THE PROPERTY market is notoriously difficult to read, making it difficult to know how saleable your home is at any point in time. What was seen as attractive 10 years ago may not be the case today, while properties that are seen as hot at the moment could well fall out of favour in a few years' time.
Price comparison site GoCompare quizzed more than 2,000 people to find out what they want from a property.
It found a home that is going to stay warm and cosy at the same time as being energy efficient is a big priority - with both central heating and double glazing coming out top in terms of desirability. Many people also cited a new boiler as being a high priority.
With many valuables tucked away around the home, security is also high on people's minds, with secure doors and windows appearing in fourth place on the top 20.
Technology is also a key factor. The research suggested that many home buyers will want to make sure their home will accommodate their gadgets and keep them connected to the wider world.
Plenty of electrical sockets was found to be paramount, as was a good broadband connection for streaming films, and a living room big enough for a supersized television.
There were, however, quite a few surprises when it came to what did not make it into the top 20.
Despite adding character, period features failed to make the list, suggesting that some buyers may be willing to forego charm in favour of practicality when it comes to property searches.
While nearly two-thirds (65 per cent) of people were concerned with having a garden, a conservatory also failed to make the list of must-haves.
Open-plan kitchens and living areas, and homes located near to highly rated schools, also did not make the cut.
Matt Sanders from GoCompare home insurance said: "It is surprising to see previous must-haves, such as good schools and conservatories, fail to make the top 20.
"However, our research shows that buyers are becoming more financially savvy and are willing to make compromises on the finer details of a property to keep costs down and avoid expensive work in the future."
So how to you turn your property into a must-have prior to putting it on the market?
The survey findings suggested that a new boiler, extra plug sockets and modernising insulation could be a smarter investment than more traditional selling points if you are looking to sell your home.
But there also steps you can take to broaden your property's appeal to buyers even if you do not want to plough more money into it before selling up.
Sanders suggested: "It's worth making small changes to the decor when it comes time to sell.
"Making your home seem warmer, fresher and more secure could have a positive effect on potential buyers."
Here are the top 20 "must-haves" people want to see in a property, according to GoCompare:
1. Central heating
2. Double glazing
3. A garden
4. Secure doors and windows
5. Driveway or dedicated parking space
6. Plenty of electrical sockets
7. Local shops and amenities
8. A good, reliable broadband connection strong enough to stream TV and films
9. Friendly neighbours
10. At least two toilets
11. A bath
12. A good energy efficiency rating
13. A new boiler/central heating system
14. A reliable, clear mobile signal
15. A shower cubicle
16. A garage
17. Cavity wall insulation
18. A landline telephone
19. A living room big enough for a large, flat screen television
20. A dining room
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