20% of movers 'would pay more for a home with fast broadband'

Fibre optic broadband access could have a significant impact on the value of a house.

According to new research from Halifax, high-speed connectivity is becoming an increasingly key concern for people in the market for a new home, with 20 per cent of movers prepared to pay a premium for a property with quality broadband.

Some 18 per cent of respondents said broadband speed had been a consideration when moving house in the past, while 23 per cent would try to get money knocked off the rental or sale price if the internet connection wasn't up to scratch.

Slow broadband was also named as the second most annoying household issue, being rated behind noisy neighbours but ahead of poor mobile phone signal, dripping taps and squeaky floorboards.

Craig McKinlay, Director of Mortgages at Halifax, said: "Alongside outside space, private parking and good transport links, a strong broadband signal is fast becoming a very significant feature of looking for a new home."