Monday, August 30, 2010
Category:
Home Improvements
Research conducted by Halifax has provided an insight into the types of properties that UK homeowners aspire to live in.
When asked ‘which homes of the small screen provided the greatest inspiration for their ideal abode’, the property of choice for 40 percent of the families surveyed was found to be an open plan property on Ramsay Street. However, for 35 percent of respondents, a Midsomer cottage was found to be the preferred option. Findings also revealed that 8 percent of those surveyed prefer the terraced houses of Coronation Street, whilst a further 8 percent prefer the ‘New York loft apartments’ featured in Friends. Finally, it was found that the ‘palatial Southfork Dallas mansion’ is the property of choice for an additional 8 percent of respondents.
Halifax has pointed out that in reality the UK housing market is not likely to provide much opportunity to meet such property preferences. Nevertheless, findings reportedly indicate that families are more practical with regard to choosing their own home. It was revealed that 19 percent would like to move into a property that does not require any work, whilst 62 percent would be prepared to make structural changes to their next property, irrespective of the labour involved.
In fact, the research uncovered that 76 percent of homeowners between 18 and 40 years of age would consider knocking down walls in their next home to create the ideal living space. Furthermore, 65 percent would reportedly embark upon an attic or basement conversion in their next home in order to create extra living space, whilst an additional 65 percent would consider extending their next property.
Commercial director of mortgages at Halifax, Stephen Noakes, commented: "There's often a difference between the dream home and the reality of more traditional properties on the market but now, more than ever, people are willing to take on their own project. Whether it's knocking down walls, converting unused space or extending – homeowners are less willing to compromise, and so are creating the perfect living space."
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Homeowners who do not have the funds required to transform their house into their ideal home could consider taking out a secured loan. One of many finance options available, a secured loan for
home improvements could allow borrowers to embark upon an array of projects. For example, extra living space could be created by adding a conservatory or extension, or by converting any wasted space such as an unused attic. What’s more homeowners could completely redecorate and refurbish their home to reflect their personal taste and lifestyle.
