A recent survey has revealed that 79% of UK homebuyers see central heating as a must have. This was closely followed by double glazing at 74%, whilst cavity wall insulation also featured on the list with 47%. Although these results point to homebuyers seeing a good energy efficiency rating as a key feature of a potential property, only 50% of respondents actually said this was the case.
Other priorities included a garden (71%), secure doors and windows (70%) and off road parking (57%). Trailing towards the bottom of the results was access to good local schools at only 15%. Bathrooms proved an important factor to respondents, with a bath tub, a separate shower cubicle, at least 2 toilets and an en-suite bathroom all featuring in the top 20.
Technology also played a part in the results, in fact 53% said that a good, reliable broadband connection strong enough to stream films and TV is a must have. Having a landline telephone, a good TV signal and a reliable and clear mobile phone signal were also ranked within the top 20.
Matt Sanders, Gocompare.com’s mortgages spokesperson, commented on the findings “From our research it’s clear that today’s potential homebuyers are putting practical concerns ahead of aesthetics. They are looking for warm, cosy properties, which are energy efficient and well connected to modern amenities rather than ones that are full of character. For many buyers, the on-going costs of running a home – paying the mortgage, utility bills and council tax – are a real concern. It’s perhaps unsurprising then that well-insulated homes and efficient central heating systems are key priorities.”
