'We dropped £51,000, but can't sell'

When dentist Harris Smeyatsky and his wife Kim put their house on the market in August they thought they would be back in their home country of South Africa by Christmas.

Seven months later they are still looking for a buyer despite having dropped the price by £51,000.

They bought the threebedroom-property 13 years ago for £150,000 and have enjoyed living in Battersea. But now they want to return home and, having two young daughters, are desperate to get started on their new life.

The modern terrace house went on the market for £550,000 and was reduced to £499,000 in January. They average one viewing each week but, despite there being nothing wrong with it, no one has taken it further.

Mrs Smeyatsky, 38, said: "I suppose people have been put off by all the talk of a house market fall and now they are worried about the war. Both our estate agents say it's a very fair price. There's a study, a large loft space, a garage, two shower rooms, a bathroom and a little courtyard.

"I have been through all the emotions. We have now decided to leave the country without selling and hope it sells when the economic situation looks a bit more settled."