The use of residential properties for business-related purposes has created a new niche and demand in the market: for houses that have the space to accommodate an office.

But if you are the owner of a small house, don't rush to add extra space before putting your property on the market because, in the view of Nationlink estate agency group Chairman Piet Botha, there will always be a demand for smaller houses.

There is currently a high demand for small homes among families wanting to move out of townships and into suburbs close to good schools and their workplaces.

"There is also a growing trend among busy young executives and professionals to seek out smaller houses in upmarket suburbs, so that they can enjoy the advantages of living in such areas without maintenance or security becoming too much of a burden.

"There are also many retirees who would be happy to downsize to a smaller property that is easier to manage."

Botha said the owners of smaller houses who wanted to sell should take care to present the existing space well - rather than add more space - which would be adequate to give the home the competitive edge over others in the same price range.

Here are some ways in which you can do this.

• Get rid of clutter. Move that lifetime's collection of knicknacks, holiday mementoes and heirlooms out of sight and keep the accessories and art works simple.
• Paint walls and ceilings in light colours. Light curtains and blinds also make a room appear more spacious.
• Remove unnecessary items of furniture and add strategically placed mirrors to give rooms more depth.
• Use tall and narrow lamps and planters that take up less floor space and add an impression of height.
• If possible, incorporate an outside entertainment area into the living space by using sliding doors.