Smoking devalues your house

SMOKING is not only bad for your health, it also seriously damages the chances of selling your house.

Experts estimate ugly yellow tobacco stains can bring down the cost of a property by an average of £16,000.

That represents a potential cost to smokers as a whole of £3bn.

The Woolwich surveyed more than 1,000 potential homebuyers to discover their top 10 turn-offs when viewing a property.

Almost 30% listed the smell of smoke and nicotinestained walls as most likely to put them off.

Some 70% of those said they would offer thousands less to the seller.

Animal smells and hair on furniture came a close second, with 20% saying this would make them think twice about buying.

Other deterrents were stone-cladding (11%) and dirty fridges or ovens (10%).

Buyers also listed ceiling tiles, 'swirly Seventies-style carpets' and avocado-coloured bathroom suites.

Garden gnomes were a pet hate for three%, and 'chintzy decor' was also named as a problem.

The smoke-haters said they would offer up to 10% less than the asking price if they were still inclined to bid for a house with nicotine stains and smells.

With 27% of people in the UK smoking, the Woolwich estimates that the potential reduction on price is £3bn.

Andy Gray, head of mortgages at the Woolwich, said: 'This is money which could be rescued if the seller carried out some basic DIY to ensure the shrewd homebuyer isn't turned off.'

To improve the chances of selling your home experts recommend simple improvements including tidying the garden, putting up hanging baskets, clearing gutters, painting and even putting the toilet seat down.

Mr Gray said: 'Just as nasty odours and stains can be a serious turn off to potential homebuyers, sellers can create a positive impact with the kind of fragrances that are instantly associated with a warm, welcoming environment.

'Lemon-scented bathroom cleaners or the fragrance of furniture polish and airfreshener will give the impression that your house is squeakyclean.'

The kitchen will seem welcoming and homely with the scent of freshly-brewed coffee, citrus fruits, homebaking, or even recently grilled toast!

'Heavily-perfumed flowers like hyacinths or lilies create a lovely atmosphere and add a bit of colour to a room while fresh laundry can brighten the feel of bedrooms and living areas.'