Solicitor advised we meet neighbours before exchanging

[mumtorobbie]

Went to solicitor's today to sign the contracts and he advised we introduce ourselves to the neighbours either side before we exchange to ascertain whether they're likely to be a nightmare or not.

Bit surprised by this advice as I don't think one quick hello is likely to reveal whether we're going to be plagued by noise or anti-social behaviour.

Is this standard advice these days?

I would go around and sort everything out prior to buying. The drive thing could end in serious tears, if your solicitor is suggesting you do, do it!

They may have bullied the lady into parking on her drive, if she 'lets' them then there technically is no 'dispute' and you will have no comeback and possibly they will be so awful you will eventually do the same to another buyer when you move because you have no drive!

Twice friends have moved into the house sold by the "nuisance" neighbours. Both times they were amazed by the welcome they got, their new neighbours greeting them with cakes etc.
Please tell us if you find put anything on visiting the neighbours.

We got cryptic comments about Teenage activity in our survey.

We had also noticed dead cars and motorbikes.

Yes we get the odd engine tuning and knock on the door to borrow a particular sizes spanner, but they are generally ok.

have a skip delivered to the drive.

Tell us what happens. Such arrangements would ring alarm bells for me too.
I remember viewing our property for the second time after we knew we wanted it and asking the vendors about whether she could hear any noise from the neighbours. She was quite abrupt and said only if they're thumping about in a "well that never happens voice". Looking back she was pretty defensive about it but we were buying with our hearts so didn't think anything of it at the time as the downstairs neighbours were a family. Turns out the parents had regular stand up rows and once the dad was screaming at his wife in the street, following her down the road. I was mad enough to go out and try and stop it having seen this behaviour first hand but couldn't find him by the time I'd got out. Luckily they all moved out after a few months and we now have lovely neighbours (and friends).

We looked at this house at this time of year 2 years ago. What the EA didn't mention, and didn't occur to us, was that it was lovely and quiet and no parking problems because it was the Easter Holidays. When the students all came back it was a different story and unfortunately apart from our immediate neighbours we are surrounded by HMO :(

Having never lived in a University town before we didn't realise what a PITA they'd be.

Well we met the neighbours this weekend and they both seem very nice. Both said what a nice neighbourhood it was and our adjoining ones have invited us over for a cuppa when we settle in. Much relieved!

Brilliant - thanks for the update. Enjoy your new home...x

Thanks for update. Hope the move goes well.

Something is not right here. If there were issues they should be declared in the pre contract enquiries. Somebody hasn't done their job properly.

Re parking, well actually they may have developed rights, it can happen dependant on length of uninterrupted time.

Ah just seen your post - good luck!

Good idea. If I had done this I wouldn't have moved into my flat and would have been spared the horrors I have to live with now.