Almost one in five (18%) homeowners have made a noise complaint about their neighbours, with 14% having made one in the last year, a Confused.com study has revealed.

The comparison site surveyed 2,000 homeowners and renters to uncover the frequency of noise complaints. According to the research, almost half of noise complaints (47%) made are about neighbours talking loudly – more than late night parties (39%) and loud music and TV (40%).

Over half (53%) of those living in rented properties have complained about late night parties, compared to just over a third (35%) of those with a mortgage. Almost two thirds (64%) of homeowners with mortgages consider themselves to be “fairly friendly” with their neighbours, in comparison to 46% of tenants. This could suggest why 51% more tenants complained about noise compared to homeowners.

More than a third (36%) of 18-24 year olds surveyed admitted to complaining about noise from their neighbours’ homes. Over a quarter (27%) have made a complaint in the last year, compared to just 6% of those aged 35-44.

In comparison, those aged between 45-64 are least likely to make noise complaints, with over two-thirds (67%) reporting they’ve never done so. However, the survey shows that noise complaints have become less frequent in the past year, with just 14% raising a complaint compared to 22% in previous years. This could be due to noise complaints increasing by 50% during lockdowns in 2020 and 2021.

Over four-fifths (83%) of homeowners and renters reported being friendly with their neighbours. However, over half (56%) of residents surveyed have had to claim for large damage on their home insurance after their property was damaged by their neighbours. Examples of large damage include footballs coming through windows, or water leaks coming from upstairs neighbours.

Almost all respondents (98%) had to pay an additional sum themselves when making a claim, paying an average of £1,881.46.