Homeowners are often reluctant to accept the true value of their properties, it has been claimed.

Selwyn Lim, director at online information source Mouseprice, said there is a disconnect at present between house sellers and buyers.

"People are attached to their expectation of value of what was set, either when they bought the place or a few years ago when they realised what it was worth," he explained.

Mr Lim added that having to sell a property for less than you purchased it for is "psychologically very difficult".

However, he added that people are likely to refresh their expectations of value over time.

A study carried out recently by Aviva revealed that only 26 per cent of people view themselves as home "hoppers" now, compared to 80 per cent before the economic downturn.

Of those polled, 68 per cent said they see their property as an emotional investment, rather than a financial one.

First-time buyers can make the moving process easier by using self-storage facilities for some of their belongings.

Written by Emily Sanders