According to a new survey from Gocompare.com Mortgages, house-hunters opt for a good, reliable broadband signal over highly-rated schools; off-road parking over a garage and a living room big enough for a large flat screen telly over period features.
Warmth and energy efficiency are key priorities for house-hunters – perhaps thanks to the British climate and energy prices. Central heating and double glazing top the list of the nation’s 20 property ‘must-haves’. A good energy efficiency rating and cavity wall insulation are also highly-rated features.
Homebuyers also rank a good, reliable broadband connection and mobile phone signal over highly-rated local schools and properties with period features – which both failed to make the top 20 in a survey of ‘must-have’ property features commissioned by Gocompare.com Mortgages:
Top 20 property ‘must-have’ features
1 Central heating 79%
2 Double glazing 74%
3 A garden 71%
4 Secure doors and windows 70%
5 Off road parking 58%
6 A bath tub 57%
7 Local shops and amenities 55%
8 Friendly neighbours 54%
9 A good, reliable broadband connection strong enough to stream films and TV 53%
10 A good energy efficiency rating 50%
11 A land line telephone 50%
12 A good TV signal 49%
13 A separate shower cubicle 47%
14 Cavity wall insulation 47%
15 At least two toilets 45%
16 A dining room 44%
17 A reliable and clear mobile phone signal 44%
18 A garage 43%
19 A living room big enough for a large, flat screen TV 39%
20 An en-suite bathroom 34%
