Warmth, energy efficiency and security top homebuyers’ property ‘must-have’ features, according to new research from Gocompare.com.
While highly rated, schools, open plan kitchens, living areas and period features all failed to make the top 20.
Several previous ‘must haves’ failed to make an appearance in the top 20 with the survey signalling the end of the period features craze.
Likewise, more buyers were concerned with having a garden (65%) than a conservatory, suggesting that the traditional investment, may actually harm your chances at selling your home.
However, the biggest surprise was that only 13% of those surveyed said access to good local schools was an essential factor in buying a new home.
Efficient central heating systems, double glazing, and secure doors and windows are top priorities for home-buyers.
House-hunters rate a good broadband connection over friendly neighbours, gardens rather than garages, and a good reliable mobile phone signal as opposed to a landline phone connection.
Matt Sanders from Gocompare.com home insurance said: “Buying a home is a major investment and while most of us will only buy a house if it ‘feels right’, our survey should hopefully give those looking to sell their home a steer on what buyers are after.
“We found that many potential buyers are prioritising efficiency, security and connectivity over aesthetic features. This suggests that modern buyers are buying with their heads rather than their hearts and that investing in things like a new boiler, additional electrical sockets or modernising your home’s insulation could be a smarter investment than traditional selling points such as period features or conservatories.
“If you’re not looking to invest further in the property in order to sell, then it’s worth making small changes to the décor when it comes time to sell. Making your home seem warmer, fresher and more secure could have a positive effect on potential buyers. So, even if it’s not to your personal taste consider opting for earthy warm colours over greys, blacks and metallic colours.
“It is surprising to see previous must-haves such as good schools and conservatories fail to make the top 20. However, our research shows that buyers are becoming more financially savvy and are willing to make compromises on the finer details of a property to keep costs down and avoid expensive work in the future.”
Top 20 ‘must-have’ property features
| Rank | % | |
| 1 | Central heating | 69 |
| 2 | Double glazing | 68 |
| 3 | A garden | 65 |
| 4 | Secure doors and windows | 61 |
| 5 | Driveway or dedicated parking space | 54 |
| 6 | Plenty of electrical sockets | 54 |
| 7 | Local shops and amenities | 50 |
| 8 | A good, reliable broadband connection strong enough to stream TV and films | 49 |
| 9 | Friendly neighbours | 47 |
| 10 | At least 2 toilets | 46 |
| 11 | A bath | 46 |
| 12 | A good energy efficiency rating | 46 |
| 13 | A new boiler/central heating system | 45 |
| 14 | A reliable, clear mobile phone signal | 44 |
| 15 | A shower cubicle | 40 |
| 16 | A garage | 39 |
| 17 | Cavity wall insulation | 38 |
| 18 | A land line telephone | 38 |
| 19 | A living room big enough for a large, flat screen television | 37 |
| 20 | A dining room | 35 |
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