GARISH outdoor Christmas lights are a turn-off for househunters in Huddersfield, says a survey.
One in four would-be buyers in the town are put off a property if they see neighbouring houses festooned in Christmas decorations.
But the poll by Yorkshire Bank said one in 10 Huddersfield homeowners will have some form of outside decorations this year.
Gary Lumby, Yorkshire Bank's head of retail banking, said: "TV property experts say that the smell of coffee or freshly baked bread can make a property seem very inviting to prospective buyers.
"However, even the most delicious smelling coffee may not be able to distract the viewer's eye from the all-singing, all-dancing elf collection on the neighbour's front lawn!
"Your neighbour's house resembling Santa's Grotto could mean you'll struggle to achieve that sale."
The survey showed that 43% of people in Huddersfield liked to see a few festive fairy lights, but one in three would not want to live next door to a house decorated like Blackpool illuminations.
Said Mr Lumby: "Plenty of people enjoy getting into the festive spirit with a few decorations here and there, but they should be wary about going overboard."
