Belfast, Worcester and Brighton are home to the UK's nosiest neighbours

A study saw 2,418 adults across cities throughout Britain and Northern Ireland scored and ranked on their curtain twitching tendencies. And the Northern Irish capital scored highest overall - ahead of Worcester, which came second, and Brighton and Hove, which came third.

They were evaluated in six categories, including how often they look out their windows to observe their neighbours. Other considerations included how many neighbours they follow on social media, how many claim to know everyone on their street, and how many are members of neighbourhood WhatsApp groups. How many consider themselves to be nosy also informed the overall score, as did how many also think those living nearby are ‘curious.’

Commissioned by Škoda, which has launched a TV advert celebrating the Great British nosy neighbour while challenging stereotypes around electric car drivers, the study found 35% consider themselves to be nosy.

Spokesperson Kirsten Stagg said: "Nosiness is practically a national sport in Britain. Whether it’s a new car on the driveway or a new family moving in, we can’t help but take a peek.

"Being a nosy neighbour isn’t just harmless fun - it helps build safer, more connected communities and even sparks conversations, especially around new technology like electric cars."

Out of everyone polled, it emerged the most common time for observing the neighbours is between 6pm and 8pm (17%). And although nosiness is often considered to be a negative trait, it isn’t necessarily a bad thing – 47% believe being a nosy neighbour is harmless.

While 34% reckon it’s a good thing, because it’s helpful in cases of emergency (66%), and helps keep the neighbourhood safe (62%). With 35% of the opinion it builds a stronger sense of community (35 per cent).

The study also found through observation alone those polled have learnt very specific details about those living close by. These include what they do for a living (32%), the time they leave for work (28%), and where they shop based on their bags (14%).

They’ve also noticed deliveries being made (31%), their workout schedule (9%), and a new car on the driveway (22%). The latter a subject those polled have a particular fascination with – 70% know the colour of their neighbour’s car. Almost half (45%) know the make, 35% the model, and 15% can even recall the registration.

And if anyone living close-by was to purchase an electric vehicle (EV) that could also get curtains twitching – 16% would be curious and want to know what it’s like. While 14% would be impressed by their green credentials and 22% would support their decision.

Carried out through OnePoll, the study commissioned by the makers of the all-electric Škoda Enyaq revealed how those polled perceive EV drivers and being eco-conscious came top (22%). With tech savvy (15%) and trendy (12%) also common perceptions.