The top 20 things that will sell your home

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.

As above, 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%