Toilet rugs, artex ceilings and garden gnomes are among the biggest 'turn-offs' for homebuyers and tenants, it has been revealed.

The items are part of a list of the least desirable features to be spotted in properties that are being advertised to rent or to buy.

The list aims to lift the lid on the best ways of attracting more viewings when selling or renting a property - and making sure that no garden gnomes appear in the photos on a property listing can help, it seems.

Those polled were allowed to choose multiple options of things that turned them off.

Damp was the most unpopular feature - and a somewhat harder one to fix than some others - with 67 per cent of respondents to the survey by Privilege Home Insurance saying it would discourage them from arranging a viewing.

Structural deficiencies and a lack of natural lighting took second and third spots.

Some people are put off by a property where the previous occupant has obviously recently died and various items of medical equipment are still in situ'

A cluttered interior, an outdated kitchen and a lack of natural light were also included in the most unpopular items.

Garden gnomes only made it to spot number 11 on the list of most undesirable features, but still had 11 per cent of respondents saying that they would prefer not to see them.

Toilet rugs and covers were unpopular among 12 per cent, while patterned ceilings and chandeliers were undesirable among 20 per cent and 12 per cent respectively.

The research also listed the most desirable features that would encourage buyers and tenants to arrange a viewing, with cleanliness being ranked top at 57 per cent, followed by having an outdoor area and a walk-in wardrobe at 56 per cent and 37 per cent respectively.

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