WE KNOW estate agents are feeling the pressure to put the very best spin on the properties on their books in the hope that someone, anyone, will be so impressed by the description that they will be immediately compelled to buy.

However, one well-known estate agent took it to the limit this week when they sent us a brochure for a house in Killiney, Co Dublin with the amazing addition of a “detached Barna shed” in its back garden.

What next? Estate agents boasting that a house comes “complete with roof”, “ integrated attic” and“ fully flushing toilet”? Two words spring to mind, “clutching” and “straws”.