Buyers put off by poor DIY work

Botched DIY efforts are more likely than any other flaw to put off prospective homeowners from making a purchase, new research reveals.

Homes featuring home improvement efforts that have either gone awry or are simply of a poor quality were cited as a turn-off by 90 per cent of respondents to a Nationwide survey, with environmental concerns also potential deal breakers.

Faced with two similar homes, most respondents said that green features such as solar panels would be more likely to sway them than the presence of an attic or period features.

"Higher interest rates and the resulting reduction in new buyers visiting estate agents continue to put further pressure on homeowners who are looking to sell," advised Nationwide's Katie Harper, emphasising the need for householders to keep their properties in good shape.

Britons add an average of £5,000 to their homes via the current craze for DIY projects, research from Halifax found earlier this year.


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