Househunters found themselves doing a double take while looking for properties in Wallingford.

Numbers five and six Chalmore Gardens, which are almost identical from the outside, went on sale within hours of each other in a strange coincidence.

Online marketing executive Paul de Jongh, who lives with wife Caroline in number five, said: “We are selling for totally different reasons and it is pure coincidence that both houses are on the market.

“Ideally we wouldn’t have wanted them on at the same time but we are fine about it.

”In fact, it’s helping because whoever has come to see one, also looks at the other.

“The houses look the same from the front, but they are quite different inside.”

The couple are moving because Mr de Jongh has secured a new job in Milton Keynes.

Next door neighbours Alan and Doreen Holmes, both 87, have lived at number six for 40 years.

Mr Holmes, a retired marketing manager, said: ”The house has become too much for us and my wife is unwell.

“I was mildly surprised when I saw their house for sale because it happened within 24 hours of ours but it’s not a problem.”

Both are detached, three/four bedroom homes overlooking the River Thames.

Although number six has a swimming pool in the garden, number five is £10,000 more expensive at £585,000 Mark Chasney, of agents Lesters, said: “This is an unusual situation. It’s not often we see two of our boards right next to each other in what is a genuine coincidence.”

Number five Chalmore Gardens is under offer but number six is still on the market for £575,000.

For more information, contact agents Lesters on 01491 824000 or visit lestersonline.co.uk