The study, carried out as part of AA Home Emergency Response’s research series AA State of the Nation’s Homes found that 18% of adults aspire to own a semi-detached house with two to three bedrooms, the most popular type of property.
As well as, wanting a home attached to their next door neighbours, the British appear keen to have their friends round. The most sought-after feature of this dream home is a large open plan kitchen/diner and living area, perfect for entertaining.
The most desired location is a rural village, which is top of the list for 28% of people, as opposed to a seaside town which only had 15% of people wishing to live there.
Almost half the adult population (49%) would like views of mountains or countryside, marginally more than would like to see the sea from their windows (48%).
While men and women are well matched in their most desired panorama, there could be a battle between the sexes over the interior layout of their dream home.
Twice as many men as women (37% v 18%) would include a games room in their ultimate home and 50% more men than women (26% v 17%) want their own cinema at home.
The research also indicates that in the long run, increased demand could see the price of rural properties rise significantly as 38% of people want to live in a rural location, yet these areas currently account for only 18% of the housing stock.
Commenting, Tom Stringer, head of AA Home Emergency Response, said: “We are used to drivers dreaming about owning cars most of us are never likely to afford, such as a Ferrari. However, when it comes to houses, the research shows that we are much more realistic and that for many of us, our dream home is likely to be within our reach.”
