Location, size and price are the most grown-up issues to consider when house-hunting.
But it seems Britons are equally fixated on buying a home with features such as pretty radiators, beautiful kitchen tiles and bespoke fireplaces.
As a result, the vast majority of buyers swayed by style over substance (83 per cent) later regret their purchase due to unforeseen costs and maintenance expenses, a survey found.
Among their impractical priorities were pretty radiators (14 per cent), high ceilings, Victorian or Georgian features (26 per cent and 21 per cent) and original fireplaces (26 per cent).
More than one in ten (12 per cent) still look for non-energy-efficient sash-style windows, or heat-radiating range cookers such as an Aga or Rayburn (17 per cent). Beautiful kitchen tiles are a must for 22 per cent, while spiral staircases (15 per cent), reclaimed wood floors (15 per cent) and stained glass (12 per cent) were also highly desirable.
More obvious attractions, such as en-suite bathrooms, topped the list with 40 per cent prioritising them.
The survey of 2,000 homeowners, commissioned by eco-tech brand Hive, reveals that two-thirds (63 per cent) confess eco-friendly features became a priority only after moving in to their new home – costing them an average of £16,750 on upgrades.
More than a quarter of people said they wanted an original fireplace when looking for a new home
14 per cent of people said having ‘pretty radiators’ were a priority when buying a home
And a third (34 per cent) do not always check the home’s energy rating when looking at a potential property. Nine in ten (91 per cent) reckon estate agents should highlight smart and eco-tech features more.
Meanwhile, three-quarters rated inviting external attractions – known as ‘kerb appeal’ by estate agents – as the most important thing when finding a dream home.
For example, some 19 per cent of those polled wanted a traditional front door with a brass knocker, while 9 per cent even aspired to having their new home topped off with a thatched roof.
Property expert Scarlette Douglas, who worked with Hive, said homebuyers were lured by aesthetics while overlooking crucial energy-saving features. She said: ‘A home should work for you, not the other way around.’
