Public Servant Lifestyle

First time buyers say good neighbours add value to property.

Neighbours - they can improve your quality of life, or make it a misery, and now, according to a new survey, they can actually add value to your property.

Three quarters of those surveyed said good neighbours boost property value, while two-fifths have been put off buying a property because of undesirable characters living next door.

Good Neighbours

Nearly a third (32%) of first time buyers make a determined effort to vet neighbours, before putting an offer in on a property.
Women are more likely than men to investigate potential neighbours (40% compared to 22%).
Almost half the women surveyed (48%) said that the neighbours had put them off a property compared to 32% of men.

Homes To DIY For

The 'Changing Rooms' culture continues apace - with nearly one quarter (23%) putting scope for improvement and expansion at the top of their wish lists (compared to 16% in 2001). And women are more passionate about DIY than men (26% compared to 20%).
But location is what clinches the sale for 39% of first time buyers, whilst for 14% it's quiet neighbours. A nice kitchen is the most important factor for 13%, whilst only 6% say they must have a garden (down from 16% in 2001).

Love at First Viewing?

Nearly one fifth (17%) of first time buyers just looked at one property.
The majority of first time buyers (42%) looked at between five and 10 properties before making their final decision, says the Woolwich First Time Buyers survey.
19% looked at 10 to 20, and 10% were even choosier looking at over 20 properties.

Neighbours Checklist

1. Introduce yourself: Make an excuse to pop round - perhaps to ask them about the area, or what the local amenities are like.

2. Vary the time of your house visits: Visit any prospective house at different times of the day and both during the week and at the weekend to get a rounded view of the neighbours and the neighbourhood.

3. Probe the home seller: Do they keep themselves to themselves? Are they quiet and peace loving like Coronation Street's Emily Bishop? Or are they high drama like Eastenders' Slater family?

4. Neighbourhood Watch Scheme: Find out how much the neighbours look out for each other.

5. Look for signs of homeowner pride: A well-tended garden, clean windows, or any signs of expansion or improvement, are often seen as a positive sign.

6. Check crime figures: This will give you an indication of the tone of the neighbourhood.

7. Check with the local council: What's their policy on troublesome neighbours and have any cases been reported recently in your prospective street?

8. Check out the local schools.

9. Go to the pub: Chatting with a local landlord or shopkeeper can be a good way of finding out about the neighbourhood.

10. Ask about reliability of transport links.

More information available in Your Home, Moving Home