Less that one in four people would be offended if new neighbours didnt introduce themselves and almost half have never received as much as a welcome card let alone a house-warming present.
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Making the first move
A further 48 per cent believe it is up to the existing residents to make the first move and introduce themselves to the newcomers. Just 18 per cent would expect the people moving in to find time between moving furniture to say hello to their new neighbours.
However, 18 to 24 year olds are more likely to be proactive and make the first move with one quarter saying the onus falls upon the newcomers, compared to 55 per cent of over 65 year olds who feel the duty lies with the existing residents.
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Getting these initial steps right can be essential to getting the relationship off to a good start as almost 22 per cent would consider it rude if neighbours didnt introduce themselves. Although this leaves a majority of 76 per cent who would take no offence and happily live next door to people whose name they didnt know.
Home owners in the Midlands appear to be slightly more sensitive with 29 per cent saying they would find it rude for new neighbours not to introduce themselves, compared to just 19 per cent in the North and 20 per cent in the South.
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Colin Kemp, managing director for Halifax Estate Agents, said: It appears that the days of everyone on a street knowing each others names and making an effort to welcome new residents are fast disappearing. Long working hours and busy lifestyles could partly be to blame.
However, it would be heart warming to think that there will continue to be some sense of community spirit in towns and villages across the UK. Good neighbourhood relationships can be invaluable, for instance having someone to keep an eye on the house or feed the cat whilst youre away or a first port of call when you run out of sugar.
