SWIMMING pools, solar panels and Japanese knotweed are among the features that can devalue your home rather than make it more desirable, says NAEA Propertymark, the National Association of Estate Agents.

Katie Griffin, president, said it was important to know what could add value to your home and what might put off potential buyers, adding: "Sometimes the improvements you have made might not appeal to buyers, so even though you’ve spent money on them, they might not necessarily add any value."

Solar panels

While they may save you money on energy bills in the short term, the problem with technology is that it ages quickly and can be expensive to upgrade,says NAEA Propertymark. Solar panels can also appear as unsightly and unattractive, and those more concerned with aesthetics than the environment don’t usually want them on their roof.

Over-personalisation

If your taste is particularly colourful or bold, it’s might be worth redecorating before you start to market your home. Typically, modestly decorated homes are most desirable, as homeowners can easily see how their own belongings would fit into the space, and how they could make it their home.

Swimming pools

Although great fun for a weekend or two in the summer, pools in Britain aren’t usually considered an attractive feature. They’re expensive to maintain, use up a lot of space, and the great British weather means you can’t actually use them very often.

Darkened rooms

If you have two identical properties, and one is bright and airy while the other is dark and dingy, nine times out of the ten the brighter one will be worth more. Foliage around windows should be cut back before marketing your property to give the impression of a light and spacious home.

Japanese knotweed

The infamous weed, Japanese knotweed, is more common than you think – and it can damage the foundations of your home and significantly devalue it if it’s at risk of subsidence as a result. If you think you can see any in your garden, call a professional to excavate is as soon as possible.