Energy Efficiency Ranks Higher Than Good Schools For Homebuyers

A recent survey has found that energy efficiency, a parking space, security and good broadband are among the top essentials for home buyers in the UK.

According to the survey, conducted by comparison website Gocompare, efficient heating systems, double glazing, a garden and secure doors and windows were all considered essentials, with a good broadband connection ranking higher than a friendly neighbour.

British buyers want gardens rather than garages and a good reliable mobile phone signal as opposed to a landline phone connection. Surprisingly, a good school is no longer a top must have for the majority of first time buyers.

Overall, 69% said that a functioning, energy efficient central heating system was their top essential, followed by 68% who desired double glazing. 65% wanted a garden, 61% wanted safe and secure doors and 54% a driveway or a dedicated parking space.

The survey also found that 54% want plenty of electrical sockets, 50% want plenty of good local amenities, 49% a reliable internet connection, 47% a friendly neighbours, 46% at least two toilets, 46% a good energy efficiency rating and 45% a newly fitted central heating system.

Surprisingly, period features which are usually in high demand didn’t even register on the survey, registering an end to the period features craze. Another shock was that only 13% of those asked said access to a good local school was an essential factor in buying a new home.

 ‘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,’ said Matt Sanders from Gocompare Home Insurance.