New research has found that there are big differences between men and women when it comes to choosing a home.
In finding their dream house, 14% of males wanted a cinema/screening room and 12% would like a wine cellar. Contrastingly, 24% of women look for an AGA oven and 18% wanted a kitchen island, revealed a study by Strutt & Parker.
When moving house, women’s priorities include being near a good school, access to shops and amenities, a short commute to work, more space, and being close to family and friends, the poll of buyers, vendors and tenants found.
Men’s top reasons for buying a new property were tax changes, retirement, pension support, a smaller home, the political environment and mobile phone coverage.
Both sexes did agree that a traditional British home is preferred, however, women valued other styles than men, including lofts, simple Scandinavian design, classical French décor and exotic Indian styling. Men desired retro 1950s/60s/70s looks.
Men are attracted to stark, grand, imposing and cool features, whereas women like quirky, creative, calm and relaxing characteristics.
Regarding outdoor space, men are keener to live on or near the water and would like a house with sporting facilities, such as a gym, pool or tennis court. However, women were more interested in equestrian amenities.
Considering managed apartment blocks or units, men were more eager for convenience and practical amenities, such as a porter, in-house cleaning services, car sharing, banquet services and refrigeration drop-off storage. For women, it is vital that pets are allowed and disabled access is important.
Males are more concerned about environmental features in a home, such as renewable energy, living walls and green roofs.
Head of Research at Strutt & Parker, Stephanie McMahon, comments: “Our overall analysis points towards elements such as broadband connectivity and access to amenities being very important for buyers.
“However, men and women appear to have a slightly different interpretation on what these might mean.
“When referring to private rentals, for example, for men, amenities and services might mean concierge services and grocery drop-off, for women it might mean ability to bring pets and disabled accessibility.”1
1 http://www.propertywire.com/news/europe/uk-home-style-choices-2015070110695.html