Central heating and double glazing top UK homebuyers’ list of ‘must-have’ property features, according to new research from Go Compare.

The comparison site said that warmth and energy efficiency are key priorities for house-hunters thanks to the British climate and energy prices. A good energy efficiency rating and cavity wall insulation are also highly-rated features.

Other ‘must-have’ features are good, reliable broadband connection and mobile phone signal, which were cited as more important than highly-rated local schools and properties with period features, which both fell outside the top 20 proeprty features homebuyers want.

Top 20 property ‘must-have’ features

1. Central heating
2. Double glazing
3. A garden
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

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. For many buyers, the on-going costs of running a home – paying the mortgage, utility bills and council tax – are a real concern. It’s perhaps unsurprising then that well-insulated homes and efficient central heating systems are key priorities.

“Bathrooms also received a lot of attention in the survey, with buyers looking for homes with multiple facilities.  But plumbing problems can be costly to fix and poor water pressure can be a sign of potential problems, so when viewing potential properties buyers should test the plumbing by flushing toilets, running taps and checking under sinks and around toilets for any leaks.”