WWYD - Ugly Painted Exterior House Wall

We had a rather old but serviceable fence at the back of our house which we didn't really see as we concentrate on the view from the front and the bit of land at the back is narrow and seldom used. A previous neighbour asked if he could replace the fence, even though it was theoretically ours, as he was selling his house and wanted to tart things up. We had no problem with that and he paid for it.

Second set of new neighbours on and they put up new, higher fence on their side of the boundary without even speaking to us about it. So we took down the first replacement fence, gained a foot or two of land (we know where the actual boundary is) and used said fence to replace the old tatty one at the front of the house.

So I would say to your new neighbours (if they ask you!) that if they want to paint the wall, they can, but the paintwork is their responsibility.

Ivy?
I'm actually not a fan of ivy but an end garden wall on my road is covered on both sides and looks ok as it is evergreen.

I covered my side of an ugly orange fence (proudly told by owner on day one that it would never require creosoting ) in 3 fast growing Honeysuckle.

I doubt there would be any legal justification for you to paint the wall or pay for materials unless it is in disrepair and may cause harm to a person or property. I think it depends on the importance to you about relationships with your neighbours. You seem to have a few problems with neighbours though - some appear reasonable for you to be upset and others a bit strange so maybe you need to evaluate whether you generally have issues with other people or if the painting problem is genuine.

I suppose it’s ok for new neighbours to paint the fence (at their expense) if they want to, but then if they move it won’t necessarily be taken on board by new owners.
I’m sorry if you have issues with neighbours, I know I would find it very upsetting.

If it were me, I'd be thinking "Well you bought the house knowing the wall was there, not my problem"

I would allow him to paint it with a suitable masonry paint entirely at his own expense and I wouldn't be offering my labour. If I've read it right you will not see his paint job so why would you feel obliged to share the cost. He is doing it for his benefit alone. Obviously if the wall was unsound it would be a different matter.

If he wants to improve his 'view' of the wall, then he will have to do the job at his expense. I certainly wouldn't offer to pay for anything. Its his problem.
Good luck !

I'm with nina and crazy.
Maybe they could paint a mural!

What a horrid problem, as well as losing your view. I certainly wouldn't want neighbours in my garden painting my wall.

As it's north facing, I think I'd use the cheapest method of attached a framework to the wall, and grow a climbing hyrangea, or ivy. Some roses also thrive in north facing areas. I had a book by Geoff Hamilton which gave recommendations for climbers on north facing walls, I'll find it and come back later.

So sorry the land was sold and this has happened. The back of my current house overlooks the railway line so will never be overlooked at the back, but there is a field at the front that may be sold one day.

Another vote for the stance advocated by Ninathenana.

Presumably he saw the wall when he first viewed his own property so he knew what it was like. I don't know why you need do anything.

I would grow plants up it.

Thanks everyone, some good helpful answers.
I will wait and see what develops...

Say nothing until they do. It could be the condition of the paint on the wall hasn't even crossed their mind