One in six Brits claim lockdown has brought them closer
More than half of Brits have a good relationship with their neighbours, and one in six claim they’ve grown closer to their neighbours during lockdown according to a new survey by Confused.
Over the past 20 weeks, many people across the country have come together to support and help each other in ways they’ve never known before.
During this time a lot of people have been housebound, relying on others to carry out essential errands for them, from picking up prescriptions to carrying out a weekly shop.
In fact, 23 percent UK adults have helped a neighbour during lockdown in some way, while one in seven (14 percent) have received help themselves.
While many people have been enjoying the company of their neighbours, however, the facts that everyone has been spending more time at home is bound to put a strain on some neighbourly relationships.
According to the research, one in six Brits felt some tension with their neighbours during lockdown.
42 percent say this evolved from lockdown rules being broken, while a further two in five say loud music created the friction.
It’s inevitable that lockdown will have sparked a few arguments, as people have had to find ways to keep themselves entertained over the past 20 weeks although, in some cases, there was little concern for the neighbours.
According to the research, nearly one in three Brits claim their neighbours have been playing loud music during lockdown, while half saw their neighbours’ break lockdown rules by having family and friends visit their house.
More than one in three even claim their neighbour had been breaking the two-metre social distancing rule.
One in eight said their neighbour painted their fence without permission, while 15 percent chopped down a tree.
Under the circumstances, all these behaviours might get some people’s blood boiling but being the polite nation that we are, in most cases, people decided not to complain.
While confronting neighbours may seem like the best way to resolve an issue, it can in fact create more tension.
A friendly knock on the door or quick word over the fence will settle matters most of the time, although it’s not uncommon for these discussions to turn very awkward and so knowing your rights when it comes to disputing is key to maintaining a good relationship.
According to the research not everyone knows basic neighbourly etiquette.
One in 10 are confused about the law on playing loud music, while one in eight are unsure of the law around bonfires.
Knowing the confusion this is creating, Confused has pulled together a catch-all guide to help people settle potential neighbourly disputes.
According to the expert advice, having a bonfire or BBQ lit in the back garden is legal, unless it becomes hazardous or becomes a regular nuisance, in which case it could result in a fine and for those burdened with noisy neighbours, excessive volumes at any time of day is antisocial, meaning you should be within your rights to complain, although it’s best to try and settle it in a friendly way before turning to the local authorities.
The advice also warns people of the risks of giving keys to neighbours or relatives, something that 45 percent of Brits currently do.
In fact, nearly half of these trusting Brits have given their key to more than one person or household, but giving your key to someone else makes them responsible for keeping it safe and secure.
If a burglar finds the key and uses it to access your house, you may not be able to claim on your home insurance policy.
Generally, people have good relationships with their neighbours, with one in three saying they trust the people they live next to.
One in seven even socialise with their neighbours regularly, and this extends to their wider community, with 26 percent claiming they feel surrounded by good people.
Not everyone has been so fortunate, however as 18 percent admit they’ve had a bad relationship with their neighbours in the past.
More than a quarter even claim they would be put off buying a house because of the neighbours.
Not everyone has to be best friends with their neighbours but keeping the relationship polite and friendly will make settling any disputes or disagreements a lot easier for everyone.
Home insurance expert Jessica Willock said: “During lockdown, most of us have only had our neighbours to turn to for a chat over the fence or for help where needed and knowing that so many people now feel closer to their neighbours is a positive thing to come out of the pandemic.
“That said, with everyone spending more time at home, things are bound to build up.
"When it comes to confronting neighbours, more often than not a friendly conversation goes a long way but knowing when you’re within your rights to complain about certain things can be confusing.”