Trees and quiet most important to home buyers

Good parking and simple peace and quiet have topped a list of home buyers' most desirable property features.

Researchers found that trees, a well-kept lawn and big windows were also must-haves for potential buyers, while caravans and security bars are the biggest 'property negatives' for house hunters.

The appearance of neighbours' houses is apparently also hugely important to buyers - ranking as the fourth most important aspect of a new home.

A survey also found that, somewhat predictably, 'beware of the dog' signs, unkempt lawns and sheets hanging instead of curtains instantly put off home buyers.

The study also found it takes just five minutes for a house hunter to get a feel for a property and make up their mind if it fits the bill.

The likes and dislikes emerged following a study carried out among 2,000 adults by Planitherm Glass.

Craig Dodsworth of Planitherm said: "It's clear that when it comes to finding the right place to live, noise levels and outside appearance are the most important factors.

"It seems certain items can have a big influence on the feel of a house and whether people warm to a place or not.

"First impressions are always crucial and the results show there are many pitfalls that can lead a person to feel they don't like a house before they even step through the door."

A pebble-dashed exterior and security bars on the windows of a house is likely to put people off and have them turning back up the garden path.

Other housing grumbles which just missed out on the top 20 were big satellite dishes, garden windmills and missing cat signs.

The survey also revealed a proud six in ten Brits worry about what the outside of their home looks like - and worry others might 'judge' them.

In fact, the majority of those surveyed regarded the outside of a house as more important than its interior - with seven in ten reasoning that this is because the inside can be improved much more easily.

Indeed, 63 per cent believe it's the view from the curb that creates the strongest impression when first viewing a home.

Those currently house hunting had already dismissed at least four properties, purely because they didn't like the look of them from the outside.

And many Brits assess the quality of the neighbours' properties when weighing up a new home - with one in five rating the standard of nearby houses as 'crucial'.

PROPERTY POSITIVES
1.    A quiet street
2.    Good parking
3.    Big windows with double glazing
4.    Neighbours house looks well maintained
5.    Neighbours seem friendly
6.    Well-maintained lawn
7.    Conservatory
8.    Patio
9.    Flowers and hanging baskets in the garden
10.    Fruit trees in the garden

PROPERTY NEGATIVES
1.    Security bars on the windows
2.    Sheets hanging in windows instead of curtains
3.    Long or untidy lawn
4.    Caravan in the garden
5.    Overgrown bushes
6.    Caravan in a neighbour's garden
7.    'Beware of the dog'
8.    Wheelie bins left out on the street
9.    Fading or broken exterior lights
10.    Stickers in window