Yahoo Finance A quarter of Brits are unhappy with their homes
A quarter of Brits are unhappy with their living situation, new research suggests.
The Good Home report, based on a survey of almost 13,500 Europeans, has revealed that of 10 countries, the UK ranks just fourth in “home happiness”.
The research, conducted by retailer Kingfisher alongside the Happiness Research Institute, shows a person’s home accounts for 15% of their total happiness – with health and fitness scoring 14%, and what they earn just 6%.
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Yet, Brits, who lag behind the Dutch, Germans and Danish, are discontent, with not enough space space, bad air quality and a lack of natural lighting.
And while many aspire to climb the property ladder, the report suggests there is little happiness to be gained from buying versus renting, as scores were generally the same.
Scoring an average of 7.7 out of 10, the Netherlands were top of the list when it came to rating how happy they are with their homes.
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Interestingly, Dutch respondents were also the most likely describe their home as “spacious”, with the report’s authors claiming, “A feeling of spaciousness is three times more important than actual size.”
Spain and France scored an average of 7.2, Romania 7.1, and Italy and Poland 7.
Kingfisher also offered tips for getting the most happiness out of your home.
FIVE TIPS TO A HAPPIER HOME:
1. Re-arrange your space – Rearranging and improving your homes to create a greater sense of space could be an easy way to boost your happiness levels.
2. Make time for change – Investing time and energy into updating your home and adapting it to your changing needs is an investment in your happiness, even you don’t always enjoy the process!
3. Invite people in – Homes are happier when you invite people to share them with you. It will increase pride in your home, as well as the emotional connection you feel with where you live.
4. Get green-fingered – Access to green space will makes a big difference. If you don’t have a garden, bringing some greenery into your home will improve your overall well-being.
5. Put your own stamp on it – Whether you rent or own, find ways to add your personality. Paint a wall or hang pictures of your loved ones.
