Are neighbours an important factor in buying a house?

Is a large trampoline in the garden next door a good reason for not buying a house?

Possibly yes, thinks Carol Peett, West Wales director of the home-finding company County Homesearch.

"On one occasion I was looking at a property for a retired couple and large trampoline in the garden next door set alarm bells ringing," she says.

"It probably meant noisy children - who in law cannot constitute a nuisance."

Jonathan Haward, founder and chairman of County Homesearch, says the delicate question of neighbours is highlighted by the dispute in Plymouth which was triggered by cypress trees that dwarfed the street.

He says: "All our buying agents are required to carry out discreet checks on neighbours, who may cause misery later.

"In the worst scenario, they could actually reduce the value of a home by many thousands or even make it unsaleable."

The County Homesearch checklist identifies main potential flashpoints as:

• Hedges and trees - leylandii trees are a particular cause for disagreement, as are overhanging trees and bushes.

• Shared-access drives can lead to disputes over who is responsible for maintenance - costly and inconvenient for all.

• Noise - an increasing problem as modern day sound systems and televisions are so powerful.

• Parking spaces - driveways obstructed or selfish parking in shared drives.

• Party walls - disputes often arise over who is responsible for maintenance.

• Noisy pets - barking dogs left unattended are a frequent cause of disputes.

• Smells - very often blocked drains or broken septic tanks.

Carol Peett says: "I always visit a house at different times of day to listen out. On one occasion a lovely house seemingly in a secluded position suffered from periodic noise from a quarry.

"When the wind was in the west you heard the crashing of machinery.

"Another lovely riverside house had shared access.

"I heard the neighbour was difficult and warned my client."It is part of my job to find out all I can about a property. I ask in the pub about neighbours and always inform clients if there is a problem.

"Sellers must only reveal to a buyer that they have had a problem neighbour if the matter has been reported to the police or local authority."

Haward adds: "We carry out official checks on neighbours for a small fee if clients request this.

"All our directors invariably try to find out what they can through informal enquiries and observation and visit a property at different times.

"It's amazing what you can find - perhaps a house is situated on a rat run to a school.

"Doing the homework on a house is vital to preserve your sanity and protect your privacy."

Contact County Homesearch on 01872 223 349 or visit the website at www.county-homesearch.co.uk