What used to be “Location, location, location!” might soon be “Connection, connection, connection!” as a reliable broadband connection and clear mobile signal is becoming increasingly important to many buyers in the UK.
Research put together by GoCompare Insurance found that 66% of participants want to buy in a good area and neighbourhood, 59% are looking for an area with a low crime rate, 51% are looking for good shops nearby and 44% thinks it’s important to be close to a doctor or dentist.
However, the research also showed that 43% of house hunters want a good and reliable internet connection that’s strong enough to stream TV and films. This is closely followed by a strong mobile phone signal, which is important to 42%.
About 39% are asking for superfast broadband, 33% would like a landline telephone connection and 31% want tram, bus or underground stops nearby. And 27% are looking for satellite TV.
The things valued highly a couple of years ago, such as a pub, family sized garden, recreation facilities and schools nearly aren’t as important any more as connectivity. Only 14% of participants would like to be near a good pub and the same number is looking for a good school nearby, the research showed.
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GoCompare Home Insurance’s Ben Wilson explained the results: “Location will always be a key factor for home buyers. After all, while you can improve a property, you can’t move it. But it is too simple these days to say that it is the only consideration.”
“Homeowners also expect to be connected in a way that wasn’t envisaged even 10 years ago. They will want to know about the transport infrastructure and communications as much as the schools, shops and amenities.”
“The location of a property will also affect the amount you pay for home buildings and contents insurance. A property’s postcode has a big impact on how much it costs to insure because premiums are partly based on the likelihood of you having to make a claim,” he commented.
