Happiness is a place to call your own

The credit crunch and downturn in the housing market may be grabbing the headlines, but recent research by national housebuilder Taylor Wimpey in conjunction with University of Birmingham housing and inclusion expert, Dr Julie Christian, suggests that Brits really do think there’s still no place like a home of your own.

The survey* by Taylor Wimpey, who builds new homes across the North East under the George Wimpey and Bryant Homes brands, found that people in the region still place great importance on buying their own property, with 64% per cent feeling more comfortable and settled in a property they owned rather than in rental accommodation.

Despite some gloomy forecasts in the media about the housing market, the survey found that people hold firm to their beliefs about owning property. The ability to create your own living space tops the list of benefits of owning your own home, with the longer term benefits of stability, security and investment for the future found to be other important aspects of ownership.

Regional variations highlighted that the Welsh are most likely to call their current property ‘home sweet home’, with 87 per cent feeling happy and settled. Londoners are least happy with where they live, perhaps reflecting the traditional difficulties many experience in finding suitable affordable accommodation in the capital.

The survey also found a notable level of dissatisfaction among those living in rental accommodation. It seems that lack of control over the property you live in can cause unhappiness, with renters expressing particular dislike of landlords who are non responsive and the intrusion of the workman sent to carry out repairs.

Joan Peart, regional sales and marketing director for Taylor Wimpey North East, said: “In the current uncertain economic climate it is perhaps unsurprising that people all over the country are holding firm to the security and comfort of their own home.

“Whether you’re unhappy in rented accommodation and looking to get a place of your own, moving to accommodate a growing family, downsizing to a smaller property or looking to buy as an investment, we believe that now is a great time to buy, with the right advice and support. Property prices are at their most attractive for years, interest rates are at historic lows and we are offering a host of incentives to help all types of homebuyers get on and move up the property ladder.”

According to Dr. Julie Christian of the University of Birmingham, the desire for home ownership remains a central part of the nation’s fabric. “The desire to own a home of one’s own does not vary from region to region, meaning that the desire to feel more settled is a factor that transcends national location and is more central to personal identity. It is nonetheless linked to raising a family and to the ease with which one can own hold employment, particularly important in today’s financial climate.”

George Wimpey and Bryant Homes, both part of the Taylor Wimpey group, have a range of high quality new homes available at developments across the North East including The Meadows and Rushmore Grange in Washington, Copperfields in Boldon, Hackwood Glade in Hexham, Hedgeley Court in Hebburn, Central Grange in Newcastle, East Moor Village and Greenside in Newcastle Great Park, The Staiths in Dunston, Westoe Crown Village in South Shields and The Park, The Green and Derwent View all close to Durham.

For more information on the range of new properties currently being offered by Bryant Homes and George Wimpey across Yorkshire, visit bryant.co.uk or georgewimpey.co.uk.

*ICM interviewed a random sample of 1032 adults aged 18+ from its telephone panel between 30th January and 1st February 2009. Surveys were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults. ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Further information at icmresearch.co.uk.