A new survey has named a fast and reliable broadband connection the top feature for UK
homebuyers. A good connection beat other traditional property must-haves, including off-street
parking and easy access to local amenities, shops, pubs and even doctors’ surgeries.
The findings are a result of a nationwide survey of over 1,500 homebuyers conducted by price
comparison site broadbandchoices.co.uk and property expert Henry Pryor.
One in ten of those consulted revealed that they have decided not to make offers on properties
with poor internet connections. Meanwhile, one in five respondents said they checked local area
broadband speeds when evaluating homes.
Some 19% (or 1 in 5) of new movers said that they arranged a broadband provider before
connecting gas (10%) or TV (8%). Furthermore, setting up broadband was second only to sourcing a
new electricity supplier.
Over a third of home hunters (35%) think that estate agents should include broadband speeds in
property marketing details.
In addition to making a property more appealing, the survey revealed that broadband can help add
value to homes. One in five (18%) of prospective buyers said they would be happy to pay more for a
property with fast, reliable broadband, with a third claiming that they would pay between two and
five per cent extra.
Dominic Baliszewski of Broadband Choices said: “When it comes to buying a property, it seems that
it’s more a case of broadband, broadband, broadband than location, location, location. Broadband
has become something that people are not prepared to live without, so it’s little wonder it’s now
such a major factor for home buyers – much like running water or a central heating system. It’s very
easy to check broadband speeds in a specific area so we’d urge potential buyers to do this rather
than be left disappointed.”
Broadband Choices and Essex estate agent Delaney’s carried out a trial (apparently the first of its
kind) which saw broadband speeds included in selected online property details along with price,
number of bedrooms and room sizes. Viewing requests for details which included broadband speeds
were double those without. Online traffic stats also revealed that details featuring broadband
speeds attracted up to 40% more views.
Rob Delaney, managing director of Delaney’s, said: “As with south-facing gardens and good schools,
people are now on the hunt for homes with fast broadband. It’s a sign of the times. But we were
still really surprised with the results of this trial. We’re now displaying broadband speeds on all our
property details going forward, as it’s clear that’s what customers are looking for.”
Delaney’s apparently isn’t the only estate agent which participated in a trial with Broadband
Choices. Other independent agents also took part. Good broadband speeds and connections were
reportedly routinely ranked as more important than traditionally popular selling points.
Source: Property Wire.