The private life of homeowners

Homeowners in the UK are shunning their neighbours in pursuit of a little privacy and prefer their personal space.

According to Yorkshire Bank’s quarterly Housebuyers Survey, more than half of homeowners (53%) prefer to keep themselves to themselves and don’t want nosey neighbours knowing their business.

Almost three out of five of those questioned (59%) said they would prefer to buy a home that was private and not overlooked by neighbours. More than one in three (37%) even admitted that they could sometimes go for weeks without so much as seeing or speaking to their neighbours.

Gary Lumby, Yorkshire Bank’s head of retail, said: “Privacy and personal space are high on the list of priorities for homeowners keen to avoid nosey neighbours. As increasing numbers of young professionals and first time buyers are choosing to live in city centre apartment blocks or purpose built flats, it seems that more of us aspire to own a property that offers plenty of privacy.

“But, even if you are not prepared to speak with your neighbours, you should still make time to talk to your bank!”

Little chance of privacy in London

Just one in three (33%) London homeowners said that privacy would be a priority, while almost four out of five (79%) residents in the West Midlands said they’d prefer to purchase a more private property - making the region the place where people most value their privacy.

Despite their apparent disregard for privacy, just one in five (21%) of those living in the capital claim to know their neighbours’ full names.

Nosey or neighbourly?

No matter how neighbourly their intentions might be, new comers may want to think twice before rushing to meet the neighbours. Some 15% of those questioned said that if new neighbours arrived to introduce themselves the day they moved into the street, they’d think they were being more nosey than neighbourly.

Parking permitted?

According to Yorkshire Bank’s research, homeowners appear to be willing to share a postcode but very little else with their neighbours. Indeed more than half (57%) admit they wouldn’t want to purchase a property with a shared driveway. A further 42% admitted they don’t like neighbours parking outside their property - an issue which has long been notorious for causing arguments between residents.

Gary Lumby said: “Neighbourhood disputes can be a serious matter. Our research revealed almost one in five (18%) residents in the East Midlands have chosen to move home after falling out with other residents on their street, proving that its always a good idea to thoroughly research any potential new neighbourhood before you buy.”