Oxford, Aberystwyth and London top list of UK's most house-proud cities

dailystar.co.uk:

Home Pride Index report, which found 35 percent, 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 a third of homeowners (34 percent) even admitted they get envious when they see other people’s homes.One of the trends, which emerged from the 2020 report, was the number of home office areas created - but in 2021 this figure dropped by 26 percent.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 - including the garden (£403.92), living room (£371.61), and bathroom (£348.66).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.’’And 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.