This time of the year sellers often face a dilemma. Should they wait until after the holiday season before they put their home on the market?

Or, if they are going on holiday themselves, should they put everything on hold and potentially risk losing a buyer while they are away?

Rob Coleman of Connells’ Ashford branch has no doubts. “Provided your estate agent is fully aware of your holiday plans, knows how to contact you and can gain access to your property, then I would certainly advise sellers to keep their property on the market.”

If you are going away just follow a few simple guidelines:

n Give your estate agent your holiday dates well in advance.

n Let the agent have a set of keys and talk through arrangements while you are away.

n Ask your travel agent for a contact number at your destination or check that your mobile will work.

n Pass on these numbers to your estate agent, along with the times you can take a call.

Even if you can’t be contacted you can still leave specific instructions in writing with your estate agent and legal representatives about what offer may be acceptable.