Australians not so neighbourly: realestate.com.au study

Australians not so neighbourly: realestate.com.au study
Staff ReporterDecember 7, 2020

More than one-third of Australians have no interest in getting to know their neighbours, according to a recent study by realestate.com.au.

The same survey said that 15 per cent said they go out of their way to avoid speaking to a neighbour, while one in five revealed they’d previously had a dispute with someone living in their street.

Realestate.com.au executive general manager of Residential, Andrew Rechtman, said the findings showed that for the most part Ramsay Street really is more fiction than fact.

“The results are somewhat surprising when you consider Australians are known for their relaxed and friendly nature, but it seems that doesn’t always extend to our neighbours. We need to take a leaf out of Ramsay Street,” he said.

“We know that when people are searching for a home one of the first questions they ask is – what are the neighbours like and what will my neighbourhood be like? Good neighbours can make or break a street, which is why understanding and getting insights on a potential neighbourhood can often give a buyer the confidence to make an offer on a house.” 

Survey key findings:

•More than a third of Australians don’t have any interest in getting to know their neighbours (37 per cent);

•15 per cent of Australians go out of their way to avoid speaking to neighbours;

•One in 10 admits to spying on a neighbour (10 per cent);

•One in five Australians has had a dispute with a neighbour (20 per cent);

•More than one in 10 uses their neighbour’s bin without asking them (11 per cent).

“Stronger neighbourhood relationships foster a deeper sense of community and a greater support network. We know that more connected neighbours can lead to safer communities, as residents are more inclined to look out for one another,” Rechtman said.

There was not a major difference in responses between capital city dwellers and those living in regional/rural areas. Responses were also similar between age groups, the survey revealed.

“The common perception is that older Australians have stronger relationships with their neighbours than younger people, but it seems that isn’t the case. Baby Boomers are avoiding their neighbours just as much as Gen Y,” Rechtman said. 

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