The UK’s top 10 property wishes have been revealed by Strutt & Parker’s latest Housing Futures survey. Polling 2,000 adults from across the UK, the survey aimed to give a refreshing insight into the housing needs of the population. 

Topping the list of desires for those intending to move within the next five years was a South East location, with 26.1% looking to settle here. Next up was the South West (15.6%) and the West Midlands (9.6%).

As for the most sought-after living environments, rural areas, villages and market towns came out on top with 23.3%, 22.9% and 17% of the vote respectively. Being less than a mile from the shops was the third biggest property wish, with 49.2% seeing this as a crucial consideration.  

Lifestyle change was, for the second year in a row, cited as the biggest motivation for upping sticks (49.3%), with good access to shops and amenities (39.3%) not far behind. Broadband coverage, a new category for this year’s survey, was straight in as motivation number three, with 35.8% highlighting a keen desire to be technologically connected. 

The perfect home for those looking to move in the next five years would be a detached house (65.7%), preferably a farmhouse or a cottage-esque abode. On the other hand, the least desired home was a terraced house (6%).

The survey also quizzed respondents on what new homeowners would look for in a new home in terms of style, features and accessories.

“The survey results paint an interesting picture – the quintessential British farmhouse surrounded by quiet countryside clearly remains as an enduring ideal for many,” Stephanie McMahon, Head of Research at Strutt & Parker, said.

“Over the past decade, there has been a focus on urban resurgence, so we were interested to discover that while our respondents want to live near other people, they didn’t want them on their doorstep.”

She added: “It seems that we really are a nation of optimists –it certainly was encouraging to discover that 79.4% of respondents believe they can achieve their dream home within the next five years.”

Property wish list top 10:

1. South East location

2. Rural setting

3. Less than a mile from the shops

4. Detached farmhouse or cottage with three bedrooms or more

5. Traditional British interiors & cosy ambience

6. AGA oven

7. Broadband connectivity

8. A walled garden

9. An outstanding view of the countryside

10. Good insulation for energy saving