This is all to do with the modern idea of 'privacy', we expect our back gardens to be a private space. But older houses were not designed in this 'mode' (apart from large detached houses)
Look at some of the 'Related questions' below to get an idea of the problem.
Unfortunately as has been said there is nothing you can do about the situation, if you rent or buy such a house you have to live with it, you get what you pay for and this type house is cheaper just because of this arrangement.