Thursday, April 12, 2007
Category:
Home Improvements
According to recent research from Halifax Estate Agents, UK homeowners are moving on average 6 times during their life.
The effect of multiple moves on homeowners relationships with their neighbours has been examined by the Halifax Estate Agents research which found that less than one in four people would be offended if their new neighbours failed to introduce themselves. Almost half of those moving in have never received a welcome card or house warming present.
When it comes to making the first move 48 per cent of those surveyed thought that existing residents should make the effort to introduce themselves to newcomers. 18 per cent thought that people moving in would find the time to greet their new neighbours in between moving in. Those more likely to be proactive and make the first move are 18 to 24 year olds. Almost a quarter say the onus falls upon new comers. This compares with 55% of the over 65s who believe it is up to existing residents.
These first steps are essential in getting relationships off to a good start with 22 per cent considering it rude if neighbours don’t introduce themselves. 76 per cent wouldn’t take any offence and say they wouldn’t mind living next door to people whose name they didn’t know. The survey also asked when homeowners think the first move should take place. Almost half thought that it should take place within two to seven days, or within the first week. That said, one in six were keen to get to know their new neighbours on their first day in the street.
Colin Kemp, managing director for Halifax Estate Agents, comments, “It appears that the days of everyone on a street knowing each others names and making an effort to welcome new residents are fast disappearing. Long working hours and busy lifestyles could partly be to blame.
“However, it would be heart warming to think that there will continue to be some sense of community spirit in towns and villages across the UK. Good neighbourhood relationships can be invaluable, for instance having someone to keep an eye on the house or feed the cat whilst you’re away or a first port of call when you’re run out of sugar!”
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Those homeowners that need to move up the property ladder but feel attached to their current home and neighbours could consider improving what they’ve already got with a
home improvement loan. A home improvement loan can help homeowners move up the property ladder in many ways. Firstly, homeowners may use a home improvement loan to extend their current property, adding that extra bedroom or bathroom that is usually the reason for moving home. Secondly, an extension financed by a home improvement loan, can add a valuable extra reception room which may be needed by homeowners who are thinking about moving home. One of many options to fund extensions, a home improvement loan may be just the alternative to moving home, allowing home owners to stick with the home and neighbours they have grown to love. Home improvement loans can usually be repaid over a term to suit the borrower from 5 to 25 years.
