Houses without proper internet access could be worth as much as 20 per cent less than those with a solid connection.

That is the conclusion of property expert Henry Pryor, who stated that internet connectivity has become a "fourth utility" in the eyes of buyers and is considered absolutely essential, reports the Guardian.

This view has been backed up by Frank Speir, of property buying agency Prime Purchase, who said it is now "absolutely fundamental to many buyers" that rapid download-speeds be in place.

But despite this, many sellers are not considering the installation of high-speed broadband, when they put their house on the market.

Indeed, Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, has seen a 27 per cent rise in the number of people asking for help with their broadband issues in the 12 months since April last year.

"A poor internet service can shut people out of contributing to the national economy, and people living in rural areas can find unreliable internet a particular struggle."

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