A survey of 2,000 adults has revealed the top priorities for Brits when it comes to choosing their ideal modern home. Must-have features include ample natural light, a peaceful neighbourhood, and an electric vehicle (EV) charger.
The poll identified key features such as a garage, secure fencing, and good mobile signal were also crucial considerations when looking at a new property.
Other essentials included space for a home office, a downstairs toilet, and proximity to shops, pubs, and restaurants.
Moreover, eco-friendly credentials were deemed ‘important’ by half of those surveyed, with features like an EV charger being particularly desirable.
The study was commissioned by Vauxhall, who have partnered with property marketplace Zoopla to introduce a search filter that allows users to find homes equipped with an EV charger or locate the nearest public charger to a property.
This initiative follows findings that 40 per cent of drivers surveyed said the availability of nearby EV charging facilities would influence their decision when purchasing a house.
Moreover, 54 per cent agreed that it would be beneficial if property marketplaces or apps could indicate where the closest EV chargers are located.
Steve Catlin, spokesperson for Vauxhall, which partnered with Zoopla as part of its ‘Electric Streets of Britain’ campaign, to improve on-street charging for households without driveways, said: “Moving house is one of the biggest decisions most of us make in our lifetime.
“And anyone who’s done it knows how important – and difficult – it is to find the perfect home.”
Additional features that adults desire in contemporary properties include energy-efficient glazing (35 per cent) and low-maintenance gardens (34 per cent).
However, 51 per cent revealed that access to environmentally-friendly amenities such as EV charging points would be crucial when selecting their next property.
Meanwhile, 33 per cent favour homes combining traditional and modern elements, whilst 32 per cent prefer completely new-build properties, compared to just 17 per cent who would opt for period houses.
Approximately seven in 10 (68 per cent) currently possess driveway access, with 58 per cent of drivers operating petrol vehicles, 17 per cent diesel and 25 per cent hybrid, electric or plug-in hybrid models.
Nevertheless, 47 per cent indicated they would be more inclined to purchase an electric or hybrid vehicle if convenient charging facilities were available near their residence, the OnePoll.com research revealed.
Steve added: “As EVs become an even more common sight on our roads, more and more people will be prioritising charging access when thinking about where to live.
“We hope the features we have worked with Zoopla to introduce go some way to make decisions around buying and renting a new home that little bit easier for millions across the country.”