Danielle Lloyd's Crib on MTV Cribs
NATION OF SHOW HOME-OWNERS
Brits spend £58,550 improving their homes to imitate property TV
programmes
New research shows that the British are more house proud than ever and make sure they keep their homes as nice as possible due to the jealousy of home reality TV shows such as grand designs and MTV cribs. The envy of the TV shows has lead Brits into spending on average £1,171 this is done over a period of an average 11 days a year just to make their homes as much like the TV shows as possible.
Almost a third of those polled state that the rise of television property programmes such as Grand Designs, The Home Show, Kirstie's Homemade Home, Location, Location, Location and even MTV Cribs has inspired them to put even more effort into the appearance of their homes and influenced how they decorate.
The study also shows that nearly 5 hours per week brits spend trying to make their homes look better which in turn creates over the average lifetime over a year and a ½ is spent on improving homes. The money spent is around £529 on non-functional items such as soft furnishings to keep up with the latest trends, and £404 is spent on designer and expensive items that are never used due to the panic of them being ruined
One in seven (14 per cent) admitted that peeks inside celebrity homes made them desire more expensive, luxurious items such as designer fabrics, elaborate furnishings and even Jacuzzis.
Five per cent of Brits say they are so obsessed with keeping their home neat and tidy that they no longer invite friends or relatives over, for fear that they might cause some sort of mess. What's more, almost one in ten admit that they cannot enjoy themselves properly when entertaining guests because they are so worried about potential damage and/or mess.
One in 20 say that they have banned red wine in their home and 15 per cent say that they have never held a party in their home, despite enjoying attending the house parties of others.
A fifth of Brits polled said that they have overly house-proud friends and almost a quarter admit they are too scared and anxious to touch or use something. Six per cent even admitted to turning down invites to friends' perfect 'show homes' for fear of causing damage or spilling on light-coloured carpets. Eight per cent of Brits confess that they have broken an item or spilt something at a friends' home at least once, but have not confessed to doing so.
Regional and Gender Breakdown
People living in London spend the most on their homes - £1,240 in an average year, whereas those living in the East of England spend over £250 less per year at £985.
When it comes to being influenced by TV property programmes, those living in London are the most affected, with 43 per cent admitting that shows such as Grand Designs and The Home Show have made them aspire to live in a better home. Meanwhile, less than a quarter (23 per cent) of those in Wales state that they are influenced by such programmes.
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