What are the most sought after features of a modern UK home?

New research from Gocompare.com has revealed the most saught after features of a modern home in the UK.

Related topics:  Property
Warren Lewis
17th May 2017
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"We found that many potential buyers are prioritising efficiency, security and connectivity over aesthetic features"

According to the research, energy efficiency, security and good broadband top the homebuyers’ property ‘must-have’ list. Supprisingly,  highly rated schools, open plan kitchens and 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.

Rank

Top 20 ‘must-have’ property features

%

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

Matt Sanders from Gocompare.com Home Insurance, had this to say: “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.”

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