New research reveals the most house proud areas of the UK

Researchers explored the nation’s love for their homes – taking a detailed look at a host of factors including money spent on their dwellings, time spent doing DIY and the number of unfinished jobs.

Based on the responses of 2,000 homeowners, 15 cities were awarded points which were then tallied up, with the capital emerging as the most house proud.

Spending more than ever

In the past year, Londoners have spent more on their homes than any other city – £3,778.03 on average – and called on more tradespeople.

They also watched TV programmes about décor and property for an hour and 48 minutes per week, longer than anyone else.

On top of this, Londoners also spent the most time looking online for home improvement and inspiration during an average week at one hour and 49 minutes.

The research was commissioned by Checkatrade for its Home Pride Index report which found 54 per cent love their home more now than ever before.

Dr Eleanor Ratcliffe, environmental psychologist at the University of Surrey, who worked with Checkatrade on the Home Pride Index report, said: “Personalisation through decoration, renovation, and upkeep can increase our sense of being attached - meaningfully connected - to the home.

“Feeling attached or connected to important places in our lives, such as the home, is important for psychological wellbeing and is positively related to mental health.

“Being attached to a place goes hand-in-hand with having positive memories and feeling happy and relaxed, belonging to a community, feeling secure and comfortable, and having opportunities for personal freedom and growth.’’

Newcastle