Research by the Yorkshire Bank found that first time buyers were not as concerned however, with only 27 per cent avoiding a home that is just steps away from their local pub.

The research also found that 'soaring' gas and electricity prices were driving buyers to find more energy efficient homes, to ease to cost of utility bills. One in three first-time buyers and 25 per cent of existing homeowners would avoid properties which lacked basic energy efficient basics – such as double-glazing and cavity wall insulation.

Energywatch, the independent gas and electricity consumer watchdog, has revealed that electricity prices have risen by around 30 per cent since 2003 and gas prices by a massive 40 per cent. It has also been reported that British Gas is set to increase prices by a further 25 per cent.

"Households are now having to fork out hundreds of pounds more each year to pay for their gas and electricity than they did three years ago - a figure which will be even higher for homes which aren't energy efficient," says Mr Lumby.

"First-time buyers tend to see a higher proportion of their income going on monthly mortgage repayments than other groups, so energy costs are an even bigger issue - many may not have budgeted on spending quite so much money on heating their homes. Our advice for buyers when looking around homes is to check the quality of windows, insulation and look at the surveyor's report to see if the potential home has cavity wall insulation."

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