Homebuyers seeking the quiet life

Alliance & Leicester has found that the majority of British homeowners put peace and quiet high up their list of priorities.

09:11 14 September 2004

Alliance & Leicester has found that the majority of British homeowners put peace and quiet high up their list of priorities.

Furthermore, 14 per cent of people look for an area with low levels of crime and a further six per cent are looking for friendly neighbours, A&L's movingimproving survey found.

Paul Cooper, head of mortgages at A&L, said the recent arrival of the Miller family to EastEnders had touched a nerve with many Brits.

"What may seem like just another interesting storyline is actually a very real problem for thousands of people planning to move home, as it is often difficult to get to know an area and its residents before you move in," he said.

The government has pledged to tackle antisocial behaviour and use new legislation to have nuisance neighbours evicted.