Messy Neighbours Could Cost You: Here’s What to Do About It
Messy Neighbours Could Cost You £42,000 – Here’s How to Protect Your Home’s Value
Did you know that unkempt or unattractive neighbouring properties can knock as much as £42,880 off the value of your home? Research from Churchill Home Insurance found that messy gardens, broken windows, and even an overload of lawn ornaments could impact how buyers see your property – and how much they’re willing to pay.
The numbers are eye-opening:
- Rubbish in the front garden could slash a home’s value by up to 30%.
- Too many garden ornaments or statues? Expect a possible 28% drop.
- Broken or boarded-up windows can cut prices by around 27%.
Across the UK, the losses range from nearly £89,000 in London to around £25,000 in lower-priced areas. But here in Hull and East Yorkshire, the same principle applies – first impressions count.
What Can You Do If Your Neighbours Are Letting the Side Down?
As experienced estate agents in Hull and across East Yorkshire, we’ve seen it all – from picture-perfect streets to those with one or two properties in need of TLC. The good news? There are ways to handle it without causing a neighbourhood dispute.
Have a friendly chat
Sometimes, neighbours don’t even realise their home is an eyesore. A polite, friendly conversation can go a long way. Drop gentle hints rather than making demands – most people will respond positively when they understand the impact.
Offer a helping hand
This isn’t always suitable, but in some cases, it’s the simplest solution. If the neighbour is elderly or has mobility issues, they may struggle to maintain their home. Offering to help – or rallying other neighbours – can solve the problem for everyone.
Create a “green screen”
If you can’t change what you see, block it out. Fast-growing shrubs, climbing plants, or even artificial ivy panels can instantly improve your view and boost privacy. In some cases, investing in a smart new fence might be worthwhile, too.
(And remember – there’s no harm in focusing attention on your own home. Stage it beautifully for viewings and make sure buyers see its best side first.)
As a last resort…
If the property is genuinely dangerous, derelict or causing a health issue, the local council can step in. They might order the homeowner to tidy up – or even do the work themselves and send the bill.
But, of course, this route can take time and cause ill feeling, so it’s always better to try a friendly solution first.
The Beercocks Perspective
At Beercocks, we know that no street is perfect – and we don’t think that should stop you from moving forward with your plans. A well-presented, well-priced home will still attract buyers, even if there’s a scruffy garden next door.
If you’re thinking about selling in Hull or East Yorkshire and want honest advice from a local estate agent who knows the market inside out, we’d love to help.
📞 Get in touch today for a free, no-obligation valuation – and let’s get your move underway.
Make sure you follow Beercocks on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook for regular content, providing the latest information for homebuyers and sellers in the Hull, Beverley, and North East Lincolnshire areas.
