Neighbourhood and Existing Residents

When buying an individual house, the neighbourhood and existing residents play a huge role in your daily life, safety, comfort, and even your property’s future value. Here’s how to assess neighbors and the surrounding community:

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 1. Talk to Existing Residents

What to ask the people living nearby:

• 🕒 How long have you lived here?
• Helps judge community stability.
• 🚰 Is there any water shortage?
• Borewell/municipal supply/tanker issues?
• ⚡ How is electricity and power cut frequency?
• 👮 Is the area safe? Any theft or nuisance?
• Especially at night or during holidays.
• 🧹 How is the garbage collection and drainage?
• 🗣️ Are there any disputes or issues among neighbors?
• 💬 Is there a WhatsApp group or residents’ association?

📝 Tip: Friendly neighbors will usually be open. If multiple people say the same thing, it’s reliable.

📍 2. Observe Neighborhood Behavior

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Are houses occupied or vacant?
• 🔇 Is the area peaceful or too noisy (traffic, pets, etc.)?
• 🚗 Are vehicles parked in an organized way, or is there frequent blocking?
• 🧒 Are there children playing outside — sign of family-friendly area?
• 🏠 Are surrounding houses well-maintained or neglected?

🛑 3. Red Flags to Watch Out For

IssueSignIllegal activitiesStrange movement at odd hoursFrequent fights/argumentsLoud arguments or visible disputesOverly controlling neighborsQuestions about your guests, car, etc.Rental-heavy zoneFast turnover of people, noise, less community bondingEncroachmentNeighbors extending gates/walls on public road

🧭 4. Cultural & Social Compatibility

• Check if your lifestyle (vegetarian/non-vegetarian, festivals, pets, etc.) aligns with the community.
• Ask about community events, temples/churches, or religious noise (loudspeakers).

🏘️ 5. Resident Welfare Association (RWA)

• Is there an active association or society group?
• Do they manage water supply, street cleaning, security?
• Ask for contact details and check:
• Monthly maintenance (if any)
• Rules or restrictions
• Emergency contacts / plumbers / electricians list

🧾 Example Questions to Ask Neighbors:

1. “Hi, we’re considering buying this house. Do you face any water or electricity issues here?”
2. “How are the people around? Are the neighbors cooperative?”
3. “Is there any problem with security or thefts?”
4. “How is the garbage disposal and cleanliness maintained?”
5. “Is there an owners’ group or WhatsApp community for alerts or services?”