To wonder how I'll sell my house (neighbours)

[Hudhud35]

We want to move - however we cannot afford the £300k price tag of a new build (so we cannot sell to them) nor can we afford to do a 'we buy any house' thing.

Our house is an decent sized 3 (double) bed semi detached in a cheap (poor) area of town. Houses up and down the street sell ok - however our house is next to some really scummy people.

They're currently on the front garden, drinking, with cans of beer and rubbish strewn all over the garden and their back garden would put Steptoe to shame. They don't work so there always there - smoking weed, swearing and generally being antisocial. I'm also pretty sure someone is living on the front garden.

Last year we had an issue with their kids (preteen and 20 something) playing loud music but that seems to have stopped (for now) after numerous complaints from multiple neigbours (so we have to declare a dispute).

I will say they very much keep themselves to themselves but they just look a complete state but they really dont care about the disgusting state they live in.

I for one would never have purchased the house if they lived here when I purchased but the council evicted the tenants before and brought these in.

How am I going to sell it? Would someone buy it - maybe who hasn't got the budget for a nice area but needs a bigger family home?

Not interested in hearing 'I wouldn't buy it' as neither would I! But will someone?

For the right price, someone will buy it. Would you be better waiting until winter when they're less likely to be outside and visible to viewers?

That’s a really good idea. Wait for winter and make your house look super cosy.
Work out the rental return to see if it’s viable as a buy to let. Rent x 12, divided by purchase price plus Stamp Duty x 100 gives % return. Talk to estate agents about pitching it as a btl if it’s a good return.

I thought this but knowing my luck it would take ages go into the summer and the buyers would pull out (I would though I've been burnt a few times with terrible neighbours) - but I think this is my anxiety talking.

I think it will be very difficult given the picture you have painted of your neighbours.

People will notice the unkempt gardens and they will certainly notice the extra neighbour living in the garden.

I honestly think you'd have to be desperate to buy the house as it's the biggest financial outlay you will ever have and to end up living next door to this would be heartbreaking.

Goodluck though I hope you manage to escape even if you have to drop your price a bit to ensure a sale.

I know which is why I'm asking how am I going to manage to sell it. It's literally nothing we can do to stop it.

BTL isn't viable for us - as we need the equity to buy somewhere else - also I couldn't manage with the stress

I understand that you are probably completely fed up, but is attempting to get them evicted not an option?

@Zarataralara oh I see what you mean - you mean pitching to BTL?

Can you let it and rent somewhere for yourselves.

What about approaching the council? Would they buy it?

We sold my parent’s house in Ireland and the estate agent had an offer from the council as they are looking to increase housing stock without building?

Could you do a part exchange on a new build in a slightly cheaper area so you could afford it?
Or is there anything they are doing which contravenes their contract which might mean they get evicted if you report things to the council.
Failing that, I agree try to sell in autumn or winter and do your best to tidy up yours.
Not sure if I would do this, but if you're really desperate could you offer to cut/tidy their front garden when doing yours as 'a favour'?

I think your best chance would be to sell to somebody who intends to use it as a rental, your local agents will have close connections with these landlords, maybe speak to them to see what options they have.

Someone will buy it for cheap but the price will reflect the bad neighbours. This situation is always a risk when you buy next to a council house unfortunately.

Might not be right for you but my dsis in the same circs rented it out for 3years and then sold.

Aren't landlords selling atm? All the papers are saying they're not buying anymore?

No we tried this - and explained their tenants are lowering our value it's the least they can do- but no they're not buying stock - only selling

This is a really good idea.

I've grown up on council estates and never came across this before - everyone's been proud of their home in some way still.

But yeah I'm looking at 10k + less than value aren't I..

Honestly, if you want to sell it, put it on the market and you may well be surprised as people will buy for the right price. You may get a loss but at least you'll be able to move elsewhere :)

we’re in a very similar situation and it feels so unfair. These people are literally costing us tens of thousands of pounds. The council will not take responsibility though and they don’t quite do anything bad enough to warrant evicting them.
no advice I’m afraid but I really feel your pain.

Why not bribe their teenagers?

Tell them "We are willing to pay you to tidy up your garden while our house is on the market".

Have you contacted the council (landlord) about the tenants’ behaviour, apart from the loud music? If so, and they’ve done nothing, try your local councillors. Ask them how they can help. They may put pressure on the council to get the tenants to adhere to their tenancy agreement.

Unfortunately, some people live in pigsties, they haven’t a clue about/don’t give a toss about reasonable behaviour and neighbours. It’s a horrible situation for you.

Maybe market it as a buy to let property?

Yes, a landlord might buy it, wasn’t suggesting you become landlords.