To be utterly shocked at how thin our walls are

[tyll521]

We're in a 1960s semi and the house next door has been empty for years (think 10 years ish!). Before that it was an elderly couple with too many bedrooms so they never spent much time on 'our side' of the house, iyswim. Basically, it's been silent for a long time.

The house went on the market 6 months ago and we have spent that 6 months sick with worry about the possibility of bad neighbours moving. I've lost sleep over it! Very relieved that the new people who have moved in are absolutely lovely, we are so so thankful.

But... I absolutely can't believe how thin our walls are. I can hear everything. Granted, the house is in absolute disrepair so they have a huge reno job on their hands so I'm prepared for lots of banging and drilling (doesn't bother me tbh) But I can hear their voices, all their conversations: clear as day.

Our house is carpeted throughout which I know dulls the noise but I can tell theirs is currently not: when they moved in it was exposed old floorboards/floor tiles (I saw the Rightmove pics!) and I am anbsolutely praying they get carpet to ease the noise on us a bit!

AIBU to not have expected to hear whole conversations from my neighbours through the wall!? definitely not envy!

I sympathise, but you can get soundproofing installed - I did!

Yes I know - we live in a 1950s semi and it’s ridiculous. So we’ve installed sound proofing where we can.

I'm in a terrace built in 1900, it has many downsides, but I don't hear the neighbours at all.

Id make sure you also make a fair amount of noise too everyday stuff. So they realise how much they can hear you and double up on the insulation while they are working.

Not sure good. Might be worth telling the neighbours while they are still mid-renovation so they can decide if they want to put sound proofing in on their side!

Carpets make SO much of a difference. Next doors landlord pulled them up and it is so much noisier now

@Xfox

Carpets make SO much of a difference. Next doors landlord pulled them up and it is so much noisier now

This is what is really worrying me, that they will lay hardwood floors or tiles as carpet doesn't seem to be so 'in' now!

Mention to them about the noise. They must have noticed it from you as well.

Very good point about carpets. They absorb a lot of sound energy and if they are removed this energy will all make its way to the wall.