Essentials over extravagance – Good Wi-Fi connection tops list of realistic dream home needs
When it comes to what Brits really want in their dream home, having reliable internet is the top choice.
62% of Brits say good Wi-Fi is the number one feature they would include in their realistic dream home, according to a new survey by home moving comparison site Compare My Move.
This is closely followed by a private driveway (57%) and a walk-in wardrobe (56%), proving that practicality and everyday comfort win over luxury extras.
The survey highlighted a shift toward functional living over fancy frills, with two dishwashers (12%), a central vacuum cleaner (18%), and an elevated washing machine (18%) at the other end of the wish list.
The top 10 realistic dream home items are listed below:
|
Realistic dream home item
|
%
|
|
Good Wi-Fi
|
62%
|
|
A driveway
|
57%
|
|
A walk in wardrobe
|
56%
|
|
Kitchen island
|
45%
|
|
Home office
|
42%
|
|
Home cinema
|
39%
|
|
Pool/games room
|
36%
|
|
Boiling water tap
|
35%
|
|
Rainfall showers
|
34%
|
|
Jacuzzi
|
32%
|
Meanwhile, the survey also revealed that when it comes to viewing potential new homes, first impressions matter. The top three things that put buyers off are the smell of damp (75%), noisy neighbours (71%) and the smell of smoke (60%).
Commenting on the findings, Dave Sayce, co-founder and Managing Director of Compare My Move, said:
“These results are fascinating because they show how people are prioritising convenience, comfort, and connectivity in their everyday lives. While high-end extras might look impressive on paper, it’s the things we rely on daily – like Wi-Fi and a driveway – that really make a place feel like home.
“It’s also no surprise that sensory factors like damp, noise, and smoke top the list of buyer turn-offs. First impressions really do count when selling a home, and issues like a musty smell or noisy neighbours can instantly set alarm bells ringing for prospective buyers. Here’s my top 5 tips for moving home easily and effectively:
- Start early: Give yourself plenty of time to declutter, pack, and organise utilities before the big day.
- Label everything: Clear labelling helps keep track of what’s in each box and what room it belongs in.
- Use a trusted comparison site: Save time and money by using a reputable platform like Compare My Move to compare quotes on conveyancing, removals and more.
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Pack an essentials box: Include key items like chargers, toiletries, snacks, and a change of clothes so you’re not caught short on moving day.
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Notify key contacts: Make sure you update your address with banks, utility providers, the GP, and your workplace ahead of time.”
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About Compare My Move:
Compare My Move, established in 2012, is a UK-based platform designed to assist home buyers, sellers, and movers throughout the entire moving process. It connects users with a wide network of trusted professionals from mortgage brokers to removal companies, allowing them to compare multiple quotes in one place. The platform ensures that all listed companies are verified, helping users make informed, cost-effective decisions with ease.
In addition to supporting individuals through their move, Compare My Move also serves as a successful lead-generation tool for its partners, delivering high-quality, motivated customer leads. By streamlining the moving experience and connecting users with reliable services, Compare My Move has become a trusted resource for thousands of people navigating property transactions across the UK.
About the survey:
This online survey of 2,000 UK Adults (Nationally representative on the basis of age, gender, and region) was commissioned by Front Door Comms on behalf of Compare My Move and conducted by market research company OnePoll, in accordance with the Market Research Society’s code of conduct. Data was collected between [03/06/2025] and [05/06/2025]. All participants are double-opted in to take part in research and are paid an amount depending on the length and complexity of the survey. This survey was overseen and edited by the OnePoll research team. OnePoll are MRS Company Partners, corporate membership of ESOMAR and Members of the British Polling Council.
