Hi everyone. I’ve lived in a newish build housing estate for 5 years. I didn’t buy from new it was built in 2010s. majority of the people on my road all bought from new and have been from start. They are all close with each other and whilst generally are friendly enough 121 can be a little intimidating as a group. Regular gatherings gossiping in the cul de sac and in each others houses. They were welcoming when I moved in, I made huge efforts back - pet sitting, looking after houses on holiday etc. got peoples shopping during Covid. I felt the boundaries start to be pushed gradually in terms of privacy and also general respect to my property (trespass - neighbours coming with dogs using my garden as a pooping station as it’s all open plan, kids running into my propert damaging garage door with scooter and one particular neighbour watching me asking where I’d gone if I was out even text me once to ask if was coming home.
I found myself being friendly but starting to try keep at arms length and politely asked where damage was occurring if they could try avoid coming onto my property. As a result I was shunned by everyone on the street for “not being neighbourly” as apparently everyone else just lets these issues go and it’s the way it’s always been.
im now looking to move I had an idea to get a city centre appartment as my previous experience I find these slightly more transient and people weren’t so nosy - but with the market being so slow currently I worry how long it will take to sell my house and don’t think I can face another year here .
a couple of people suggested a part ex for a new build which enabled them to move fast and no risk of drop outs. It sounds a great solution but my worry is would I be getting int the same situation - I have this impression the estates will be similarly cramped up and overlooked, with people living there expecting you to not value privacy as a result. Also worry about the cliqueness I faced here and what if I don’t fit in again if I don’t join the gossip and don’t like damage to my stuff.
Or could it be different if I moved in from the start like everyone else? Maybe the issue is that I just arrived a little too late here?
Just wandered on people’s experience who have bought new builds before. Does any of what I said resonate & is this typical on these kind of estates where lots of people may have moved in same time and created a culture you have to fit with? Maybe I would be better to sell traditionally and just wait. Interested to hear your experiences