High price is the key to peace of mind
When it comes to choosing potential neighbors, Russians have two directly opposite wishes. "Some clients want their neighbors to be Russians, while others, on the contrary, specifically stipulate that they would prefer to live next to foreigners. Some come to the resort in a large company and buy several houses in one complex at once, but there are also those who want to relax and retire in a foreign country away from their compatriots," says Nina Volkova, director of the Department of foreign real estate Tradeunique.
If the owner can do almost anything in his own separate house, then in a complex of apartments or villas there are much more rules and you have to interact with neighbors much more often. And it is in projects for several dozen or even hundreds of residential units that Russians buy vacation homes most often. Due to the fact that most transactions are concluded at the construction stage, it is almost impossible to determine in advance who will live nearby – a unique community arises in each new settlement, and the rules of cohabitation are formed from scratch.
Those who want to immerse themselves in the authentic atmosphere of a particular country should pay attention to the secondary real estate market. Tatyana Vasilyeva, CEO of Alisa Estate, emphasizes: "As a rule, the indigenous population prefers to buy real estate not in the resort area, but in quiet areas where you can live all year round. And companies engaged in the sale of real estate abroad are aware of such areas."
But for most buyers of real estate abroad, it is not so much the neighborhood that is important, as the quality and location of the property itself. Tatyana Efimovich, founder of Jet Estate, gives this example: "It so happened that in Paris Russians like to buy housing near the Champs-Elysees, wide streets and parks, and the British and Italians like the historical center. Therefore, very often, upon entering their apartments, the Russian owner finds himself surrounded by compatriots.
" Experts assure that the more expensive the property, the more calm and well–mannered the neighbors are - and vice versa. Asya Malikova, Head of PR and Marketing at Prosperity Homes, explains: "If a buyer purchases real estate in an elite resort, it practically guarantees that his neighbors will be wealthy and intelligent people. For example, Moroccans do not come to the complex in Italy, on Lake Como, where prices start from 300,000 euros, it is a very quiet place. As a rule, established people settle here, often with children. And of course, this area cannot be compared with some quarters of Naples, where prices are significantly lower and a neighbor can easily turn out to be almost a criminal."
The art of not quarreling with neighbors
On the other hand, it is usually possible to find a common language with neighbors. Moreover, it is often simply necessary, otherwise they can spoil a lot of blood for new residents.
As a rule, relations between neighbors in Europe are extremely polite, it is always customary to greet and say goodbye, but at the same time a certain distance is maintained. Europeans value their privacy very much, so you should not disturb them without a good reason, especially in the evening and on weekends – it is customary to spend this time with family and friends. Alexander Belyaev, partner of the St. Petersburg branch of Engel & Volkers, explains: "It is customary to get acquainted with neighbors, but no more. The relationship, despite all the goodwill, remains quite formal. Everyone has their own territory, and in order to avoid problems, you need to protect the peace of others. Unlike Russia, fraternal relations are unacceptable in Europe only on the basis that houses are nearby. But, as a rule, when Russians buy a second home, they themselves want to relax and unwind in solitude, and not bother their neighbors."
Homeowners' associations are very developed in Europe, and if the property is located in a complex or apartment building, then many issues will have to be resolved jointly. Tatyana Efimovich notes that at a meeting of residents, the budget for next year is determined by vote, and it is decided whether repairs will be carried out. The owners set the size and timing of payments for the maintenance of common areas. The management company holds a meeting of all residents several times a year.
I must say that in complexes where most of the owners are foreigners, making decisions at general meetings can be a problem, because it is not easy to assemble a quorum, whereas the delay in payments is usually quite high. Therefore, it is often more effective to delegate all the powers to the management company – although its services have to be paid additionally.
It is better to learn about the rules adopted in the complex even before the transaction is concluded. Anyone can use the swimming pool, gym, sauna and other services without disturbing the peace of other neighbors. Special attention is paid to cleanliness. Walking dogs and smoking are allowed only in designated areas.
In most countries, it is forbidden to make noise after 11 p.m., although the tenants' association often sets its own rules. When arranging a night party, you need to be prepared for the fact that the neighbors may call the police. In some countries, such as Spain, there are officially established noise standards that cannot be exceeded – you need to find out about them in the local municipality.
Most decisions on home remodeling cannot be made without the approval of neighbors. Alexander Belyaev says that, for example, in Finland, as in all of Europe, before starting construction on your own site, you need to coordinate the concept and get permission from your neighbors: "Every detail is important, the distance between the houses, the distance from the reservoir, even the question of the color of the future fence will have to be solved together with the neighbors, because it is important to maintain a uniform appearance of the complex. If the owner decides to start an unauthorized alteration, then he must be prepared for lengthy litigation without much chance of success."
Big difference
When communicating with foreign neighbors, Russians need to remember about the peculiarities of the mentality of residents of different countries. If Finns and Scandinavians are mostly closed people and do not like when their personal space is invaded, then Italians and Spaniards are very open, they not only greet, but also enjoy communicating with others on a variety of topics. Bulgarians also make contact easily and are ready to help, although they do not always fulfill their promises on time.
"In Montenegro," says Ivan Barada, senior manager at Sagio Residence, "locals tend to be friends with their neighbors. There is even an old custom in the country – many neighbors often drink coffee together. They are even jokingly called "slipper girls" because they can come to visit each other right in their slippers." In France, it is not customary to communicate very closely with the rest of the residents of the house, but good relations with the concierges are simply mandatory, they are presented with gifts for the New Year. Traditions in countries can be very different, it is not necessary to know them all – it is enough to observe the basic rules of behavior for good-neighborly relations.
