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Since property owners wants a quick sale, worrying less about cleaning windows and buying fresh flowers they rather spend more time repainting the front door and replacing old gates, according to new research.

As the 2012 HSBC Home Improvement Survey shows, many owners have false impression regarding factors which may really help them to sell their property. Over half of UK householders, some 52%, plan to spend time over the Bank Holidays during spring making home improvements. The research revealed the smaller jobs around the house can help homeowners to sell their property. 60% of property valuers said that to de-clutter is the most considered way to increase a property’s chance of selling quickly for a healthy price. Also, cutting the grass and repairing paint chips will also improve house selling prospects. However, over two thirds, 69%, of home owners also consider cleaning the windows is a worthwhile activity, compared to just 44% of the property experts. In addition, while 63% of the experts said that repainting or varnishing a front door would make a difference, only 23% of homeowners identify this. Householders are also advised to worry less about putting rubbish bins out of sight or washing the car, and focus instead on repairing old fences and gates.

To help enhance property value and saleability, many householders rather spend the Bank Holidays on DIY projects. However it is often the smaller jobs like painting the front door that can make all the difference when looking for a quick sale,’ said Peter Dockar, head of mortgages at HSBC.

There are also some conflicting opinions. Buying fresh flowers to put indoors will make a difference according to 38% of owners but just 7% of experts believe it would do so. But there is agreement when it comes to putting new plants in the garden or in pots on a terrace with 20% of both groups thinking it will make a difference.

According also to survey, potential increase in property value as a result of home improvements has dipped in the past year.