News

Britain’s top five neighbour ‘red flags’ revealed in an eye-opening new survey

If your neighbours don't do any of this, remember you might be that neighbour.

Emily Sergeant - 11th August 2025

The top five ‘red flags’ of neighbours have been revealed, according to an eye-opening new survey of hundreds of Brits.

In an ideal world, we’d all be friendly with those on our street – but despite everyone’s best intentions, it doesn’t always work out that way, as the dream can begin to unravel once you find out the neighbours aren’t quite what you hoped for.

It’s no secret that who lives next door can shape your day-to-day life, regardless of whether you own or rent your home.

Unlike a dodgy paint colour or a bathroom that’s is need of some modernisation, neighbours aren’t really that easy to change.

But what exactly is it that really gets under Brits’ skin when it comes to their neighbours? In a bid to find out, Rightmove conducted a new survey and asked members of its research panel, Living Room, to share the neighbourly habits that raise the biggest ‘red flags’ in their books.

The number one neighbour red flag was discovered to be those who ask to borrow your WiFi password if theirs isn’t working or is yet to be installed, with 87% of survey respondents calling it a ‘no-go’, saying it’s not just cheeky, but can also slow down your connection too, meaning you’re left buffering when you don’t need to be.

So-called ‘bin offenders’ take the second spot. You know, those with overflowing bins spilling onto the street? Seven in 10 Brits say it’s a major red flag.

‘Parking pinchers’ take the third spot, with more than half of people (51%) said they’d be unhappy if a neighbour took their parking spot, 71% saying they are irritated by people parking outside their homes, and 70% disliking it when non-residents use their street.

70% of Brits say nosy neighbours are a ‘real issue’, meaning so-called curtain twitching is a red flag, and then 38% say knocking on or inviting round for a surprise cuppa is a ‘boundary-crossing’ move, as peace and quiet matters and unexpected visits can ‘throw off your home’s calm’.

Read more:

• Mancunians have been revealed as the ‘nosiest’ neighbours in the UK
• Channel 5 show is looking for people with ‘nightmare neighbours’ in Manchester
• Chorlton widower flooded with kindness after sending a letter to neighbours

Rightmove also found that 59% of Brits considering a moving to an area will drive by the property at different times of the day and week to check the ‘vibe’, and 43% will check local community groups for neighbour disputes that may apply.

58% say they are open to new areas if it means better neighbours.

Featured Image – Benjamin Elliott (via Unsplash)