Revealed – the top 50 things that make a house feel like home in the South West

A comfy sofa, hosting Christmas and family photos have been revealed among the top things that those in the South West say make a house feel like home.

New research from leading housebuilder Redrow, which has 14 developments across the region, has unveiled the top 50* things that those in the South West feel are key to making a house or flat feel like home – and some of the answers came as a surprise.

Interestingly, many people across the South West say they’ve turned to ‘completing a sage cleanse’ to help them settle in, while more than a third (36%) said it was the less spiritual type of cleansing, a simple tidying away of clutter, that made their house feel like a home.

And although the kitchen is often thought of as the heart of the home, this is no longer the case in the South West – the majority, 63% of those in the region, voted their lounge as being the heart of their home, with 49% having prioritised this room in their current property as the area they decorated to suit their taste first.

Some of the more unusual, but surprisingly common, features that made the top 50* list of things that make a house a home in the South West were revealed to be an induction hob, and having an air source heat pump – a sign that sustainable technology now contributes to people’s sense of feeling more at home.

On average, it takes those living in the South West 6-11 months from moving in for a new house to feel like home (47%), quicker than the national average of 1.1 years, but for 27% it takes more than a year. This may be one of the reasons why getting to know the neighbours also featured on the South West ‘House to Home’ top 50 list.

Homely décor featured in the list includes family photos, natural light, plants and flowers, or sentimental heirlooms passed down through generations. Snuggling up on the sofa to watch a favourite show, family movie nights on the sofa, and getting out in the garden were voted as little actions that also made the top 50* things that make a house a home.

And it seems those in the South West really do enjoy a touch of luxury too – with high ceilings, walk in wardrobes, ensuite bathrooms and underfloor heating also making the final cut.

When asked what makes a house/flat feel less homely, those in the region said when a house feels cold (70%), clutter and lack of storage (53%), when there is not a lot of natural light (32%), someone else’s décor and style choices (22%), and cool lighting (17%), – which is why it’s no surprise that 41% of people in the South West would prefer to decorate from a blank canvas in a new build, rather than drawing inspiration from previous owners in a second-hand property (something only 34% said they’d prefer).

Commenting on the data, Sian Smith, Sales Director at Redrow South West, said: “The findings of our latest research really capture the essence of what makes a house a home – whether that be making personal décor choices, creating new memories or adding home comforts to help you settle in.

“It’s no surprise that so many people in the region would prefer a newbuild to enable them to create these homely touches from the very start of their property journey – whether that’s choosing design features such as underfloor heating, fixture and fittings, or home layouts, or simply wanting to enjoy experiences in a home that is wholly theirs from the foundations onwards. We hope that our top 50* list helps those currently in the moving process to settle in a bit quicker, now they know what they need to help make their house feel like home.

“We’d encourage anyone looking to embark on the journey of finding a new home to visit one our stunning developments across the South West and take a look at what Redrow has to offer.”

The research was compiled to celebrate Redrow’s 50^th anniversary, which sees the housebuilder mark half a century of building high quality, premium homes across England and Wales.

Redrow South West currently has 14 developments across Gloucestershire, Bristol, Somerset, Wiltshire and Devon. All developments have excellent transport links making them a great location for commuters, whilst being close to beautiful countryside and excellent amenities alike. Redrow’s award-winning Heritage collection has properties ranging from three, four and five-bedrooms, ideal for first-time buyers, right-sizers and young professionals.

To find out more about Redrow’s developments across the South West, please visit: www.redrow.co.uk/locations/south-west

Top 50* things that make a house/flat feel like home in the South West:

1. A comfy sofa
2. Hosting Christmas
3. Celebrating a birthday
4. Family photos
5. Natural light
6. Adding small personal touches over time through decorating and accessorising
7. Plants and flowers
8. Snuggling up on the sofa to watch your favourite show
9. Family movie nights on the sofa
10. Getting out in your garden
11. Sitting down for a family dinner
12. Hosting family for tea
13. Having friends and family over for a BBQ
14. Choosing your fittings and fixtures
15. A fireplace
16. Throw cushions
17. Carpets
18. Cooking for your family
19. Tidying away any clutter
20. Blankets on the sofa
21. Artwork
22. Candles
23. Going for a walk in your neighbourhood
24. Sentimental items passed through generations
25. Making the bed
26. Bringing home your newborn from the hospital
27. Getting to know your neighbours
28. Memorabilia
29. Matching furniture
30. A large television
31. Designing your own kitchen
32. Reading the paper with a cup of coffee
33. Scented room spray
34. Large windows
35. Playing your favourite song
36. Children’s drawings on the fridge
37. Window seat
38. Baking cookies
39. Open plan living
40. High ceilings
41. Ensuite bathroom from the master
42. A coffee machine
43. Coffee table books
44. Walk in wardrobe
45. Underfloor heating
46. Ceiling coving
47. Completing a sage cleanse
48. Marking your kid’s height on the walls
49. Induction
50. Air source heat pump

* List compiled from five separate survey questions asking what things, actions, features and memories make a house feel like a home in separate questions. The top 50 is in no particular order.