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Mobile signal key for young home buyers [Newcastle Journal (England)](Newcastle Journal (England) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) ADECENT mobile phone signal is topping the polls when it comes to young property hunters finding the perfect pad. While transport links and council tax bands remain a key consideration, mobile phone signal is topping the list of priorities for 18-24 year old buyers. The new research by mobile analytics RootMetrics, also reveals that 69% of all home buyers or renters would consider changing their mobile provider if performance were poor at a new property, and that signal strength is by far the biggest issue people have with their mobiles in the home (87%.) Nearly half (45%) of 18-35 year-olds surveyed ranked mobile as the most important consideration when buying a new property, followed by crime (21%), transport links (18%) and schools (17%.) As many as 69% of all home buyers or renters, and 77% of younger buyers, would consider changing their mobile provider if performance were poor at a new property, according to RootMetrics. According to Adam Jackson, managing director of Newcastlebased property services company, GB UK Services Ltd, this is a common issue. He said: "iMove North East were involved with the sale of a relatively new build property - built circa 2008 - in the Consett area last year. And although we received a lot of interest in the property there were two issues being highlighted by some of the viewers. Firstly there was no mobile telephone signal inside the property at all. As soon as you walked outside it was not a problem, but this was not ideal. "Secondly fibre broadband was not available. A lot of comments from potential buyers came back to these being a real issue when deciding to place an offer on the property. "Social media and the like play a huge role in today's society, so it's no surprise that it's an important factor for people when looking for a home." David Cox, managing director, Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA), said: "When searching for a property, whether it is to buy or rent, house hunters often have a check list of important factors, such as location, number of bedrooms, size of rooms and outdoor space. "With the stress and excitement that comes with looking for a new home, many important factors can be left off the check list. Often it can be these forgotten issues which can really deter your enjoyment in the property - such as noise levels, access to parking, and mobile phone signal." According to David, with so many people reliant on their smart phone devices for work, social media and keeping in contact with friends and family, it is no surprise it is the top factor in young people's wish list. He said: "Checking your mobile signal should become a routine action in every property you view, as a lack of phone signal could cause you a lot of hassle in the long run once you are living there." Another survey this week by online estate agent Housesimple.co.uk, asked respondents in Newcastle whether they would buy a home next to one of 17 undesirable locations. Of those polled, just 16% said they would buy near or next to a rubbish tip. And of those who would, 69% would expect a discount of at least 25% off the asking price, while a quarter (25%) would want at least 40% off. Buying near a prison didn't appeal to many respondents with just over a third (36%) willing to consider such a location. Of those who would, one fifth would expect an unrealistic 50% reduction in the asking price, and half would demand a discount of more than 30%. (c) 2014 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved. |