The woodwork is rotten, the floor has collapsed and the outside toilet gets a little draughty.

There is neither a bathroom nor central heating. A tin tub could be squeezed in the tiny front room but the fireplace has been boarded up.

Yet since it was put up for sale this week almost 100 prospective buyers have taken a guided tour of the tiny two-up, two-down.

A conservative estimate puts the cost of making the place habitable at £40,000. However, several offers have already been made on the property, some above its £115,000 asking price.

The huge interest in the cottage in the North Laine area of Brighton has taken estate agency Parsons Son & Basley by surprise.

They have had to organise tours of about 20 people at a time while being careful not to cram too many people in at once in case the floor gives way entirely.

Inspecting the authentic Sixties wallpaper, lino floor covering and 1969 copy of The Argus lying around, agent Richard Payne said: "You do not often find places as original as this."

He said all fixtures and fittings were included so the lucky buyer will enjoy mod cons including a tin opener, door knocker and coat hook. There is even a shelf to stand a wireless on.

However, with the back yard completely overgrown, a machete is advisable to reach the lavatory.

Mr Payne said: "I think there was an old man living in the house who passed away.

"It has been sitting empty for a few months and was a probate sale from the HSBC Bank. The first advert went in on Tuesday and it has been non-stop since. People have been seeing a two-bedroom house in the North Laine and thinking 'fantastic' but we have to explain that it's almost derelict.

"HSBC were concerned we might not be able to sell it but the response has been phenomenal."

He said homes like this were suddenly very popular because people fancied a challenge, having seen programmes such as Changing Rooms on the television.

However, Mr Payne said he did not want people to be under any illusions about what they would be letting themselves in for if they bought the Frederick Street home.