Where in Britain do the most house-proud homeowners live?

The most house proud cities in the UK have been revealed as Oxford, London, and Aberystwyth, according to a poll.

For a second year, homeowners were polled from 30 cities to determine where the most house proud Britons live.

Each city was awarded points based on their efforts to improve and upkeep their homes during the past year – taking into account things such as money spent on improvements and time spent cleaning.

Oxford was named the most house proud city, with its residents spending the most money on improvements and furnishings, and also utilising the services of more tradespeople than elsewhere.

But London, last year’s most house proud city, dropped to second place.

Checkatrade commissioned the poll for its second annual Home Pride Index report which found 35 per cent of the 2,399 adults polled love their homes more now than they did a year ago.

Their affection for their dwellings is also reflected in increased home improvement spending, with an average £2,706 invested in the last 12 months.

More than one third of homeowners even admitted they get envious when they see other people’s homes.

One of the trends which emerged from the 2020 report was the numbers of home office areas created – but in 2021 this figure dropped by 26 per cent.

Instead, as lockdown restrictions were relaxed, people prioritised areas of their homes where they would likely entertain guests – such as their kitchens and gardens.

The rooms which got the most investment were areas of the home where guests are likely to venture – the garden, living room, and bathroom.

Mike Fairman, CEO of Checkatrade, said: “2020 put a strain on our homes, as we repurposed rooms and pushed their capabilities and robustness to their limits.

“As we returned to a more ‘normal’ way of living in 2021, it’s not surprising that almost a third of us have re-evaluated the relationship we have with our homes.

“This has no doubt contributed to why we’re all so loved- up - and we’re expecting this to be reflected in continued home improvement investment in 2022.’’

While those residing in Wolverhampton may not have been the biggest spenders, they did invest the most time cleaning and tidying their homes last year – a total of four hours and 41 minutes a week.

In comparison, homeowners in Edinburgh set aside just two hours and 59 minutes each week – the least of any area.

Those living in Aberystwyth, which came third in the study, invested more money in making their homes greener than anywhere else – £519 during the past 12 months.

And more of those living in the mid-Wales city consider themselves to be house proud than all the cities polled – 69 per cent.

But in contrast just 20 per cent of those in Cheltenham feel the same.

Half of those living in Cardiff managed to reduce their DIY to-do lists over the past year – the highest proportion of everyone polled.

And 52 per cent of Oxford locals actively follow the latest trends and developments in home décor and improvement – more than anywhere else.

Carried out through OnePoll, the study also looked ahead towards the 12 months and found getting a new kitchen is top of the list of improvement they hope to make.

This is followed by giving the bathroom a makeover and redecorating their living room.

SWNS