Warmth and security top the list of essential qualities homebuyers look for in a property, according to a new survey commissioned by gocompare.com.

Central heating headed the list, followed by secure windows and doors, with double glazing coming in third. The top 20 property ‘must-have’ features are as follows:



  1. Central heating – 78%

  2. Secure windows and doors – 73%

  3. Double glazing – 72%

  4. Good broadband speed (above 2Mb) – 70%

  5. A garden – 69%

  6. A landline telephone – 62%

  7. A bath – 59%

  8. A cooker – 57%

  9. Off-road parking – 56%

  10. Reliable, clear mobile phone signal – 56%

  11. Local shops and amenities – 55%

  12. Friendly neighbours – 52%

  13. A good energy efficiency rating – 50%

  14. A shower cubicle – 49%

  15. Cavity wall insulation – 48%

  16. Satellite TV – 43%

  17. At least two toilets – 43%

  18. A garage – 42%

  19. A dining room – 42%

  20. Living room big enough to house a 42in TV or bigger – 40%.


"When it comes to looking for a new home, our survey suggests that modern house-hunters prioritise warmth, security and technology over traditional fireplaces and other period features,” acknowledged Ben Wilson from gocompare.com.


“Given the cost of gas and electricity in the last few years and the rise in the cost of living generally, energy efficiency has become an increasingly important consideration, with double glazing and cavity wall insulation making it into the top 20 'must-have' home features.”