At some point in our lives many of us have had to deal with nuisance neighbours. A significant proportion of conflict between neighbours arises from excessive noise. Circumstances can become even more difficult when it comes to selling your property.
Do I Need to Disclose Noise Problems When Selling a Property?
When selling a property, you are required to complete a property information form during the conveyancing transaction. Included in this form are questions relating to any disputes/complaints relating to your property or those nearby. You will also be asked if there are any issues which could possible lead to a dispute.
It is important to know you must provide truthful answers, which are to the best of your knowledge. This applies to previous, current and possible future issues.
What Are the Implications If I Do Not Disclose Noise Issues?
If you have hidden or not declared particular information when you complete your property information form, there are various implications, such as legal action and financial compensation. Mentioned below are a few examples:
-If the issues are bad, the new owner of the property could feel forced to move. If the property is sold at a lower value than it was purchased for, you could be liable to pay the difference.
-The buyer may choose to stay in the property, but may have reconsidered their purchase if they were aware of the existing issues. As this could affect the buyer’s future sale price, they could choose to take further action.
Will Selling a Property With Noisy Neighbours Affect my Property Price?
There are a few elements which will determine whether noisy neighbours will affect your property price.
Firstly, you should take the initial step to evaluate your property and look at the aspects of its position and consider if your property is in high demand?
For example your property may be in a good school catchment area and there are not many alternative properties in the area on the market. Your property may be close to good transportation links or appeal to developers/landlords. If you’re selling with an estate agent, they may be able to help assess these areas.
However, if there are many similar properties that are also up for sale in your area, it would offer potential buyers more choice.
Another point to consider would be relating to the nature of the dispute i.e. if you have raised a dispute about noisy animals, you may have somebody looking to purchase your property who also owns pets that could overlook this completely.
How Do I Resolve a Problem With Noisy Neighbours?
Excessive noise problems, which may be causing difficulties and affecting your property price, are not something you should have to live with and there are procedures in place to help you resolve these. Here are a few actions you could take:
• Try having an informal talk with the individual(s) causing the issue, as the noise could be down to a simple misunderstanding.
• If it turns out the noise issues are coming from a rental property, you could try contacting the landlord to see if there is a way the problem can be resolved.
• If you’re unable to tackle the problem on an informal basis, you could take the route of a mediation service where a trained impartial individual can express your concerns.
• By raising a complaint with your local council/authority, they will be obliged to look into your case.
• If your personal situation gets more serious and the occupiers of the property are breaking the law, whether its violence towards you or harassment you should consider getting the police involved.
• Taking legal action
Let Howells’ Residential Conveyancing Solicitors Help
If you would like to discuss taking legal action against a noisy neighbour or have more questions, please get in touch with one of our residential conveyancing solicitors by emailing info@howellslegal.com or call 02920 404020 to speak to one of our friendly experts.
