We asked 500 estate agents to find out how much unattractive or poorly maintained neighbouring properties can reduce the selling price of a home by. 'We found that it can reduce the price of the average home by £43,000. 'Things like rubbish in the neighbouring front garden, broken windows or excessive garden gnomes or statues are common buyer turn offs and costing sellers thousands in property prices.' The study found that 97 per cent of estate agents had told clients to 'have words' with their neighbours before putting the house on the market in a bid to get them to 'tidy up'. Sarah Khan, Head of Churchill Home Insurance, said: 'Much like family, you cannot choose your neighbours, or who moves in next door. 'Sometimes you get lucky with neighbours and sometimes less so. 'Unfortunately, no matter how well presented your house is, a messy or poorly maintained neighbouring property can have a significant, detrimental impact on your sale price. 'If you find yourself in this situation and it is a cause for concern, it is worth trying to have a chat with your neighbour to see what can be done about it. 'Even a quick tidy up can make a huge difference, it does not have to be expensive but could significantly improve the curb appeal and the price you achieve for your home.' Top neighbourhood no-nos Researchers found the top neighbourhood no-nos, and how much they could cost someone selling a house next-door; 1 - Rubbish and junk in front garden/drive - £13,000 2 - Ramshackle sheds/outbuildings in back garden - £13,000 3 - Excessive use of gnomes, statues, garden ornaments - £12,000 4 - Broken or boarded-up windows - £11,600 5 - Bad DIY jobs - £11,180 6 - Shoddy extensions - £11,180 7 - Broken down cars in front drive - £11,100 8 - Overgrown garden/weeds - £11,000 9 - Pebble dash/bad decor - £10,750 10 - Overflowing gutters - £10,320
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Why a messy neighbour could wipe £43,000 off YOUR home's value?
Poorly maintained or unattractive neighbouring properties knock an average of £43,000, or 16 per cent, off house prices in the nearby vicinity, data seen by This is Money suggests. Rubbish piled up in a front garden, boarded-up windows and towering weeds can all be off-putting for buyers, Churchill Home Insurance said. Poorly executed extensions or DIY, run down or abandoned vehicles in the front drive, an overgrown garden or overflowing gutters can be similarly problematic for sellers. London-based sellers are likely to feel the biggest financial sting from poorly maintained neighbouring properties, the findings suggest. Unsightly neighbouring properties could dent a sale price in London by as much as £89,000. Sellers in the South East of England face the second largest sale price sting from grim neighbouring homes. Poorly maintained neighbouring properties in the South East could wipe over £61,500 off a house price. Across the East of England, inadequately maintained neighbouring homes could knock £54,000 off the selling price. In the West Midlands, where the average property price is around £246,636, the potential loss of value is lower, at £39,462. Sellers in Wales can expect an unkempt property next door to reduce their property price by £33,181. Across Scotland, where average property prices are £185,870, sellers can expect close to £30,000 knocked of the final selling price for their home. In Northern Ireland, where house prices are around £183,259, a property's value can be hit to the tune of £29,321 by shoddy neighbouring homes. The North East of England, where the average cost of home is £160,452, sees the lowest impact from unsightly neighbouring properties. In the North East, sellers can expect to see £25,672 wiped off their selling price if their neighbours are yet to spruce up their property. The research was conducted by Censuswide, comprising views from 500 estate agents. Can I make my neighbour tidy up? Ninety-seven per cent of estate agents encourage conversations with neighbours to help boost property prices in the area, the research found. While problematic homes next door can be an issue, people can have messy or unkempt properties for many reasons. Many won't be down to laziness and it is best not to jump to conclusions if you see overgrown bushes or broken guttering. Some people may be too unwell to keep on top of property maintenance, while for others, the costs involved can be prohibitively high. If a neighbour is vulnerable and struggling to keep on top of their property's maintenance, offer to lend a hand. If, however, your neighbour is just lazy and there are piles of junk in their garden, the situation is trickier. If safe, you could politely knock on your neighbour's door and ask them why the rubbish is there and if it can be cleared. If this fails, you may need to get the council involved. Sarah Khan, head of Churchill home insurance, told This is Money: 'Much like family, you cannot choose your neighbours, or who moves in next door. 'Sometimes you get lucky with neighbours and sometimes less so. 'Unfortunately, no matter how well presented your house is, a messy or poorly maintained neighbouring property can have a significant, detrimental impact on your sale price. 'If you find yourself in this situation and it is a cause for concern, it is worth trying to have a chat with your neighbour to see what can be done about it. 'Even a quick tidy up can make a huge difference, it does not have to be expensive but could significantly improve the curb appeal and the price you achieve for your home.' Jeremy Leaf, north London estate agent, said: ' Poor external appearance can reduce property value – and saleability. 'Dumped rubbish, untended gardens, broken boundaries, neglected repairs, peeling paintwork and graffiti are just some of the issues which we find can have a significantly negative impact. 'Most prospective purchasers assume poor appearances may not improve and even deteriorate – irrespective of assurances from owners and estate agents. 'With so many buyers spoilt for choice at present, it's even more important for sellers to differentiate and stand out from the crowd in a good way when making their properties available. 'Properties located in well-run estates or conservation areas can also ensure work is carried out promptly and to a good standard. 'House-proud neighbours and efficient management companies may be fussy but help keep streets tidy as well as maintain values. 'Sellers should be very aware they don't often have a second chance to make a first impression.' Best mortgage rates and how to find them Mortgage rates have risen substantially over recent years, meaning that those remortgaging or buying a home face higher costs. That makes it even more important to search out the best possible rate for you and get good mortgage advice, whether you are a first-time buyer, home owner or buy-to-let landlord. Quick mortgage finder links with This is Money's partner L&C > Mortgage rates calculator > Find the right mortgage for you To help our readers find the best mortgage, This is Money has partnered with the UK's leading fee-free broker L&C. This is Money and L&C's mortgage calculator can let you compare deals to see which ones suit your home's value and level of deposit. You can compare fixed rate lengths, from two-year fixes, to five-year fixes and ten-year fixes. If you're ready to find your next mortgage, why not use This is Money and L&C's online Mortgage Finder. It will search 1,000's of deals from more than 90 different lenders to discover the best deal for you.
