New Research Reveals What Makes A House A Home

According to research from Perspectus Global, there's a whole list of things that make a house feel more like a home. Read on to find out more.

Researchers revealed a host of things that turn bricks and mortar into somewhere inviting with a more homely vibe. Whilst vegans and vegetarians would disagree, perhaps surprisingly, the smell of roasting meat tops the list, closely followed by the smell of fresh, line-dried linen on beds.

Everything from a well-stocked fridge and house plants to scented candles and fresh flowers show up in the list too, all contributing to help make a house feel more homely.

The research, by Plenty, also found that 70% of those surveyed agreed that in order for a house to feel homely, it shouldn’t be show home or Instagram perfect and instead it should feel more relaxed and authentically lived in.

Crucial elements that make a house a home

1. The smell of meat roasting in the oven 53%
2. Clean sheets on the bed 51%
3. A well-stocked fridge 45%
4. Framed family photos 44%
5. Bacon sizzling in a pan 35%
6. Fresh flowers 32%
7. The sound of the kettle boiling 32%
8. Scented candles 30%
9. Having the radio on in the kitchen 29%
10. Seeing laundry out on the washing line 29%
11. Comfy throws 29%
12. Music playing at the weekends 28%
13. Bathtubs 26%
14. House plants 25%
15. The smell of cake baking in the oven 25%
16. Shelves overflowing with books 24%
17. The sound of a lawn mower in the distance 19%
18. Having a cat 19%
19. Lighting a fire during the colder months 18%
20. A stack of magazines on the coffee table 18%

Regarding the images we see posted by lifestyle influencers and home interior stylists, almost half of us (48%) are fed up of seeing perfectly tidy, clutter-free homes on social media.

Leanne McLeod, from Plenty, which conducted the research said: “We wanted to explore what really makes a house a home, and our research reveals that Brits really do prefer a relaxed space.

With mess comes irreplaceable memories which fill a house with love, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Every inch of mess has its own story to tell.”

Expert TV psychologist Emma Kenny adds, “Plenty’s research tells a clear story as regards to the importance so many of us place on making a house feel truly like a home.

So often, we are led to believe that we should all try to aspire to impossible perfectionistic standards that we see on Instagram and other social-media networks.

Breaking free from these unhealthy and unrealistic comparisons is key to leading a more content home life.”

The list of what people look for in a house that feels like a home could provide crucial information for sellers who want to attract offers and sell their home quickly. Buyers don’t necessarily want to walk into a home that is pristine and clutter free that looks like it’s just been in a photo shoot for House & Home, what they do want to see is a home that’s clean, in good state of repair, but that’s also authentically live in, as this could help buyers better envisage themselves living in the property.

If you’re thinking of selling your property, don’t forget you can get a fast and free online conveyancing quote from the team at Move Home Faster.

The quoted research of 1,500 UK based Britons was commissioned by Plenty and conducted by Perspectus Global during May 2022.