Brits who had viewed several properties over the past year listed cracks or marks on walls, ceilings or floors as their biggest turn-off, followed by bathroom fixtures not working properly and worn-out kitchen cabinets.

Urging homeowners to tackle any major interior and exterior issues on their property in order to maximise its value when putting it on the market, Sell House Fast.co.uk surveyed 1,266 Brits who have been to several viewings over the last year to discover what aspects makes a property less appealing to them.

The findings revealed that extensive cracks/marks/stains on walls, ceilings or floors leave the biggest negative impression on Brits when viewing a property, with 76% citing this as an issue, whilst 71% are dissatisfied when they find fixtures in the bathroom not functioning properly.

In third position was the issue of exposed wires in a property, with 66% of prospective home buyers or renters, understandably, put off by the safety hazard, whilst 63% are cautious about a lot of the flooring in a property being damaged, broken or uneven.

With the kitchen a focal point in a home for many, heavily damaged or worn-out kitchen cabinets are another negative for 54% of prospective buyers.  Other pet peeves include bathroom mould and damaged or worn-out carpets.

London estate agent Mayur Shah said: “Those viewing properties can be extremely judgemental. If they see multiple household appliances in a less than satisfactory state, they will then conclude that the current occupiers have not looked after or adequately maintained other parts of the property. So, my advice is to pay equal attention to cleaning the small as well as big features - as they together form an overall picture of the property.”

For quick and cost-effective fixes, 68% of estate agents strongly recommend homeowners make the garden as presentable as possible by mowing the lawn and trimming any overgrown hedges or bushes. Another quick fix, say 44% of estate agents is as simple as buying new light fixtures or brighter bulbs.

Mr Shah added: “Property seekers now more than ever before place a real emphasis on gardens; in some respects, putting the same light on a garden as they would with other rooms inside the property.”