19-08-08, UpMyStreet ©
The housing boom of the last few years seemed to turn homes into properties and nests into nest eggs. But what do we really think about the buildings we call home? A study by Legal & General into the attitudes we have towards our homes uncovered some interesting trends.
1. Our houses are still homes
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Legal & General study found our homes are not just a place to sleep but are the heart of the family more than ever, and a place to have fun.
- 93% of us have entertained at home and two fifths of us have had our homes damaged by guests
- Older households use the kitchen to read the papers, while younger households are most likely to surf the internet
- 44% of people who regularly eat with friends do so with the TV on
- The lounge is now the favourite room in the home
- 86% of people would like to have a room to devote to a hobby
2. We are generation YDI, not DIY
The 90s DIY boom is over, with more and more people getting a professional in ('You Do It'). And with fewer people moving house, the trend for improving the homes we live in is growing.
- 41% of people now prefer to have someone do jobs around the home for them
- We are spending at least £7bn a year on 'getting someone in'
- The most common reason people gave for rejecting DIY was that they simply don't want to do the jobs themselves
- But, 28% of people have put home improvement plans on hold until they regain financial confidence
3. We're getting greener, step by step
A large number of householders now recycle their rubbish, showing environmental campaigns seem to be working.
- 81% of us now recyle, 72% use low energy lightbulbs, but only 23% of us recycle rain water
- Wales is the UK's best region for recycling
- 18% of Geordies say they would look for a property with room for livestock
4. The machines are taking over
Our love affair with all things digital continues, with the affordability of gadgets meaning we're more likely to buy a new one than get a broken one repaired.
- 21% of Brits watch 36 hours of TV a week
- 88% of 5-10 year olds are online at home
- Despite the technology boom, 86% of us would rather buy a new gadget than get an old one repaired
- 12% of people wouldn't even change a fuse on a 'broken' gadget
Some surprising facts
- 6% of us choose a home based on how well we know the neighbours
- 4% have met a future partner at a friend's dinner party
- The number of TVs in the UK is set to reach 74 million by 2010
- More homeowners want 'cute' artwork on the walls than fine art
- 25% of us ensure the front door is locked to help us get to sleep
- People in the Midlands and Lancashire are the most careful to not leave valuables lying around the kitchen
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Often, many of the people who live in this sort of postcode will have middle incomes and live in areas of home owning. These are known as type 27 in the ACORN classification and 2.99% of the UK's population live in this type.
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