Estate agents have highlighted the value of holding ''open-house'' style property viewings in order to secure a sale.

The event gives potential buyers a set day during which they can tour the property while other buyers are also present and have traditionally been an American phenomenon but many UK agents suggest it works just as well here.

Peter Mills of Humberts in Grantham told the Daily Telegraph: "When you hold an open house different people come forward…You get nosey neighbours who have always wondered what the house next door is like inside. They might then go off and tell other people, which often results in a sale."

Hamptons agent Ryan Doyle also highlighted the usefulness of open-house days, arguing that they "draw cautious buyers to come and have a look around", while Foxtons spokesman Andrew Weir told the newspaper that "it is a more productive and efficient way to sell property".

Mark Nash, a columnist for US based publication Realty Times, suggests that offering some drinks and snacks for would-be-buyers when they attend an open-house can be helpful but suggest that owners only offer soft drinks and no alcohol.