Natural lighting, a large garden and an ensuite bathroom are among the top 50 things which would make up the nations ‘dream home’

A study of 2,000 homeowners revealed the effect of living through a global pandemic and an almost year-long national lockdown has seen our priorities change when it comes to creating the dream home - with a countryside location, lots of kitchen storage and space for a home office all making the list of key requirements. 

A private driveway, utility room and downstairs toilet would also help to create the dream home. 

Separate dining and living rooms are also important, along with having a large patio or decking for BBQs in the summer.

And four in 10 also want their forever home to be within walking distance to the park and local shops. 

Julia Berkin, spokesperson for glass specialist Pilkington United Kingdom, which commissioned the research, said: “Most of us have our dream home in mind, from the small details to the large, essential things. 

“After the last year, some areas of a home have become more important with gardens and space for an office likely to make any home more attractive.

“But spending so much more time inside means many now want to bring the outside in – with plenty of natural light topping the list of requirements and favoured by 60 per cent of us. 

“Introducing options such as bi-fold doors, glass roofs and Velux windows are all great ways to update a property and let in that much sought-after natural light.”

TOP 50 THINGS HOMEOWNERS WANT IN THEIR DREAM HOME

1. Natural light
2. Large garden
3. Ensuite Bathroom
4. Downstairs toilet
5. Utility room
6. Private driveway
7. Extra storage
8. Countryside location
9. Separate dining and living rooms
10. Patio/decking
11. A home near the food shops
12. A home near the park
13. Lots of kitchen cupboard space
14. Guest bedroom
15. A space for a home office
16. Double garage
17. Fireplace
18. Vegetable garden
19. Summer house
20. Social garden space
21. An island in the kitchen
22. An open plan kitchen
23. Big space for a TV
24. Underfloor heating
25. Covered outdoor areas
26. Smart technology
27. A dressing room
28. Balcony
29. Space for gym equipment
30. House on a quiet street
31. Loft conversion
32. Outdoor hot tub
33. Window seat
34. High ceilings
35. Bi-fold doors
36. Skylight windows
37. A woodburner
38. Rainforest style shower
39. Home cinema
40. Free standing bath
41. Wine cooler/drinks fridge
42. Outdoor swimming pool
43. Rooftop terrace
44. Glass box extension
45. Games room
46. Playroom
47. Original floorboards
48. Home mini bar
49. Window shutters
50. Exposed brick walls

The study also found just 32 per cent feel they are currently in their dream property, with another 21 per cent confident they will one day be living in their forever home.

Bi-folding doors, exposed brick walls and skylights were also among the top 50 elements of a dream home. 

Although homeowners are looking ahead towards their dream house, they felt there are several obstacles halting plans with a lack of money the biggest barrier for 77 per cent.

Searching for a dream home

The study, carried out via OnePoll, also found 23 per cent felt they would struggle to find the right property in the current market while more than one in 10 simply don’t have time.

But the average adult hopes to be living in their dream home by the age of 51.

It also emerged that lockdown has increased the urgency to have the perfect home for 87 per cent of adults.

Julia Berkin from Pilkington United Kingdom added: “The pandemic has made many homeowners rethink their living situations, and as we spend more time in our properties, having everything we need to live comfortably is more important now than ever.”