Problems with noisy or badly behaved neighbours have become more frequent over the past two years, reversing a decade of improving relations, according to a new report.
One in five homeowners has suffered "serious problems" with their neighbour this year, research for Halifax Home Insurance found.
The most common problems were excessive noise, rude or intimidating behaviour and the "hijacking" of legal boundaries through illegal building or structural work.
The problems were affecting the health and wellbeing of homeowners, with 58% reporting increased stress, sleeplessness or family arguments.
Some homeowners said they were forced to sell their house, often refusing to reveal the problem to potential buyers.
Martyn Foulds, senior claims manager at Halifax Home Insurance, said: "It's clear that neighbour nuisance is a real and growing problem that affects thousands of Britons.
"If the problem gets out of control, homeowners can resort to legal action but there are also many things you can do to try and improve relations without opting for this last resort."
The report was based on a study of a British Household Panel Survey of neighbour disturbances over the past decade.
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