Agents fail to warn buyers about nightmare neighbours

Nightmare neighbours can make your life hell, and agents are supposed to warn homebuyers. Yet fewer than half do.

According to research from Churchill Insurance, while disputes with neighbours can knock 3.8% of a property's asking price, only four in ten estate agents ask sellers about any problems.

Ten percent leave it up to the buyers' solicitor or conveyancer to check out any problems, even though the buyer will already be running up costs at this point.

This is despite the fact that, under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading regulations, agents are required to tell buyers about community problems and antisocial behaviour that could alter the quality of life in a home and affect a buyer's decision. They face a fine of up to £5,000 or two years in prison if they don't.

And when problems such as antisocial behaviour or noise do come to light, says Churchill, it can knock £7,000 off the value of the average home.

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"If someone is looking to sell their home and they have had a dispute with a neighbour, they must disclose this as early as they can," National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) managing director Mark Hayward tells the Scotsman.

"It is vitally important that if you are buying or selling your home you use a reputable estate agent to ensure the right code of conduct is adhered to and that you receive the correct information."

Churchill, meanwhile, advises buyers to make their own enquiries if they want to be sure they're getting the full picture.

Churchill's tips on what to ask a vendor

When you meet the estate agent or seller inquire specifically about disputes, whether ongoing or in the past, and ask about the neighbourhood generally.

Make sure you visit the property several times and at different times of the day to get a full picture.

Talk to neighbours, look at crime statistics and visit the local shops and restaurants to get a feel for your potential home.

Check out online resources such as the Environment Agency (England and Wales) and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency for information on flooding and environmental information such as pollution. Get in touch with the local planning authority to find out more information about forthcoming developments in the area.

Check that you can trust your estate agent and solicitors/conveyancers by making sure they are members of a professional organisation or association and have positive online ratings.