The importance of mobile phone coverage to home-movers has been underlined in a new survey of over 2,000 people.
Over half (54%) said they would not buy a home if there was poor mobile reception. The proportion rose to 64% in London.
The survey, of adults aged 16 and over, also found that 46% of tenants would not rent a property with poor mobile phone coverage.
The study was carried out by network testing company Rootmetrics. CEO Bill Moore said: “While there are obviously more important considerations when it comes to weighing the pros and cons of a house move, there’s no doubt that mobile phone coverage is becoming a factor in the decision-making process.”
The findings come at a time when mobiles are replacing fixed lines in the home.
Research from Ofcom in July shows that calls from landlines have fallen more than 10% since 2011 and that 15% of homes in the UK are mobile-only.
More recently a study by research company fast.MAP revealed that 37% of UK consumers would be willing to give up their landlines.
EAT last covered this topic a couple of months ago, when it had been suggested that agents include broadband speeds in property details. This provoked an outpouring of ridicule from posters (see below), so we await with interest the response to this survey
Comments
Good to see that this has sparked some discussion and constructive criticism.
I live and work in a rural community and phone reception is sketch at the best of times, but would be important to me where I live as I would not want to sign up to a long term BT contract at home as renting. my partner has good 4g reception at her home so has scraped the need for a land line and also the unneeded expense. Get real peoples habits are changing and you need to be able to respond.
"there are obviously more important considerations when it comes to weighing the pros and cons of a house move"
Yep. If the mobile was really an issue - another provider would resolve it.
I have been in the business since the advent of mobile phones - never an issue. I have had questions over broadband speeds - but only rarely and never a deal breaker.
"The survey, of adults aged 16 and over..."
Oh, boy - where do we start?
Questions to ask the eejit who conducted/published the survey:
1. What percentage of these "adults" were aged under 18?
2. What percentage of the REMAINING "adults" are actually ABLE to buy a house?
3. What percentage of the remaining few "adults" are ACTUALLY GOING TO buy a house?
The number you are left with is the ONLY statistic here.
And I'm absolutely certain that these folks - who will in reality make up a percentage smaller than a gnat's whassname of buyers and tenants - ain't going to make sellers and landlords across the country go into panic mode that their properties are blighted by dodgy signal. If that were the case - most of the properties in the UK would be blighted, if truth be told!
Mr Moore - as CEO of the company, you REALLY should be careful about what goes out with your name on it.
Remember a certain Mr Ratner...
I had a renter couple who liked the house and then before making a decision wanted to see the reception for their mobiles. Each was on a different network and they were happy. I asked if that was real important and he said yes for his business. I thought that they should get out more.
I get crap reception at home and use this as my excuse when I get calls late or on a Sunday - works like a charm and it gerts dealt with the next day. We live in a society when everything needs to be done instantly.
Again, another load of rubbish.
I have NEVER had a potential buyer whip out their phone on a viewing and turn to their partner and say:
"Goodness gracious, darling, my iPhone has no reception - we couldn't possibly buy this house - urrgh!"
Ridiculous!
Is this a story? Surely most agents would be aware that mobile phone operators can provide their customers with a mini microcell conected to broadband which would provide a booster signal for home use? see http://mobilerepeater.co.uk/shop/home.php
Adults 16 and over ?? I don't know many 16 year olds that are currently looking to buy.
Is THAT what is meant by a reception room?