Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to ask my neighbour to tidy their garden before viewings?

30 replies

RaspberryRoad · 28/08/2026 19:24

I’m selling my detached house, valued at £385,000 (not sure if that’s relevant) It’s a relatively new-build property, so the houses are fairly close together.
My next-door neighbour’s garden is currently very overgrown, particularly the grass, and it will be quite noticeable when viewings start and in the estate agent’s photos.
Would I be unreasonable to politely ask them if they would mind cutting the grass before my house goes on the market? Alternatively, would it be reasonable to offer to cut it for them myself, so they don’t feel I’m asking them to do work purely for my benefit?
I obviously don’t want to offend them or create any awkwardness, but I’m conscious that first impressions matter when selling a house.
What would you do?

OP posts:
SunnyRedSnail · 28/08/2026 19:30

Yabu to ask them to do it but yanbu to ask if they wouldn't mind if YOU did it and just politely explain why.

paomara · 28/08/2026 19:29

Yes offer to cut it ( and tidy it up while you're there!). It might need to be handled diplomatically as no one wants to be told their garden needs doing do they? Maybe they are ill, busy, don't care, or they could be away, in which case I'd try and contact them somehow and offer.

Not much to lose is there?

Cantstopeatingjaffacakes · 28/08/2026 19:27

My neighbour cut mine for me when she was selling and was very kind about just wanting to help rather than making it about looking more attractive to viewers. We did have a good relationship though so she knew I wouldn’t be offended.

MyManinCaracas · 28/08/2026 19:26

Any idea what their physical and mental condition is before you ask?

weebleswobblebuttheydontfallover · 28/08/2026 19:26

I think offering to cut it yourself would be your best bet. Are you on good terms with them? I shouldn’t think that most (normal) people would be offended!