Home improvements are vital to making a sale

When it comes to selling a home in the current UK property market, it can be more difficult than ever before to get rid of it at all, and even harder to do so for a decent price.

In recent weeks, many experts have predicted that it could take anything up to five years for the price of houses to start returning to their pre-recession values in 2007. So for those who are looking to sell now, it is more important than ever to make sure that you take the chance to make the house look good to impress potential buyers.

Gary Styles, strategy, risk and economics director at Hometrack, said that it can be a worthwhile move to make sure that the home looks spick and span before it even goes on the market, as most buyers will not even be able to secure a mortgage unless the house they are purchasing looks good.

"Obviously lenders are taking a very close look at properties before they lend any mortgages, so actually having those improvements in place is probably pretty important."

As well as DIY though, other factors will also play a big role in making sure that those looking to sell can maximise the price that they are receiving for their home.

Mr Styles said: "The location is always very high on the list. Also, for those who are finding it difficult, the availability of finance for particular properties is going to be a big issue as well. Clearly, location has always been one of the biggest drivers in the market."

Finally, he extolled the virtues of making a good first impression. In the day of the internet where most properties are advertised online first, the pictures that are displayed of a home can make all the difference when it comes to someone deciding whether to even come to see it. Be certain that lighting is good and that everything is neat and tidy before taking any stills of the property.