House selling tips shed doubts on decking

Research from Nationwide has highlighted the most important things to consider when selling a property.

The building society has been surveying buyers to establish the key things likely to put them off making a purchase when viewing a potential new home.

According to the research, a clutter-free environment is important to 55% of potential buyers, while nearly 70% can not see themselves moving into a house with odours, such as the smells created by pets or chain smokers.

Vendors and estate agents need to be polite, as 70% of buyers are deterred by ill manners and rudeness.

Shoddy building work or DIY is viewed as a serious put-off by around 90% of potential homebuyers and over 80% are looking for a garden with privacy, so that some simple measures with fencing can improve saleability.

A large number of potential purchasers are keen on properties with environmentally friendly features, such as solar panels; 82% of those surveyed believe that such features would influence their decision to buy.

Features less likely to enthral are decking and Jacuzzis and in the case of the former, removal should be considered!

In terms of the rooms in a property likely to have the most impact on viewers, 54% see the kitchen as paramount.

Finally, vendors can improve their chances of a quick sale but choosing the right time of year to go on the market.

Summer months are traditionally slow because of holidays and in November and December, people are too cash-strapped and busy preparing for Christmas to think about moving.

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