This chimes with an ongoing Canadian study, which is looking into the affect that living in close proximity to others can have on our mental health. In particular, researchers are focusing on “impact sounds” – distinct noises characterised by abrupt onset and rapid decay, eg, banging, thudding, stomping. Acoustics experts suggest they are more irritating than continuous sounds, such as conversation or music.

Something that will come as no surprise to those living next door to my brother, impact sounds are not just a major source of complaint within multi-unit dwellings, but are also considered a potential health hazard. It is thought that exposure to this sort of racket can lead to sleep disturbance and even cardiovascular problems. The hope is that this new research will enable planners to create a more liveable built environment.

The rise of hybrid working patterns has indeed led to a shift in local housing policy. “There is a definite move to look at the design of homes in a more holistic way, by incorporating in wellness to every design consideration,” says Mr Eoin Keating, principal urban design and heritage officer for Hammersmith & Fulham Council. “This includes addressing the effect of impact and airborne sound.”

In new builds, there is a growing list of rules around soundproofing homes. For example, floating floors, a deadening layer between floors that absorbs sound, are now part of a package of noise reduction standards to reduce impact sounds. However, if you don’t live in a new build (ie, most of us), such requirements are unlikely to apply.

Another solution that seemed to gain traction over lockdown was to escape to the countryside – if you don’t like the sound of crashing frying pans, get out of the city, right? Studies tends to agree, showing that urbanites are 21 per cent more likely to have anxiety and 39 per cent more likely to have mood disorders, than rural residents. However, having grown up in a village in Somerset, I can assure you that rural communities come with their own dramas (make sure you’re up to date on hedgerow regulations).

And despite what you might have read about droves of urban professionals fleeing the big smoke since the pandemic, this is not representative of wider trends. Globally, urban living is increasingly the norm, and the UN predicts that 68 per cent of the world population be living in cities by 2050. North America leads the way, with 82 per cent of people now based in urban areas. The good news is that living on top of each other means we use less resources per person, counterintuitively making cities more environmentally sound than rural dwellings. The sound, however? City life, and the noise that comes with it, is just something we’re going to have to learn to deal with.

So, what should you do about loud neighbours? “The mistake people often make is going in with the biggest remedy,” Dr Talbot says. “Writing a letter or getting a solicitor to write one, instead of trying to solve things on a person-to-person level.”

Rather than the nuclear option, Dr Talbot suggests the key to reaching a successful solution is to pick a good time and place, on neutral ground, to open the conversation gently – “have you got a minute?” Get the tone right and try to hear their story before explaining yours. You want to avoid a win/lose situation, instead keeping it to do with needs and how you can respect each other’s.

UK Mediation works closely with housing associations and local councils to help solve neighbourly disputes. Most councils have some kind of community guide on their website. Ultimately it comes down to being tolerant and mindful of others.

This is easier said than done, of course, and conflict can still occur. “Many disputes arise due to a breakdown in communication,” says Mr Pranav Bhanot, a local authority councillor and property disputes lawyer. “The unique aspect of neighbour disputes is that parties can’t escape the subject matter or their opposition.” In other words, neighbours are always there. This can cause stress and anxiety and be expensive, too. For the sake of your mental health and wallet, if you can solve things amicably between yourselves, then do so.

Impact sound is an issue that can only be really effectively tackled during development, but there are various ways we can try to reduce it. Thick carpets and rugs can significantly reduce middle to high-level frequencies, as well as sound proofing curtains and door draft stoppers, on top of policing our own behaviour.

“If government generates the impression that society cares little about you, you will care little for society,” Dr Paul Keedwell writes in his 2017 book Headspace: The Psychology Of City Living. The same goes for your neighbours. I live in a shared flat within a shared house, with a shared garden. I’m very lucky to get on very well with my neighbours. Sharing a building creates a unique kind of relationship.

Small actions can make a big difference. Leaving someone’s post outside their door. Sending Christmas cards or celebrating birthdays. Tidying shared spaces. Taking a minute to chat. Smiling. These small things make life that bit better. And if you do have a party and the music goes up a little louder and on a little later than intended, invite your neighbours over. Or make sure you always have a bottle of wine and apology on hand if not.