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Homeowners in the North West
reveal their ideal Forever Home
A detailed study also found that we
hanker after a property with a driveway, a play room; and somewhere to hang the
washing. Other must haves include a large kitchen and breakfast room, an ample
lounge, utility room and dining room. A double garage and conservatory are also
essential, as is a study and cloakroom. Ideally, we want to live in a location
just 12.5 miles from the office. Good transport links and a pub within a mile
and a ½ are also vital elements. While an ambitious 1 in 3 even went as far
as to suggest their 'forever home' would include a swimming pool and sauna.
2 bathrooms, 2 en-suites and 2 reception rooms are also key components.
The detail emerged from a study of 2,000 homeowners carried out by Origin, the
leading British manufacturer of bespoke aluminium bi-folding doors, residential
doors and windows. Ben Brocklesby, Director at Origin, said:- "We wanted
to find out more about the concept of the forever home and whether it still
existed. Years ago it was not unusual for people to live in the same house for
their entire lives, but we've certainly seen a shift in this trend as we now
live in an average of seven homes throughout our lifetimes. Interestingly, more
than ¾ of people in the region still believe in the concept of a forever home,
which shows that the clear majority of homeowners are constantly climbing the
property ladder, striving to find a home to live in for the rest of their lives.
We carried out the research to find out exactly what people want from their
forever homes, and if any of the features on their wish list could be added to
their existing properties. Among the most sought after elements were a power
shower, big windows, a bath and bi-fold or sliding doors; all of which can be
incorporated into any home, without the need to move."
On a national scale, over ½ of people chose the sea as the perfect view from
their windows, followed by a countryside view of either rolling hills or a field
of cows.
Britain's least chosen view from the home was, perhaps unsurprisingly,
a football stadium.
Plenty of natural light was also a must have for homeowners,
with 99% of people saying it was important.
Over ½ said they wanted big
windows, while bi-folding or sliding doors that lead out to the garden were also
high on the list of features.
It also emerged that we dream of spending our years in a street where we are
surrounded by friendly neighbours, 4 of whom we are on 1st name terms with. A
1,000sq ft garden is the ideal size, according to most Brits.
With regard to amenities, our forever home would have everything we needed
within a 3 mile radius. The Post Office, corner shop, newsagents and
off licence are considered the most important to have close by. While a ⅛ of
people are actively putting savings aside for their forever home, a ⅛
already reside in theirs.
The age at which we believe we'll own our forever home emerged as 53, and 4 out
of 10 were convinced they would, at some point, purchase their dream pad. 84% of
UK adults are happy with their current home and 80% think it's likely they will
try to improve or renovate the house they own now.
Ben Brocklesby continued:- "With such a high proportion of homeowners
planning to improve or renovate their current house, we have some great
practical advice on our website from our experts, looking at everything from how
to make the most of a conservatory to styling your front of house; getting
homeowners one step closer to creating their forever home."
THE IDEAL FOREVER HOME AMONG BRITS:-
► Is worth ₤458,000.
► Is 10.5 miles from work and has transport links.
► Has four friendly neighbours - who we are on 1st name terms with.
Has the following rooms:-
► Playroom x1
► Reception rooms x 2
► En-suites x 2
► Bathrooms x 2
► Bedrooms x 4
And has the following features:-
► Front and back gardens.
► Driveway.
► Off street parking.
► Patio.
► Double garage.
► Flowerbeds.
► Summer house.
► Somewhere to hang the washing out.
► Gates at the front.
► Veg patch.
► Open fields.
► Garden 1000sqft.
► View of sea view, rolling hills or field of cows.
Is this far away from local amenities:-
► Post Office - 1 mile away.
► Doctors - 1 mile away.
► Dentist - 2 miles away.
► Corner Shop - 1 mile away.
► Supermarket - 2 miles away.
► Leisure Centre - 3 miles away.
► Newsagent Off Licence - 1 mile away.
► Petrol Station - 2 miles away.
► Park - 2 miles away.
► Playground - 2 miles away.
► Farm Shop - 2 miles away.
► Pub – 1.5 miles away.
► School - 2 miles away.
► Clothes Shop - 3 miles away.
► Library – 2.5 miles away.
► Cinema - 3 miles away.
► Restaurant - 2 miles away.
► Chemist 1.5.
► Vet – 2.5 miles away.
And these are the most desired views:-
► Sea view - 54%.
► Garden - 38%.
► Mountains - 44%.
► Field of cows - 21%.
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