New research has revealed that as many as 7 in 10 Brits are not happy with their home, with factors such as size and location cited as some main reasons. However, décor was found to be the largest gripe for UK homeowners.
The survey, commissioned by wooden-blinds-direct.co.uk, found that 20% of respondents hate where they live. Many replied that they dislike their home due to its size or its location, with over half saying that their home needs redecorating.
Unhappy
Questioning 2,000 people, the research showed that 72% of homeowners are not happy with their house. 30% simply said that their home was not yet how they want it, with 28% saying their home was too small.[1]
45% of respondents said in general, little tweaks would make them feel happier, with 57% believing new wallpaper would help and 38% feel laying a new carpet or flooring would make a difference.[1]
Almost half of all respondents stated that they feel like they will never be able to reach a point where they are totally satisfied with their home. Lack of time and lack of knowledge were found to be the barriers that prevent people from attempting changes.
Worrying
A spokesperson for wooden-blinds-direct.co.uk said, ‘for most of us, our homes are the biggest purchases we will ever make, so it’s worrying to see so many people are living in homes they aren’t happy with, or that they actually hate! It can be difficult when you feel like your home is too small, or in a location you don’t like, but some smaller improvements could completely change how you feel about your home.’
‘Don’t view your home as something that has to be tackled all at once – break it down into individual projects. Something as simple as a new coat of paint in a room, a new carpet, or some new furniture or fittings can be a small change which you’re happy with. And once a few of those small projects have been completed, the cumulative effect can make a huge difference to how you feel.’
‘We conducted this research to see how people really feel about their homes; to find out that so many of us are so unhappy is a shock. We supply thousands of blinds every week and our interior designers often field questions and special requests from people who are looking to get their ideal look.’
‘We all spend too much time at home to be unhappy with where we’re living.’[1]
Improvements
The survey revealed that the top ten reasons why people were unhappy with their home were:
- It needs redecorating
- I just haven’t got it the way I want it
- It’s too small
- The location
- It’s not decorated to my tastes
- The garden is too small
- There isn’t a lot/any parking
- It’s quite dated
- I don’t get on with my neighbours
- It’s too old
The top ten things that people would like to do to improve their home were found to be:
- Re-paint or wallpaper
- Lay new carpets/flooring
- Install a new kitchen
- Buy new furniture
- Clear it of clutter
- Install a new bathroom
- Replace your windows
- Build an extension
- Replace curtains for blinds
- Convert the loft[1]
[1] http://tle-online.com/property/seven-in-ten-brits-unhappy-with-their-home/15/06