So what could it be about your home that will have house-hunters queuing up to take it off your hands?

Given our climate and our obsession with the weather it’ll come as no surprise to learn that central heating and double glazing top homebuyers’ list of ‘must-haves’. A good energy efficiency rating and cavity wall insulation were also highly-rated in a survey of essential property features commissioned by Gocompare.com Mortgages.

Once we’re safely indoors in the warm, it seems we like nothing better than using technology to keep in touch with the wider world.

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.

Top 20 property ‘must-have’ features

1 Central heating

2 Double glazing

3 A garden 71%

4 Secure doors and windows

5 Off road parking

6 A bath tub

7 Local shops and amenities

8 Friendly neighbours

9 A good, reliable broadband connection strong enough to stream films and TV

10 A good energy efficiency rating

11 A land line telephone

12 A good TV signal

13 A separate shower cubicle

14 Cavity wall insulation

15 At least two toilets

16 A dining room

17 A reliable and clear mobile phone signal

18 A garage

19 A living room big enough for a large, flat screen TV

20 An en-suite bathroom

Analysis

Commenting on the research, Gocompare.com’s mortgages spokesperson, Matt Sanders, said: “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

“The survey also highlights the important role technology and in-home entertainment plays in our day-to-day lives, from streaming live TV and films to our reliance on mobile phones. For many people, access to both a strong internet connection and a reliable mobile phone service have become modern home essentials.”

Gocompare.com Mortgages has produced a guide on how to buy a house – click here to see the guide

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