With 41.3 million cars on the road as of September 2023, according to the RAC Foundation, it can be difficult to sell a house or flat without parking unless you live in a city centre.
Homeowners who commute to work or have growing families will need a car to pick up and drop off children at school therefore parking spaces at home become essential.
Residential homes offer various parking options, from detached houses with driveways to blocks of flats with private car parks. The availability of parking spaces can significantly impact the property’s appeal to potential buyers.
Off-street parking and private car parks are often considered when selling a property.
Many buyers interested in buying your home will own cars and therefore will want to know if they’ll have space to park if they purchase the house or flat.
If you’re considering selling a freehold or leasehold property that lacks parking, you may be concerned about how easy it will be to sell. In this article, we will cover how you can sell your home without parking.
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How important is parking when selling a house?
When it comes to selling your house, parking is incredibly important. With the rise of Electric Vehicles and the need for secure and affordable charging point, parking becomes an essential requirement.
Lack of parking can lead to disputes with neighbours.
How important is off-road parking?
Off-road parking is essential in city centres where parking is a luxury. An off-street parking space can add thousands to the value of your home.
If your home doesn’t come with parking then you might wish to consider buying a garage nearby.
How do I stop people from parking on private property?
Parking is such an emotionally charged subject that it can lead to road rage, so what can you do to stop people from parking on a private driveway?
Here’s how to stop your neighbour parking in front of your house:
Automatic rising bollards
If you have a private drive, consider installing automatic rising bollards on your drive, operated by remote control or sensors in your car, they will prevent annoying neighbours parking their van or car on your drive.
Automatic electric gate
A gate, whether opened automatically or manually, is a great deterrent.
A strong chain along with traffic cones
A strong chain that’s locked between walls can stop inconsiderate neighbours from parking on your private space.
Install a real-alert Ring-style camera
A Ring-style camera with a custom message that plays when a person or a vehicle is detected will put off strangers getting away with parking illegally.
How do I stop neighbours parking in front of my house?
If someone has blocked access to your home with their vehicle, there are a couple of things you can do. One option is to write a polite note. If someone is parking outside your property regularly, it’s advisable to approach them in a calm and friendly manner.
Explain the reasons why you need to park outside your home. If you cannot speak to them directly, leaving a polite note on their vehicle can also be effective in explaining why you prefer them not to park in front of your house.
Another course of action is to contact the police. Police intervention can be sought if the vehicle is obstructing you from exiting your own driveway. Such a situation can be reported as anti-social behaviour to your local police force.
Is it rude to park outside of someone’s house?
Parking in front of someone else’s house without permission is unacceptable. Doing so without asking or blocking a driveway can be seen as rude.
It is advisable to park in your driveway or on the street in front of your own residence or the house of the person you are visiting.
How long can a car be parked outside my house UK?
Cars can be parked outside your house indefinitely if they are taxed, insured, and not breaking any parking rules. However, if a vehicle is suspected of being abandoned, authorities have the right to remove it:
- Dangerously
- On zig-zag lines
- Prevents emergency services from accessing.
You can report it to the police as anti-social behaviour. If you come across a car that is parked:
- Obstructing emergency services
- On a pedestrian crossing
- In a taxi bay, bus or tram stop
- Over a dropped kerb
- In disabled parking spaces
How do you deal with neighbour parking issues?
Talking to your neighbour can help to resolve any parking issues. It is important to remain polite and friendly, so your relationship doesn’t break down.
What is classed as nuisance parking?
Nuisance parking is the unauthorised act of parking on private land or property.
Examples of nuisance parking include parking on a private driveway or in a designated space, as well as obstructing private access through improper parking.
Can I put no parking cones outside my house?
No, you can’t place parking cones outside your house to prevent drivers from parking there. According to section 137 of the Highways Act 1980, it is an offence to obstruct the highway without permission from the local highway authority.
How long can a car sit in front of my house UK?
Parking in front of your home has no time limit for how long a car can remain there as long as the vehicle is taxed and insured.
This means your vehicle can sit in front of your house for as long as needed without any restrictions.
How many cars can I park outside my house?
When your cars are taxed and insured, you can park as many cars as you want outside your house. There is no limit to the number of cars you can have parked there.
What is classed as obstructing a driveway?
Leaving anything on the road or pavement is considered obstructive. Any item that hinders the path for others, such as parked vehicles or a skip blocking the way, is an obstruction.
This could include objects that impede the road, pavement, or driveway for pedestrians and vehicles.
What to do if someone parks on your drive?
If you arrive home to find a stranger’s car on your driveway without permission, they are trespassing. While trespassing is not a criminal offence, it is a civil matter, so contacting the police is an option.
The police may not pursue the report as it is a civil offence, but they may send an officer to investigate. If the same driver keeps on parking on your drive, get in touch with the Citizens Advice. It could also be beneficial to have a calm discussion with the driver first.
Is parking on private property illegal?
Parking on a private property is considered illegal because it is same as trespassing. This happens when a driver parks on private land without permission.
Selling a property without parking
If you are selling a property without parking and struggling, we can help. We’ll buy any house, make you a cash offer and complete the sale within 10 days or at your timescale.
You won’t achieve full market value but you will get certainty and speed of sale. What’s more if we can we’d love to meet you in person so that you know you are dealing with a trustworthy company.
Get in touch with us today and see how you too can sell your home effortlessly.
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