Tuesday 28th August 2007
The nation's ideal home is a new build, detached property located in the countryside, according to new research from Halifax mortgages.
The survey found that half of people preferred detached and new builds were preferred by 22 per cent of those questioned.
Phil Jenks, head of mortgages at Halifax, said: "Although many of us live in towns or cities, there is no disputing that a house in the country is what the majority of us aspire to.
"The preference for new build detached properties shows that people want their home to be personal to them and that space and privacy is also important."
The ideal house would have three bedrooms, with a lounge, study, kitchen-diner, conservatory, playroom, family bathroom and toilet.
Other key features identified included central heating, double glazing, a fitted kitchen, modern bathroom, an enclosed garden, off-street parking, a garage and a home security system.
Almost a third said they would rather live in the countryside, but another survey by Halifax revealed that rural properties were an average of 14 per cent more expensive than the national average, meaning that the perfect home is just that little bit more unaffordable.
Martin Ellis, chief economist at Halifax, said: "Those living in rural areas face particularly tough housing market conditions.
"In general, higher average property prices, together with lower earnings, mean that housing is less affordable than in urban areas.
"Many young people, in particular, are therefore finding it tough to find a foot on the property ladder.
"This difficult situation is compounded by lower levels of provision of social housing in rural areas."
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Property
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