Prospective homebuyers keen to learn what a neighbourhood is really like can purchase a document detailing the level of anti-social behaviour on a particular street.
Whether it’s vandalism, harassment or prostitution, the ‘ASBO packs’ provide buyers with information on all unsavoury incidents reported in the last six months.
The packs, launched by a company called ASBODATA, are compiled by legal specialists and are said to contain unpublished police information. A pack will cost £80 and takes 28 days to complete.
Fear mongering or valuable service?
Anti social behaviour has become a key point of concern in the UK, and no doubt the company is looking to capitalise on this – it’s home page features a long list of media reports detailing loutish behaviour around the country.
But there are many out there who will view the packs as important information that’s worth paying for. After all, it’s unlikely an estate agent is likely to be too forthcoming about problems in a neighbourhood.
As ASBODATA says: “Buying a house will probably be the biggest financial investment of your life. The good character of the street where you intend to live is exceptionally important.”
Add it to your HIP?
It's not just homebuyers that the company is targeting with its packs. "We believe that an ASBODATA report will be a useful addition to the home information pack (HIP) and may assist in the sale of the property," it says.
Well, clearly this depends on the type of neighbourhood you live in, as doing so could actually harm the sales process in many areas.
Whether you think the ‘ASBO pack’ is simply capitalising on public fears or providing a valuable service, there’s no doubting that it’s a unique proposition, and it will be interesting to see what demand is like in the coming months.
Information you’ll find in an ASBODATA report:
• Noise Nuisance
• Youth/Gang related nuisance
• Vandalism & damage to property
• Drug Nuisance/Drug Dealing
• Prostitution & kerb crawling
• Dog or other animal nuisance
• Harassment/intimidation
• Litter/rubbish/fly-tipping
