Taken to coincide with Neighbourhood Watch Week, a survey of 2000 adults shows that homeowners have a greater tendency to be friendly with neighbours. This data suggests that if renting becomes more and more common, not only ownership will be at stake. Indeed, 28 per cent of renters admit to not having ever introduced themselves to their neighbours, compared to 12 per cent of homeowners. Furthermore, while almost two thirds (64%) of homeowners know their neighbours’ names, the same applies to just 39% of renters.
Almost half (49%) of homeowners have been inside their neighbours’ home compared to just 28% of renters while almost a third (32%) of homeowners have lent something to their neighbours versus 19% of renters. Almost one in five (19%) homeowners offer to help their neighbours while they are away by feeding pets, watering plants or clearing post, twice the proportion of renters (8%).
Table 1: Interactions with our neighbours
| Renters | Homeowners | |
| I have been inside their home | 28% | 49% |
| I have invited them into my home | 27% | 43% |
| I have lent them something | 19% | 32% |
| They have lent me something | 19% | 29% |
| I feed their pets / water plants / clear their post when they are away | 8% | 19% |
| They feed my pets / water plants / clear my post when I am away | 7% | 17% |
| We’ve been to them / they have come to us for a BBQ | 5% | 15% |
| I keep their spare house keys | 5% | 14% |
| They have my spare house keys | 5% | 12% |
Stuart Beattie, Head of Secured Lending, at HSBC comments:
“The difficulty in taking a step onto the property ladder for many first-time buyers has meant that many are remaining in rented accommodation for longer. However, just because you do not own your own home does not mean that you cannot get to know those living around you.”
Source : HSBC
