Natural lighting, a large garden and an ensuite bathroom are among the top 50 things which would make up the nations ‘dream home’
A study of 2,000 homeowners revealed the effect of living through a global pandemic and an almost year-long national lockdown has seen our priorities change when it comes to creating the dream home - with a countryside location, lots of kitchen storage and space for a home office all making the list of key requirements.
A private driveway, utility room and downstairs toilet would also help to create the dream home.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdSeparate dining and living rooms are also important, along with having a large patio or decking for BBQs in the summer.
And four in 10 also want their forever home to be within walking distance to the park and local shops.
Julia Berkin, spokesperson for glass specialist Pilkington United Kingdom, which commissioned the research, said: “Most of us have our dream home in mind, from the small details to the large, essential things.
“After the last year, some areas of a home have become more important with gardens and space for an office likely to make any home more attractive.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“But spending so much more time inside means many now want to bring the outside in – with plenty of natural light topping the list of requirements and favoured by 60 per cent of us.
“Introducing options such as bi-fold doors, glass roofs and Velux windows are all great ways to update a property and let in that much sought-after natural light.”
TOP 50 THINGS HOMEOWNERS WANT IN THEIR DREAM HOME
- Natural light
- Large garden
- Ensuite Bathroom
- Downstairs toilet
- Utility room
- Private driveway
- Extra storage
- Countryside location
- Separate dining and living rooms
- Patio/decking
- A home near the food shops
- A home near the park
- Lots of kitchen cupboard space
- Guest bedroom
- A space for a home office
- Double garage
- Fireplace
- Vegetable garden
- Summer house
- Social garden space
- An island in the kitchen
- An open plan kitchen
- Big space for a TV
- Underfloor heating
- Covered outdoor areas
- Smart technology
- A dressing room
- Balcony
- Space for gym equipment
- House on a quiet street
- Loft conversion
- Outdoor hot tub
- Window seat
- High ceilings
- Bi-fold doors
- Skylight windows
- A woodburner
- Rainforest style shower
- Home cinema
- Free standing bath
- Wine cooler/drinks fridge
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Rooftop terrace
- Glass box extension
- Games room
- Playroom
- Original floorboards
- Home mini bar
- Window shutters
- Exposed brick walls
The study also found just 32 per cent feel they are currently in their dream property, with another 21 per cent confident they will one day be living in their forever home.
Bi-folding doors, exposed brick walls and skylights were also among the top 50 elements of a dream home.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdAlthough homeowners are looking ahead towards their dream house, they felt there are several obstacles halting plans with a lack of money the biggest barrier for 77 per cent.
Searching for a dream home
The study, carried out via OnePoll, also found 23 per cent felt they would struggle to find the right property in the current market while more than one in 10 simply don’t have time.
But the average adult hopes to be living in their dream home by the age of 51.
It also emerged that lockdown has increased the urgency to have the perfect home for 87 per cent of adults.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdJulia Berkin from Pilkington United Kingdom added: “The pandemic has made many homeowners rethink their living situations, and as we spend more time in our properties, having everything we need to live comfortably is more important now than ever.”