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Neighbourly disputes 'affect two in three people'

Noisy neighbours are a problem for almost one in five UK homeowners, a new poll from Allianz has found.

The insurer said that around one third have suffered an argument with the people next door - and a further third "would like" to complain to them about something, but "haven't done so".

Around one in four householders were also found to not even know the names of their neighbours - increasing the likelihood of misunderstandings and arguments.

Unsurprisingly, a third of those polled by Allianz said that they "did not trust" their neighbours.

Simon Coughlin, spokesman for the insurer, said: "You cannot help thinking that so much of the stress between neighbours could be avoided if they just took the time to get to know each other.

"We would encourage householders to consider other residents and try to resolve any dispute amicably before taking legal action."

Indeed, around six per cent of Britons were found to have sought legal advice over such an argument - a potentially costly option that can leave householders out of pocket and having to pay off debt or take out a personal loan.

The top five causes of neighbourly dispute were found to be noisy adults or children, loud music, parking concerns, boundary issues and pets.

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