If any of the following sound familiar, perhaps it's time to rethink your surroundings:

1. Dirty bathrooms and kitchens - these are personal spaces so ensure they are in pristine and clean condition.

2. Clutter - buyers find it easier to imagine their own items in situ so pack away photos, trinkets and ornaments if you have too many lying around.

3. Odd-looking plants in the garden - if a buyer cannot recognise a plant, they fear it could be the invasive Japanese knotweed.

4. Transport noise - if your home is close to an airport, busy road or railway, think about measures to limit noise pollution through double or triple glazing.

5. Coloured bathroom suites - you might think they're retro cool but they can give viewers a headache. Consider replacing with white suites.

6. Bad smells - disguise odours from cigarettes or last night’s dinner with the smell of freshly-brewed coffee, place some air fresheners around the home and banish smelly trainers to the shed.

7. Houses with lots of cats - worries include children with allergies moving in or the fact that the cats may return when the owner moves.

8. Pushy sellers showing buyers around - always take advice from your estate agent and don’t be tempted to take on the role yourself. It can make viewers feel uncomfortable and in some cases, intimidated.