Brits reveal dream home characteristics

A three-bed, two-bathroom detached period property is the desired type of property by homeowners in all parts of the UK who were surveyed on behalf of Leeds Building Society.

48.5% of those surveyed are looking for a detached property, with a similar proportion (52.4%) wanting three bedrooms. 74.3% wanted three bedrooms as a minimum.

Meanwhile, 76.2% of those surveyed not prepared to settle for just one. Two bathrooms is the most popular preference, with 56.2% choosing this option as their top priority.

The top five features in a dream property were:

1. Location (72.9%)
2. Property size (68.5%)
3. Garden and outside space (61.7%)
4. Property layout (56.2%)
5. Off-street parking (53.1%)

By contrast, the five features buyers were most prepared to compromise on were:

1. Good interor decoration (28.7%)
2. Period features (23.6%)
3. New kitchen and bathroom (21.5%)
4. Woodburner or fireplace (21.5%)
5. Property layout (21.2%)

While the five biggest turn-offs for a purchaser would be:

1. No garden (35.3%)
2. No driveway (14.0%)
3. Old heating system (10.9%)
4. Need for modernisation (10.0%)
5. Stairs in the living room (9.4%)

“We were founded 140 years ago by people who understood how, by working together, they could realise their property owning aspirations,” said Martin Richardson, Leeds Building Society’s general manager – business development.

“This aim –  which goes hand in hand with our other core purpose to offer savers a secure home for their money so they can plan for their futures – remains the same to this day.

“When home ownership appears to be a national obsession – and there’s a mind-boggling choice in types of properties to purchase – it’s perhaps surprising that our survey discovered so many people share the same view of what makes their dream home.”

Richard Sexton, director of business development for e.surv, added: “These findings reflect our own as a national survey provider.

“It’s perhaps no surprise that the key selling points of a property are those that can’t fundamentally be changed – after all it’s relatively easy to redecorate, but impossible to move a building from one location to another. The findings reflect the fact that househunters are generally aware of the difference between these categories and take a long-term view on changeable factors to ensure they get their preference on the fundamentals.”