A Growing Number Of Homeowners Are

Yorkshire Bank's newly-published quarterly Housebuyers Survey shows that 53 per cent of homeowners prefer to keep to themselves, with 37 per cent saying that weeks can pass before they see their neighbors. The Co-op Bank has released research suggesting that a significant number of people are dedicating increasing time and resources to making such changes to their properties.The research suggests that many homeowners may be taking out personal or home improvement loans to make enhancements to their gardens and homes for the sake of privacy.. "As increasing numbers of young professionals and first-time buyers are choosing to live in city centre apartment blocks or purpose-built flats, it seems that more of us aspire to own a property that offers plenty of privacy.Gary Lumby, Yorkshire Bank's head of retail, said that privacy and personal space are "high on the list of priorities" for homeowners who are keen to avoid what they perceive to be interfering neighbours."The desire to take out a home improvement loan to enhance privacy in the home and garden could also be the result of neighborly disputes, such as parking in front of the house or shared driveways, according to Yorkshire Bank.The research recommends that those who spend a lot of private time in their garden should brighten up their surroundings by including planted tubs or pots.However, Londoners may claim not to crave private space in their homes and gardens but only 21per cent say they know their neighbors' full names."Halifax also found that the people who are most likely to want a big garden were young couples without children, homebuyers in rural areas, particularly Wales, East Anglia and the west country, are especially keen on garden space."Ensuring it is tidy and well kept can dramatically enhance the appeal of a property. This seems particularly prevalent in the West Midlands where 79 per cent of residents favor privacy, compared with 33 per cent in London.Last year, Halifax Estate Agents published the results of a study that showed privacy is important to homebuyers when it comes to choosing a garden.A growing number of homeowners are taking steps to cut themselves off from their neighbors in favor of more personal space in and around their homes, according to a new survey. London apart, the need for privacy among Britain's homeowners may be why almost 63 per cent of respondents said they would choose a house with established shrubs and trees.While improvements to privacy arrangements may be one reason to take out a personal loan, many are also using them to make green improvements around the home.Commenting on the findings, Colin Kemp, managing director of Halifax Estate Agents, said: "Homeowners should treat their garden as they would any other room in their home.Some 43 per cent of people surveyed said being overlooked by neighbors would put them off buying a property and this attitude is particularly prevalent in East Anglia, the south-west, Northern Ireland but not London. These are easily movable if strife with the neighbors prompts the decision to move to another property.