I recently moved in to a (housing association) flat on the middle floor and have neighbours below, above and to one side. The neighbours above and to the side I rarely hear, however the neighbours below, I can hear talking, doors closing, drawers opening & closing, coffee being stirred, a very squeaky door, music, the list is endless. Most is not particular loud, it's just constant and getting very annoying.
The floors were lino tiles when I moved in and I've had brand new carpets and underlay put in, but it's made no difference. I then realised that the noise is actually coming up the walls. Mainly the brick wall facing outside, and the wall between myself and next door (I imagine this is a supporting wall). All the other walls in the flat appear to be plasterboard, although if I put my ear to them I can still hear downstairs. I did find brick behind one of the internal walls while putting a shelf up, but there was an air gap between the plasterboard and brick, which may be why the noise is less up these walls.
I think another factor is that upstairs has carpet, but it sounds like downstairs has laminate flooring so everything they do just travels along the floor and up the wall.
I'm guessing I'm going to have to do something to the walls, but not being my property I'm quite limited. I found a company which does latex wallpaper and claims that this is the solution, but at £74.95 for five square meters, plus another £12.95 for the adhesive I'm a bit apprehensive.
I would be truly grateful for any advice.
