A recent survey from Move with Us, the UK’s largest network of independent estate agents, has highlighted the most off-putting cosmetic flaws that potential buyers just can’t see past when house hunting.

A recent survey, conducted amongst 100 independent estate agents from the Move with Us Partner Network, found that unpleasant odours came in as the number one factor that potential buyers just can’t overlook with 22% reporting this as the top turn-off when dismissing a property as their potential new home.

A shabby, tired kitchen was next with 21% and a rundown bathroom came in third at 20%.

In contrast, the survey also revealed the cosmetic flaws that potential buyers are most likely to be able to see past during a viewing. A bad paint job was cited as most easy to get over with a 22% response, clutter and an unruly garden came in joint second at 20%, followed by poor carpets at 16.85%.

Robin King, Director at Move with Us, says: “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.”