New research reveals that South West residents' ideal 'forever home' is a detached, four-bedroom property with countryside views worth £641,000. 

The research also shows:

• Buyers are expecting to secure their ideal property younger than ever before (age 50)
• However, they expect to pay 34% more than five years ago
• 47% are actively saving for their forever home
• But 66% are concerned that rising costs will impact their ability to ever afford it

A new study amongst homeowners has revealed that South West residents' ideal 'forever home' is a detached, four-bedroom, two-bathroom property worth £641,000.

The perfect property also boasts two reception rooms, one children's playroom, a study, a walk-in wardrobe, a conservatory, a utility room, a garden with a patio, and countryside views.

Interestingly, people now expect to buy their 'forever home' at a younger age. The research shows that the average homeowner in the South West expects to own their ideal property by the age of 50. The average age in 2017 was 53.

This is surprising given that property sizes are shrinking, and prices are rising. In fact, those living in the South West now expect their dream home to cost £163,000 (34%) more than this time five years ago. The ongoing cost of living crisis is adding to this challenge, with 66% of those in the region concerned that rising costs could impact their ability to ever afford their 'forever home'.

Despite this, the research, which was conducted by Origin, the UK's leading provider of doors and windows, demonstrates that, as a nation, we are more determined to own our ideal property than ever before. In fact, 47% of Brits are actively saving for their forever home, compared to just 33% in 2017. To help achieve this, many are working longer hours, taking fewer holidays, and going out less.

The study also shows how recent events, including the ongoing cost of living crisis, have impacted our priorities for our properties. For example, whilst Brits still want their future homes to include modern features like bi-folding doors and large windows, buyers are now prioritising good energy efficiency over other luxuries, such as a bath, a shed, or a summerhouse.

Similarly, the pandemic has led to a significant change in perspective buyers' demands. 80% of Brits think that outside space is more important in a home now than it was pre-pandemic, whilst 72% claim that natural light at home is more vital than ever. Plenty of indoor space and stylish interiors are also increasingly important to Brits, suggesting that the way we use and view our homes has evolved.

The shift towards working from home has also impacted our preferences when it comes to the location of our properties. On average, Brits imagine their forever home to be 20 miles from work – twice as far as in 2017.

Plus, homeowners are happy to be further from local amenities than ever before. According to the research, the ideal property is now two miles away from the nearest pub, post office, park, and doctor's surgery and almost seven miles from the nearest town.

However, this does mean that it's more important than ever that our homes are near good transport links. Car travel is still valued highest with 61% of people wanting to be close to an A-road, compared to just 41% of people in 2017. This is followed by a local train station (48%) and bus station (31%), both of which were voted significantly more important by homeowners in 2022 than they were five years ago.

Ben Brocklesby, Director at Origin, said: "We've been tracking the changing priorities of homeowners for 20 years. However, the last five years have seen the most rapid and significant change in the way people view and use their homes for decades.

"The pandemic made us all re-evaluate our lifestyles and, for many, this has led to a firmer focus on our home lives. It comes as no surprise, therefore, that Brits are more ambitious than ever to secure their forever home as young as possible and are prepared to make sacrifices to achieve this. Similarly, when it comes to the property itself, prospective buyers are no longer prioritising being close to the office and the local pub. Instead, they are seeking features that promote calm and happiness at home, such as space, views of nature, and plenty of natural light."