I used to live in a flat. If you live in a flat, you have to expect a bit of noise, although, if it becomes too much, you can complain. I am lucky, I now live in a detached house. If you want to not hear the neighbours, buy a detached house end of. I'm sorry, but anything else constitutes noise pollution and is readily complained about. If you have a detached house and get complaints, then you really are being a sh*tty neighbour!