Property

These are the five stages of being a homeowner

The five stages of being a homeowner have been uncovered in a new property study by Origin, and they’re ridiculously accurate.

According to new research the average UK homeowner moves out of their parent’s at 21, lives in seven houses and spends £26,295 on redecorating over their lifetime, and the typical mortgage will take 20 years and nine months to pay off – costing a total of £134,864.82 in the process.

Homeowners will end up living approximately 66 miles away from their childhood home on average – and will only live in two cities their entire life.

While a total of £14,138 will be spent on hiring removal vans, paying the legal fees and paying the stamp duty during the typical Brit’s lifetime. UK adults will reside in two rental properties before getting on the property ladder for the first time.

Ben Brocklesby, Director at Origin, said: “With the cost of moving so high, we have seen that families now choose to improve their current homes, rather than move.

“Many years ago, a home would be for life, but that changed and people started moving as their needs changed – whether it be as a result of new job or starting a family.

“However, today we are seeing a resurgence of people choosing to renovate and improve their current property so it fits with their needs without incurring moving costs.”

FIVE STAGES OF BEING A HOMEOWNER:

Ben Brocklesby said: “By speaking to homeowners of all ages through the research we have identified five distinct stages homeowners commonly go through.

“Each shapes the composition of the home we live in now and our home aspirations for the future.

“The homeowner profiles – the ‘Penthouse Pretenders’, ‘Multi-Space Renovators’, ‘Dynasty Dwellers’, ‘Zoneowners’ and ‘Full Spec Finders’ – each have different priorities for the layout, style and function of their homes.”

1. PENTHOUSE PRETENDERS:

A private garden, big bathroom and lots of natural light are among the most important aspects of a home for young couples with no children.

Homeowners at this stage also want a nicely decorated home with big windows, period details and great views.

2. MULTI SPACE RENOVATORS:

Couples with children under five years old consider a playroom and a homework area for children to be nigh on essential.

A house with potential for renovation is also important – along with proximity to schools and their place of work.

3. DYNASTY DWELLERS:

Families of multiple generations living under one roof said having a separate living area for children and having a ‘granny annex’ are key to what they want in a home.

4. ZONEOWNERS:

For families with teenage children, a separate work space is a must – while having more than one bathroom is also considered important.

5. FULL SPEC FINDERS:

This group refers to retired couples whose children have flown the nest – and having lived in at least eight properties, they know what they want from their homes.

And specifically they want their home to have a separate dining room, double glazing and a downstairs loo.

Jack Peat

Jack is a business and economics journalist and the founder of The London Economic (TLE). He has contributed articles to VICE, Huffington Post and Independent and is a published author. Jack read History at the University of Wales, Bangor and has a Masters in Journalism from the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

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