By Annabel

IN Social Team

Home buyers have revealed what they look for in a new home

Home buyers have revealed what they look for in a new home – with UPVC double glazing, wooden floors and downstairs loos ‘in’, but wood burners, Artex ceilings and shabby chic décor ‘out’.

In our recent survey of 2,000 people we found a good energy efficiency rating also gets a big tick, as do alcove bookshelves, converted lofts and free-standing bathtubs.

However, homes with tiled counter tops, open plan layouts and pink rooms are likely to receive a thumbs down.

The study also found almost a fifth of adults are looking to buy a new house within the next six months.

Hover over the circular buttons below to discover the results from our survey...

A spokeswoman for Independent Network powered by VEKA said: “Trends come and go so it can be hard to keep up with what’s hot and what’s not when it comes to property – and there are some surprises which perhaps illustrates this very point.

“For instance, the likes of wood burners and pink rooms - both of which have been very popular in recent years - are now not viewed quite so favourably among many of those polled.”

The study also found built-in storage is big plus among potential buyers as is a lawned garden, underfloor heating and space for a home office.

Outdoor lounge areas, Belfast sinks, and neutrally coloured walls are also viewed favourably among those polled, as well as breakfast bars, paved patios and marble kitchen surfaces.

But artificial turfed gardens, word art on walls and single glazed windows hold little appeal.

The same goes for dark coloured rooms, a lack of plug sockets and painted floorboards.

Coloured taps – specifically black ones, white tiles with dark grouting and trampolines also don’t go down well, while people are also put off by wood panelling and lino floors.

It also emerged colour is a significant factor when it comes to how a property is perceived by potential buyers – inside and out - as 77 per cent argue this is one of the most important aspects of home décor.

And if door and window colours are anything to go by, white is by far the most popular shade with 44 per cent of homes having a white door and 73 per cent having white windows.

The study also found 58 per cent browse property websites and apps just to see what’s out there - despite not ‘officially’ looking for a new home.

And 53 per cent of adults actively keep an eye on the latest home style trends.

But despite so many having their finger on the pulse when it comes to décor, 22 per cent admitted they have made improvements to their home which they subsequently regretted.

A spokeswoman from Independent Network powered by VEKA added: “We can’t get it right all the time when it comes to our homes and with tastes changing all the time it can be a struggle.

“But if you look at what people do and don’t want from a home there are some things there which are safe bets for the long-term.

“These include - but not limited to - UPVC double glazing, good energy efficiency rating and space for the home office area.”

TOP 30 MOST POPULAR PROPERTY TRENDS

1. UPVC double glazing
2. Downstairs loo
3. Good energy efficiency rating
4. Built-in storage
5. Lawned garden
6. Walled garden
7. Separate living spaces
8. Neutrally coloured walls
9. Separate shower cubicle
10. Wooden floors
11. Converted loft
12. Underfloor heating
13. Security system
14. Home office area
15. Paved patio
16. Marble kitchen surfaces
17. Outdoor lounge area
18. Modern retro furnishings
19. Coloured window frames
20. Breakfast bars
21. Alcove bookshelves
22. White window frames
23. Decking
24. Cushions, throws, knits and faux furs
25. Free-standing bathtubs
26. Outdoor lights
27. Belfast sink
28. Four post beds
29. Black and white colour schemes
30. Coloured doors

TOP 30 PROPERTY TRENDS WHICH PUT PEOPLE OFF

1. Lack of plug sockets
2. Having no bath - only a shower
3. Artex ceilings
4. Single glazed windows
5. Wood panelling
6. Shabby chic décor
7. Pink rooms
8. Lino floors
9. Large wallpaper patterns
10. Artificial turfed garden
11. Word art on walls
12. ‘Trendy’ bathroom tiles
13. Dark coloured rooms
14. Farmhouse décor
15. Tiled counter tops
16. Tiled floor living rooms
17. Open plan layouts
18. Dark coloured kitchen cupboards
19. Painted floorboards
20. Wood burner
21. Nautical themed rooms
22. AGA ovens or similar
23. Plastic bath/shower
24. Wicker furniture
25. White tiles with dark grouting
26. Wallpaper boarders
27. Wooden counter tops
28. Black taps
29. Trampolines
30. Rose gold taps

If you're looking for long-term home improvements, speak to your local Independent Network installer for advice on your project.