Noise 'biggest cause of disputes'

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Around 16% of people said they had argued with the people next-door about their noise levels or loud music, while a third said they would like to complain but had not done so, according to Allianz Insurance.

However, 6% of people have taken things a step further and sought legal advice on problems they were having with their neighbours.

Despite people complaining about excessive noise levels, wind-chimes were deemed to be the most annoying object people had in their gardens, followed by security lights and old cars left in their gardens.

One in four people admitted they did not know the names of their immediate neighbours, while only a third said they trusted them.

A quarter of people said they regularly looked over their fence to see into their neighbour's garden, and 12% of homeowners admitted that they fretted that the poor state their neighbours' house or garden was in could prevent them from selling their own property.

Simon Coughlin, spokesman for Allianz Insurance, said: "Disputes between neighbours are common and noise in one form or another is often the cause.

"Last year, our customer helplines received hundreds of calls from policyholders asking for help to resolve a dispute with a neighbour. Many of these disputes start in the spring as the daylight hours get longer and people get out and start enjoying their gardens again."

:: Onepoll.com questioned 3,000 people during March.