How to get along with your neighbours

It is possible to love thy neighbour – truly. Befriending those who live around us is much more than just being able to borrow a cup of sugar.

Neighbours. Everybody needs good neighbours. You know the song and probably remember Scott and Charlene’s wedding, too. And although Ramsay Street isn’t actually a real place (sorry, spoiler alert), you can still make friends with your very own Doctor Karl and Harold.

However, it seems many of us don’t want to. Research suggests more and more Aussies are avoiding their neighbours – some people are going out of their way to avoid any kind of communication at all – and they’re missing out.

Forging neighbourly relationships isn’t just great for the community, it’s great for you too. Here’s why:

1. Holiday favours

Good neighbours look out for each other – they’ve got your back. So, if you go away on holiday, you can ask your neighbour to keep an eye on your place, water any plants and collect the mail. After all, neighbours should be there for one another.

2. Pet walking

If you have to work late or can’t get home in time, you can ask your neighbour to walk your dog – even a quick 10-minute stroll around the block. Or, if you love dogs but don’t have your own, you can offer to walk your neighbour’s four-legged friend.

3. Emergency supplies

Ever started baking only to realise you’ve run out of flour? Or sugar or milk? If you’re friends with your neighbours it doesn’t matter – you can pop over and ask to borrow that missing ingredient.

4. Greater respect

If you have a good relationship with your neighbours, you’ll find everyone will be more respectful – less noisy, less 7am lawn mowers and less trouble. And if there are any of those issues, you’ll have more leeway to ask them to stop.

5. Handy helpers

Look over your fence – you could be living next door to your very own Mr (or Mrs) Fix It. Just imagine how much easier those home DIY jobs would be with a little help from your tradie neighbour.

6. Wine buddies

Had a stressful day at work and need to unwind? Or want to celebrate the weekend but don’t want to open the bottle of red just for yourself? Why not have a glass with your neighbour!? You’ll both save money by staying home and can even enjoy a vino in your PJs.

Love (but sometimes hate) thy neighbour

Despite our best intentions, we can end up living next to neighbours from hell. Those neighbours who incessantly listen to music with too much bass, who never clean up after their dog and think front yard hoarding is an Olympic sport. However, there is a line and some things you shouldn’t put up with. Here’s when to stand your ground:

1. Construction in the early hours

You’re warm and cosy and dreaming of winning the lottery. And then it begins – the drill.

There are laws for when construction equipment noise is allowed (it differs in each state) so if your neighbours aren’t respecting the time restrictions, you should have a word.

2. Non-stop barking

Dogs are man’s (and woman’s) best friend. However, non-stop barking or yapping can be infuriating. If this is happening to you, talk to your neighbours – there's a possibility they don't realise their dog is barking so much.

3. Overhanging branches and roots

If a tree or plant from your neighbour’s garden is damaging your property (tree roots are causing damage to your plumbing or a branch is pushing your shared fence down), you should chat to your neighbour. Hopefully, they’ll extend you an olive branch and they’ll pay for any repairs/tree pruning.

4. 24/7 party people

Birthdays and milestones should be celebrated. But if your neighbours are turning their place into a nightclub every weekend, you’ll need to have a chat.

Councils set noise restrictions and they must be adhered to. If your neighbours persist to party the police can help you deal with the problem. And if you live in an apartment, talk to your owners' corporation.

Can’t say it? Write it

Sometimes the thought of confronting your neighbours can feel scary. So, if you’re not up for a face-to-face discussion, try writing them a letter first. Remember to introduce yourself and be polite – kindness trumps anger.

Just like in Erinsborough, everybody needs good neighbours. So, next time you see your neighbour, give them a wave and introduce yourself – because you could just become “good friends”.