Smaller homes cramp UK households

Snoring can drive neighbours up-the-wall

Poor building standards and smaller houses are creating a "crowded house syndrome" in the UK, a new report says.

People are increasingly complaining about neighbours clearing their throats or snoring - not just loud noises.

This is because sound insulation regulations date from the 1950s and have not kept pace with more cramped living conditions say surveyors.

Houses built today are half the size of homes built 80 years ago, and better regulations are needed, say experts.

Selling-point

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. which prepared the report, hopes consultations with the government could lead to minimum standards for new houses, including sound insulation warranties or guarantees.

Similar standards have already been introduced in Scotland.

There may even be a future premium on the market value of a flat or house that has been sound tested Simon Cash, Rics

Rics said a number of other factors were contributing to 'crowded house syndrome':

• House builders have increasingly used dry lining (plaster board) instead of wet plaster. This carries sound more readily.
• The 1990s brought surround sound TV and sub-bass hi-fi speakers, which generate more penetrating noises.
• An increase in multi occupational dwelling means that bedrooms are increasingly adjacent to sitting rooms.
• The quality of workmanship has declined and led to an increase in noise pollution.

Simon Cash of RICS said good sound insulation could become a selling-point in the future.

"Increasingly these things are making their neighbours' lives miserable. Clearly, as houses become smaller, construction methods and building regulations could change accordingly.

"There may even be a future premium on the market value of a flat or house that has been sound tested, or complies with new robust standards."