Some tips for getting on well with your neighbours

It is often said you can choose your friends, but not your family. The same also applies to your neighbours. We would all like them to be discreet, helpful, courteous and friendly, but if you don’t make an effort yourself, then getting along with those in your neighbourhood is always likely to be a more difficult. Just reaching out towards each other can be surprisingly rewarding. So what is the right approach to adopt with your neighbours? ENGEL & VÖLKERS offer some suggestions.

1. Introduce yourself

Imagine a new employee starts work at your company and starts his job without even saying hello or introducing himself to his new work colleagues. Wouldn’t you find that somewhat rude? And it's the same with your neighbours. When you move into your new home, make an effort to go and introduce yourself: you’ll find this simple gesture quickly helps to break the ice, and you will also learn a lot about the neighbourhood and about your property. And when it’s the other way round, always be happy to welcome newcomers, because that could be the start of an enduring friendship.

2. Be ready to do a good turn

Have you ever found yourself short of sugar or an egg on a Sunday, just as you were getting ready to make pancakes? If you’re not really in touch with your neighbours, that often means you are reluctant to call on them for such small favours. But a quality relationship is always a two-way thing. Watering plants during holidays, helping out with occasional food items, or lending a blender can develop an active process of friendliness and mutual help between you and your neighbours.

3. Be quiet while others are asleep!

Noise is the major source of conflict between neighbours, especially in large cities. So it’s something which needs special consideration. Of course, it is not a question of stopping normal life or never inviting anyone to your house. Just don’t forget to warn your neighbours when you celebrate your birthday, or if you’re about to redecorate the bathroom. If they’re kept well-informed, your neighbours will undoubtedly be more tolerant. And for your part, always understand that your neighbours may have to make a little noise from time to time. But if you feel they are exploiting your tolerance, then don’t hesitate to talk to them, calmly explaining how their noise is causing you inconvenience. Talking usually helps to defuse potential conflict situations.

4. Trim your trees

Another notorious source of disagreement among neighbours is plants that stray across boundaries. That’s a good reason to get yourself a good pair of shears and finally cut those hedges which have been left to grow wild for months. Fruit trees too are often the subject of neighbourly disputes – though they can just as easily be a conversation-starter if you share some of the fruit!