SIGNIFICANT road and rail noise deter more people from viewing a property than almost anything else, according to a survey by Knight Frank’s country department.

There are always a dozen questions asked about every property that goes on the market, and the wrong answer to some of the questions can seriously affect a prospective buyer’s decision to view, even if everything else about the property seems right.

Situation, size and cost are paramount to all buyers, but Knight Frank has looked at what other questions dominate potential buyers’ early decision making.

Andrew Harwood, of Knight Frank, said: “Some questions - like why a vendor is selling - just help to fill out the general picture of a property but other questions are key and can alter a decision to view.”

Knight Frank has conducted a survey into these key questions. The survey showed that the following percentage of viewers were deterred by a “yes” answer to the following questions:

n Significant road, rail or plane noise - 40 per cent.

n More than 20 minutes from a commuter station - 25 per cent (10 per cent if the property is exceptional.)

n Footpaths crossing the property - 10 per cent across land, 50 per cent across garden close to the house.

n Problems with the neighbours - five per cent.

Viewers are also deterred by a “no” answer to these questions:

n Are there good schools within 25 minutes?

n Is the property in good order?

n Are there good views?

Andrew Harwood said: “But, across the board, the most significant factor for the majority of buyers is the readiness of vendors to move. If a vendor cannot offer a definite completion date it will deter an enormous number of people.”

One question that won’t ultimately deter viewers but does slow the selling process up and prompt more curiosity from buyers is if a property has been on the market for longer than three months.

Andrew Harwood said: “It arouses buyers’ suspicions that all is not well with the property and prompts potential buyers to ask a lot more questions and to be very cautious if they do decide to buy.”