Neighbor dispute complicates Bygdøy villa sale: 'I have reached my limit'

Financier Alexander Munch-Thore is facing significant hurdles in selling his Bygdøy villa for the third time, as a heated dispute with his neighbor escalates.

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It is almost like a detective novel.

Munch-Thore claims that the contractor working on the adjacent property has excavated a steep, unsecured pit, causing substantial damage to his land. He describes the situation as "almost like a detective novel" and states that "you couldn't make it up," highlighting the bizarre nature of the conflict.

The property in question, located in one of Norway's most affluent neighborhoods, is listed for 52 million kroner. It boasts a 564-square-meter villa built in 1915, complete with a summer house, a sunken pool, a three-car garage, and views of Langviksbukta. However, the sale is now complicated by what Munch-Thore calls a "vertical, unsecured drop" towards the neighboring plot.

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This case is completely strange. You couldn’t make it up.

According to Munch-Thore, the contractor "got overzealous and obviously 'forgot' where the property line is." He asserts that 8-10 square meters of his land have been excavated, creating a 6-7 meter deep hole. This "open hole," partially hidden by a hedge, is now a significant issue, even though it's not readily visible from the street.

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They were overzealous and obviously 'forgot' where the property line is. Now he has dug away 8–10 square meters of my land and down to a drop of 6–7 meters.

Munch-Thore has engaged a lawyer who has contacted the planning and building authority regarding what he considers "illegal excavation work." He has also filed a police report against the developer for gross property damage. Despite the complications, Munch-Thore maintains a relaxed attitude towards the sale, stating, "We're enjoying ourselves. One day someone will buy the house." He added, "We're doing great here, but these development neighbors just have to start behaving and adhere to laws and regulations, then it will be idyllic again for everyone."

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A small part of my property is now an open hole, where he has tried to put up a fence. Even though this part of the property is outside a high hedge and other vegetation and thus cannot be seen, it complicates the sale process of the house.