Everybody needs good neighbours!
The idea of being friends with your neighbour is high on the agenda for people in Exeter with more than a third wanting to know them better.
Research from Barratt Homes reveals that the desire for community spirit is alive and well and those living in new homes are leading the way. They are already the most likely to socialise with their neighbours with 15 per cent of those living in new homes socialising with their neighbours compared with just five per cent of those living in older properties.
Almost 20 per cent of people living in new builds have their neighbours on social media, compared to just five per cent of those in older homes. And those questioned highlighted making new friends, feeling part of the community and having someone close to rely on as key reasons for wanting to be friends with next door.
Speaking about the importance of design in creating new communities, Sara Parker, sales director at Barratt said; ‘’Creating places where people want to live is just as important as the quality of individual homes.
“All the developments Barratt builds are carefully designed thinking about how the new neighbourhood will work particularly in terms of the way open and shared space can be used by the new local community.”
She said it’s not just physical design that’s important. “As this research shows there's more to a great home than just bricks and mortar. Knowing that you live in a community that is safe and a great place to bring up your children gives you real peace of mind.”
Top tips from Barratt Homes on how to get over the neighbourliness gap:
- Don’t wait - introduce yourself to your neighbours within the first few days of moving in to help you get off on the right foot. Delaying makes it more embarrassing later
- Ask them questions – it could be for advice on local groups or clubs that you might like to join, or their recommendation on the best local pub or restaurant – it will get you chatting and you’re are likely to quickly find common ground
- Don’t be afraid to start an interaction. Our research highlighted that many people are reluctant to make the first move or ask a favour, but that we are willing to help our neighbours. So whether you’d like someone to water your plants or fancy a play date during the summer holidays ask away – you’ll be pleasantly surprised
- Host a summer get-together for those that live around you
- Offer to help older neighbours with their chores when you have spare time, washing their car, picking up milk, or cutting their grass will go a long way – and chances are you’ll feel good too
