Research by bi-fold aluminium door and window manufacturer Origin has found that there are five distinct stages of homeownership in the UK, as well as formulating a portrait of the average UK homeowner.
The average UK homeowner…
The average UK mortgage is £130,000 and it’s paid off over a 20-year period, costing, on average, £134,864 with interest taken into account.
UK homeowners generally move out from their parents’ house at the age of 21, live in seven houses over their lifetime and spend just over £26,000 on decorating. They’ll also spend just over £14,000 on removal vans, conveyancing fees and Stamp Duty.
After they move out of the family home, people move 66 miles away on average and will live in just two cities over their lifetimes. Most UK adults live in two rental properties before buying their first home.
Two mortgages
UK homeowners tend to have two mortgages over their lifetimes, will take on average four months and three weeks to feel at home in their new place and will downsize at around 56 years of age.
The average monthly mortgage payment in the UK is £542 and the average property is worth just under £250,000. One third of the UK’s homeowners live in a semi-detached property, a quarter in a detached house and 15% in a terraced house.
The five ages of homeownership
Origin’s research also looked at the changing needs and aspirations of British homeowners as they get older and found there’s five stages:
Penthouse Pretenders
These people tend to be pre-children and want a private garden, a big bathroom and lots of big windows offering natural light and amazing views.
Multi-space Renovators
These are couples with young children – under five – and need a playroom and a quiet space for homework. They also look for houses with room or potential for improvement, as well as one that’s near to a good school.
Dynasty Dwellers
Here we have several generations of a family living under the same roof – they have separate areas for teenage children and a granny flat or annexe.
Zoneowners
Families with teenage children need at least two bathrooms and a separate area for work and for relaxing.
Full-spec Finders
These guys are old hands at homeowning. They’re often retired couples downsizing after the children have left. They’ve lived in at least seven or eight properties and know what they want – usually a separate dining room, a downstairs toilet and double glazing.
