Online property portals are bypassing costly letting and estate agents and have opened the door for thousands of people to give selling their own home a try.

Selling or letting a home is easier than most people think, with plenty of experts making all the tools that are needed available online.

The only reason for having an estate agent was they had a list of interested buyers, but now most buyers are signed up to an online property portal that offers the same service for a fraction of the cost.

According to new research by financial firm Axa, 35% of homeowners are put off by estate agent fees and want to save the money.

The trick is knowing what turns a likely buyer on or off making an offer on your home.

A smelly house seems the biggest turn off – with 90% of buyers turning their nose up if this is a problem.

Next comes previous disagreements with neighbours, which are unappreciated by 89% of buyers.

After that comes a neighbour’s untidy house or garden (82%), a dirty house (80%) and an unkempt garden (62%).

Surprisingly, 43% of viewers like the owner to show them around, although 81% would be put off if the owner behaved oddly and 70% dislike seeing personal items around the house, so put your washing out of sight.

Redecorating helps a house sale, as 56% of buyers felt out-dated décor was off-putting.

Smartening a home for a sale comes relatively cheaply, with the average home owner spend coming to £373.

“If you are selling your home, always be 15 minutes away from tidy in case a viewer wants to pop around at short notice,” said an Axa spokesman. “Freshly baked bread or some well-placed scented candles can dispel those unwanted smells.”