Australia’s suburbs are happy places to live, with 70 per cent of new homeowners saying they have a good or great relationship with their neighbour, a new survey has revealed.

The annual RAMS pulse check survey of more than 600 Australians aged between 20 and 49 years provides an overview of attitudes and behaviours of the typical first home seeker and first home owners who have purchased their property in the last 12 months.

RAMS Chief Executive, Melos Sulicich said that being friendly to those living closest to you can be of real benefit.

“I think it’s great that such positive relations exist between neighbours. There are benefits to knowing your neighbours such as living in a safer environment, friendship, as well as reduced crime levels. Safe suburbs are often popular suburbs.” Mr Sulicich said.

“Likewise, when someone new moves into a home nearby, it’s important to make them feel welcome.”

“We are delighted to see that 7 out of 10 recent first home buyers have managed to establish a relationship with their neighbours despite commitments, such as working long hours, renovating, or visiting family and friends.”

The research also indicates that more than 90% of first home seekers and recent first home owners spent up to two years looking for their first home purchase suggesting that buyers were becoming more selective in their choice of property and location due to the number and diversity of properties in the market.