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Squatters and students are neighbours from hell

Friday, 28 September 2007 12:00 AM

As many as 60 per cent of Brits do not want to live next door to students, research released today reveals.

As the new academic year begins research from PropertyFinder.com finds students are the second least popular neighbours, with only squatters more outcast.

Up to 90 per cent of people said they would not like to live next door to squatters.

However families faired little better.

Some 36 per cent of people would not like to live next door to families with teenage children - arguments and drum kits were top concerns - whereas 18 per cent would not like to live next door to families with young children.

Young flat sharers - who keep awkward hours - were unpopular with 19 per cent of those questioned.

In contrast, couples without children were the most sought after neighbours.

As many as 58 per cent of people would like to live next door to a young couple, compared to 53 per cent who desire to live next to pensioners.

Up to 41 per cent of people wanted a singleton as their neighbour.

While noise and untidiness can interfere with quality of life, unpopular neighbours can also lower house prices.

Having squatters for neighbours can cost 18.2 per cent of a property's value, an average of £34,482, whereas students can cost 9.3 per cent in value, some £17,620.

"Students are notorious for having a good time and living in messy conditions, but our results show a greater concern among householders regarding the detrimental effect students can have on the price of their property," said Warren Bright, chief executive of PropertyFinder.

"Our neighbours have a very significant influence on our quality of life, especially in urban areas, and increasingly, house hunters are prepared to pay a premium for a quiet, trouble-free life."

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