Moving into a new property at a new location can bring a whirlwind of emotions, including stress, excitement, and a slight apprehension, but it’s essential to create a positive impression on your new neighbours.  

Your neighbours play a vital part in keeping you and your property safe, so it's crucial to create a good, solid relationship.  

Start with a simple introduction  

When relocating into a new home, you should approach your new neighbours at the first chance and introduce yourself. A great way to confidently do this is by approaching them and beginning your relationship with a kind, simple smile and introduction, creating a solid foundation.  

Having this first interaction creates an important first impression and can help you identify what your new neighbours are like, potentially preventing future disputes.  

Keep your surrounding property tidy  

Whether you live in an apartment, a terraced, semi-detached, or detached property, you may have shared-cared spaces you look after with your neighbours. This could be a shared drive, fence, or pathway, so it’s important that you communicate clearly and create a rotation of care for the shared space to avoid disputes.  

It is vital that you help maintain these spaces and create a clean environment in your community. By having an untidy entrance or drive to your home, it can imprint a negative impression on your neighbours and potentially make their property look untidy. So, by simply sweeping around your property to remove any loose leaves or debris, you can make a positive impression on your neighbours.  

Property garden maintenance  

Maintaining your property's surroundings also includes keeping your garden well-groomed to produce a beautiful appearance. You can simply care for your garden by ensuring your grass doesn't overgrow with a weekly cut and potentially planting some bulbs, which will allow effortless flowers to appear every year. Don't become the property that everyone avoids; instead, impress your neighbours with a well-cared-for garden.  

Neighbouring hedges and fences  

When it comes to first impressions with your neighbour, disputes can easily be encouraged if you are sharing a fence or hedge. This is extremely common, so before making any changes to any hedges or fences, it is key to discuss your options with your neighbour and ensure you receive the green light. Your neighbours will appreciate the discussion, demonstrating clear communication from your end and an excellent first impression.  

Home improvements  

When moving into a new property, sometimes you want to make slight home improvements, which can potentially cause disruption to your new neighbours. Keeping your neighbours informed and providing them with notice of any completed work is crucial.
Being a good neighbour means being considerate of others and being aware of the little things. For example, outdoor flood lighting can shine into your neighbouring homes, disturbing their privacy, or an outdoor shed could disturb their garden's sunlight. Being aware of the little things can create a good first impression on your neighbours.  

Be a considerate neighbour  

When moving to a new home, it’s vital to be a good, kind neighbour and considerate of your surroundings. This can be as simple as not being disruptive with noise pollution, taking your rubbish bins out at the correct times, parking in the correct place; there are so many unwritten rules of being a good neighbour and creating a good first impression.  

Clear communication is a key rule to maintaining a positive relationship with your neighbours and keeping you and your community safe. Exchanging numbers with your neighbour allows you to communicate clearly if you feel something suspicious is occurring. The more people you know in your area, the safer you and your property will be.