New research suggests the internet and broadband coverage have become even more important to buyers and tenants.

The study – involving 228 housing professionals and 2,000 homeowners or renters – shows that 86 per cent of the public claim having a decent connection in their property is important and 64 per said they would be put off by a home with slow Wi-Fi.

Overall 54 per cent are ‘more likely’ to purchase a property with a good connection.

Amongst property professionals 60 per cent of respondents rate ‘reliable, fast, fibre connectivity’ as critical and equivalent to being the fourth utility.

A further 32 per cent defined it as ‘a key attractor’ for buyers and renters.

A quarter of the public say they work from home on a regular basis and therefore rely on broadband.
Almost half – 47 per cent – want a decent broadband connection to keep in touch with their friends and family, and four in 10 use it for streaming TV shows and films.