house sale

[Maude1]

We are about to put our house on the market but would like to know if anyone has had experience of selling a house when you have experienced a dispute with your neighbours. Ours was to do with conifers which we have since allowed to be removed, We still do not speak to the neighbour and will obviously need to declare this information to the new buyers. We would like to do this in a way that does not put them off as other than this we do not have any other problems with them  

[Lindy Loo]

I'd be inclined to play it safe and say that the neighbour keeps to themselves, rather than focus on problem that has been resolved. That way you are still telling the truth, but being slightly selective to your advantage.

Also the buyer of your home needs an unbiased opinion of the neighbours, as they may become friends in the future. 

[inferno]

Lindy loo's is wrongh I'm afraid. There was a recent court case (can't remember the details) where a couple who sold a house without informing the buyer of a serious didpute. they ended up having to pay a large amount in compensation to the new owners when problems arose.

You should be open and honest. If your dispute was about your conifers (which are a regular source of bad feeling between neighbours) it is unlikely that the details would be a problem for purchasers. I'd say it would have been more of a problem if it had been the other way round.

[vicki.mcfall]

 

Recently had a very traumatic move, the answer is if  it has been resolved ie trees removed then there is nothing to tell. What are you going to tell them 'I don't like the neighbours and they don't like me!' It would be different if it was still ongoing or if the neighbours had anti-social tendancies.

[Oneeyedvic]

Your solicitor will give you a load of documents which you have to fill in and complete - one will include disputes with neighbors

 

DO NOT LIE as this will lead to compensation claims in court.

 

Simply say the truth, and put a spin on it - eg it was many years ago, and we don't have any current complaints (just don't mention that you do not talk).

 

Their solicitor (if he is on the ball) will then ask for full detaisl on what happened - if it was over 5 years ago, make that clear - if it was 6 months ago, your house will unforntautley be devalued - make sure you mention this to the estate agent - you don't want to get all the way down the chain before it crops up.

[Oneeyedvic]

Alternatively, why not try and make up with your neighbors - take around a bottle of wine and tell them that you are moving and want bygones to be bygoones - you can then fill in the form and say  there were issues previously but are now resolved