Data shows prospective homebuyers are judging listings well before they step inside — with curb appeal and neighbourhood upkeep ranking higher than interior flaws.
Your Next-Door Neighbour’s Messy Yard Might Be a Real Deal Breaker
When it comes to buying a home, what’s on the outside might matter more than what’s within for some Canadians, according to a recent Leger survey commissioned by REMAX Canada. The data indicates that the look of neighboring properties is key with 18 per cent of Canadians saying neighbouring homes in poor condition would be their number one deal breaker.
Top 5 Deal Breakers Revealed by Canadians
18
%
of Canadians rank messy neighbouring properties as their number one deal breaker
51
%
of Canadians say neighbouring homes in poor condition is a deal breaker when shopping for a home
Neighbouring Homes in Poor Condition
51 %
Lack of curb appeal
41 %
Room sizes smaller than they appeared in marketing photos
40 %
Too much competition from other buyers
36 %
The home being too close to bars, restaurants, and stores
28 %
"While the home is the ultimate goal for buyers, the neighbouring properties and surrounding community often say a lot about what life might be like there for you, as a resident."
— Don Kottick, President of REMAX Canada
More Deal Breakers for Homebuyers:
"Market conditions are shifting in many markets. Buyers have more inventory to choose from and more time to shop, make decisions, and see what else is out there,” says Kottick. “When we talk about sellers adapting to current conditions, we’re not just referring to price adjustment. Sellers should be mindful of every detail of their property, including the ones that they can’t control — like the neighbour’s front lawn. As we gear up for the looming fall market, working with an experienced listing agent is so critical, because sellers only have one chance to make the right first impression.
Cluttered or untidy homes during showings
27%
18%
Unhelpful real estate agents
11%
Sellers being present during showings
Market Conditions Are Shifting
“Buyers have more inventory to choose from and more time to shop, make decisions, and see what else is out there,” says Kottick. “When we talk about sellers adapting to current conditions, we’re not just referring to price adjustment. Sellers should be mindful of every detail of their property — even the ones they can’t control.”
As we head into the fall market, working with an experienced listing agent is key. Sellers only have one chance to make the right first impression.
What Sellers Can Do (and Can Control)
Practical tips for sellers looking to make their property stand out include clean landscaping, fresh paint, and proper outdoor lighting to draw buyers’ eyes to your home’s strengths. Planting hedges or adding greenery can block unsightly views and create a more private, appealing atmosphere. In some cases, maintaining a neighbour’s lawn—mowing or watering—can improve overall curb appeal. Proper communication is key in getting neighbours to help out with a sale. Often, just having a respectful conversation can lead to small compromises that make a big difference. Having a hands-on agent to guide you through these challenges and offer creative solutions can make a big difference when dealing with difficult neighbours. It’s all about keeping the buyer’s focus on what makes your home shine. Of course, there are many things that are within the seller’s control.
About Leger
Leger is the largest Canadian-owned full-service market research firm. An online survey of 1,510 Canadians was completed between March 19-24, 2025, using Leger’s online panel. Leger's online panel has approximately 400,000 members nationally and has a retention rate of 90 per cent. A probability sample of the same size would yield a margin of error of +/- 2.5 per cent, 19 times out of 20.
About the RE/MAX Network
As one of the leading global real estate franchisors, RE/MAX, LLC is a subsidiary of RE/MAX Holdings (NYSE: RMAX) with more than 140,000 agents in over 9,000 offices with a presence in more than 110 countries and territories. REMAX Canada refers to REMAX Canada, Inc., which is an affiliate of RE/MAX, LLC. Nobody in the world sells more real estate than RE/MAX, as measured by residential transaction sides.
RE/MAX was founded in 1973 by Dave and Gail Liniger, with an innovative, entrepreneurial culture affording its agents and franchisees the flexibility to operate their businesses with great independence. RE/MAX agents have lived, worked and served in their local communities for decades, raising millions of dollars every year for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals® and other charities. To learn more about RE/MAX, to search home listings or find an agent in your community, please visit remax.ca. For the latest news from REMAX Canada, please visit blog.remax.ca.
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Want to boost your home's curb appeal? Get some tips to help your listing shine on the market.
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Ready to find your perfect home? Let a REMAX agent guide you every step of the way
Work with a proactive, hands-on agent
Have respectful conversations with neighbours
Clean landscaping
Mow or water the neighbour’s lawn (with permission)
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