A survey conducted by estate agent network Move with Us reveals that 22% of househunters would be put off a property by offensive smells. A shabby kitchen comes second on the list (21%) and a grotty bathroom third (20%).

On the other hand, poor paintwork is not viewed as a problem by 22% of viewers, excess clutter and a messy garden won’t deter 20% of househunters and nasty carpets are not an issue for 17%.

Robin King, director at Move with Us, said:

“Some cosmetic flaws are easy to see past and potential buyers can normally visualise what they’ll do with the space regardless of a bad paint job or a bit of mess on the floor. Others however prove much more troublesome and can often mean that a property ends up sitting on the market for longer before being sold or the vendor having to sell at a reduced price. With higher numbers of new properties entering the market, sellers should pay extra attention to making their property stand out against the competition.

“Sellers who want to make their kitchen or bathroom more desirable to potential buyers without the expense of purchasing new ones can opt to replace cupboard doors or give walls a lick of paint. Elsewhere in the house, sellers can help potential buyers to visualise themselves living in the property by neutralising any bright colour schemes and taking down personal photos. Ensuring the property can be seen as a blank canvas is a great psychological technique to help sell it.”