It has been revealed that a garden is the most important feature of a property for many homebuyers.

New research from the Co-operative Bank reveals that 74 per cent of buyers are unwilling to purchase a property that does not have a garden.

Further to this, 29 per cent of buyers consider a large kitchen to be a key feature, while 28 per cent would only buy a house that comes with a garage.

Rather strangely, 35 per cent of buyers said that they would not buy a house if it had a pink door.

John Barker, head of mortgages at the Co-operative Bank, said that buyers should not be so concerned with cosmetics.

"Although moving home can be a stressful time for people, the research shows there are many small changes people can make, which can really enhance the appeal of their property," he commented.

"However we would also encourage home movers to look beyond the purely cosmetic details of a property and do as much research as possible to ensure they make themselves aware of the various information sources available and get the best property for their needs and budget.

"Becoming more informed about the options available should lead to healthier finances in the longer term," added Mr Barker.