New survey reveals top ten items that make a house feel like a home

A new study from Aviva has revealed the important items that make a house a home with family photos topping the list. 

The survey¹ of 2,005 Brits found that sentimental family photos came top while a fridge full of food and freshly washed bedsheets also give people that homely feeling. The research revealed:

Top ten items that make a house a home:

1. Family photos (39%)
2. A fridge full of food (30%)
3. Freshly washed bed sheets (23%)
4.  A large TV (23%)
5. Plants (20%)
6. Blankets and throws (19%)
7. A fireplace (18%)
8. A bookshelf filled with your books (18%)
9. Candles (18%)
10. Fresh towels (18%)

Also on the list are items like flowers in vases (18%), a dining table (16%), a TV in the bedroom (16%), artwork (12%), fridge magnets (11%), a dressing table with belongings like jewellery and make up (10%), and children’s toys (9%). 

But it’s not just tangible belongings that turn bricks and mortar into a home. For many Brits it’s the priceless things that are important, like sleeping in their own bed (54%), the memories made at home (37%), their very own spot on the sofa (36%), the smell of freshly cooked food (31%) and having their children at home (23%). 

And just over a third of Brits (34%) accredit the homely feeling to having a pet or animal companion. 

The survey found Brits spend an average of £593 a year on enhancing their homes, with nearly half (49%) focusing most of their attention on the living room. 

Those in Greater London are splashing the most cash, with the average yearly spend coming in at £953. While residents in the South West show more conservative spending habits, with the average yearly spend on homely items coming in at £399. 

It also emerged that the younger generations spend much more on average to make their house feel homely, with 25–34-year-olds spending a whopping £1,040 per year compared to the over-55s, who spend over £700 less a year on average, at £308. 

Worryingly, however, the research suggests that millions of people² are leaving important items in their home uninsured, with a third of Brits (33%) not having any home contents insurance cover, while just over one in nine (12%) are unsure if they have any insurance cover or not.

This is despite the fact that more than half (55%) of Brits say they would be unhappy³ if items that make their house feel like a home, were damaged, and despite nearly half (48%) of Brits saying their things create a sense of comfort and relaxation.

The data also shows that renters are the least likely to have the right insurance to fully protect their belongings, with only 43% of renters having home contents insurance compared to 73% of homeowners with a mortgage. 

Kelly Whittington, Property Claims Director at Aviva, said:

“We all know how important it is to feel at home, and whether you are renting or own your property, contents insurance is critical to protecting the items that are important to you. 

“The right insurance will give you peace of mind and can also protect your wallet if the worst happens; from replacing expensive items like gadgets, jewellery and furniture if they are damaged, destroyed or lost because of things like fire, theft, and flooding, to even replacing spoiled food if your fridge or freezer breaks down. 

“For sentimental items that are harder to replace, we advise residents to do their best to keep their belongings safe. This can mean keeping things out of sight of prying eyes, storing photos on higher shelves in case a property is flooded, or investing in smoke and smart home devices to alert you in case of a fire or a break-in.”

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References:

_{1. The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2,005 Nat Rep UK consumers (16+). The data was collected between 27.07.2023 - 31.07.2023. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct which is based on the ESOMAR principles.}

_{2. The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2,001 Nat Rep UK consumers (16+). The data was collected between 15.09.2023 - 18.09.2023. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct which is based on the ESOMAR principles. 33% has been calculated by taking the inverse percentage (44.53%) of those who selected the answer option ‘home contents’ when asked ‘What, if any, insurance cover do you currently have for your home? (Select all that apply)’ (55.47%) minus the percentage of those who selected ‘I am unsure’ (11.74%).} 

_{3. ‘Somewhat unhappy’ and ‘Very unhappy’ answers combined.}