Third of house hunters put off property by poor mobile signal

RootMetrics survey also reveals that a third would have been discouraged from moving house had they known about this problem 

A third of house hunters have said they would be put off buying a property through poor mobile signal.

This is according to the second annual house purchasing decision survey by RootMetrics, which questioned 2,135 adults from October 21-22.

It revealed a good mobile signal (34 per cent) is more important factor than the quality of local schools (23 per cent) when buying a house.

More than eight in ten (83 per cent) have experienced poor signal strength at their home while over half (54 per cent) have had difficulties with their mobile internet.

As a consequence of these problems, two thirds admitted considering switching mobile provider just so they can use their phone.

Had they known about problems with mobile performance prior to moving home, 30 per cent said it would have discouraged them from buying or renting the property.

RootMetrics added that while realising mobile performance is becoming a key selling point, more homeowners are beginning to promote a good signal at their property just as they would broadband speeds and local utilities.

The survey revealed that whilst half (51 per cent) of sellers highlight the broadband speed at their home, 41 per cent said they would promote having a good mobile signal as part of their overall push to find a buyer.

RootMetrics general manager, Europe, Scott Stonham said: “We now rely on our mobiles as much as our TVs and computers at home, and we are seeing the importance of having good mobile experience shoot up the list of priorities. It seems many have moved to a property and found they are having recurring problems with their current operator.

“The property market has rarely been more heated and the shortage of homes is only heightening people’s desire to move up the ladder, but buyers and renters should be taking into consideration every factor before making a decision, including the quality of their mobile signal at home.

“A very simple way of doing this is by remembering to run a quick test on the mobile performance whilst viewing a property, just as you would check the broadband speeds.”

original article Mobile News Online
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