Putting a home onto the market is a nerve wracking time for anybody, but in the current climate it is more important than ever to ensure that you have all your bases covered.
Some 3.7 million Brits claim they are likely to buy a new home this year, indicating that confidence is once again returning to the property market.
A third of homeowners predict a house price increase, while 53 per cent of potential buyers feel more confident about their prospects this year.
With interest in property returning once again, more and more people will be putting their homes up for sale, meaning that ensuring that your property stands out is even more vital.
However, transactions remain low and raising a deposit is proving a barrier for those looking to buy a new home.
Selwyn Lim, director of Mouseprice, explained: "With the low levels of transactions and the difficulties in getting a mortgage compared to 2007, buyers do know that it is a buyer's market and so sellers need to be competitive.
"As prices go up, there will be more and more availability coming onto the market and many people are just not even considering selling now because they know they may be in negative equity."
According to figures from HSBC, only 12 per cent of Britons plan to buy or sell in the first quarter of 2012, with 29 percent of people claiming that they are unable to raise a deposit, and 15 per cent worried about getting a mortgage.
Consequently, when looking to sell your property it is essential that it possess those features that will give it an edge.
For example, energy efficiency is now a major concern for many prospective buyers, so ensuring that your home has
double glazing and new
doors will go in your favour if competing against a home that has poor heat retention.
