The proudest cities in the UK are Newcastle, Southampton and Glasgow – with last year’s winner, Oxford, not even making the list.

For the third year running, researchers surveyed 2,597 homeowners to find out where the proudest Britons live.

Each town received points based on their efforts to improve and maintain their homes over the past year, taking into account things like money spent on improvements and time spent cleaning.

Despite the ongoing cost of living crisis, Glasgow homeowners spent more on their homes than any other city last year: £5,940.

In comparison, the national average household spend was £3,375 – £669 more than in 2021.

The Scottish city also spent the most time cleaning its properties – five hours and 43 minutes a week – and employed the most tradespeople, with seven in total.

Meanwhile, Newcastle took the lead with the lowest number of unfinished home improvements at their home compared to last year.



But Glasgow spent most of his money on DIY and most of his time on cleaning

The survey was commissioned by Checkatrade as part of their annual Home Pride Index report, which found that 55 per cent of homeowners now say they are “proud of their home”, compared to 49 per cent 12 months ago.

London has risen from the second coziest city in 2021 to sixth in 2022 – while Brighton and Hove, previously tied for seventh with Southampton, has fallen to 15th.

Mike Fairman, chief executive of Checkatrade, said: “Homeowners are more resilient than ever and are not letting the cost of living stop them from upgrading their homes.

“With the current uncertainty in the housing market, increased investment in spaces such as lofts suggests that homeowners are looking to make the most of what they have, rather than selling and buying another property, and are seeking help from experienced traders to help them help to help.”

The survey also revealed that homeowners surveyed via OnePoll spent more money improving or refurbishing their kitchen than any other room – an average of £1,106.

However, attic installations saw the biggest jump in investment compared to last year, rising 432 per cent – ​​from an average of £153 in 2021 to £814 in 2022.

The main reasons for working from home were more free time and a desire to improve the environment (32 percent), repair wear and tear (30 percent) and respond more efficiently to the energy crisis (23 percent). cents).

But even though people invested more in their homes last year, 61 percent spent less than they would have liked because of the cost of living crisis.

Instead, they turned to smaller, more affordable changes to revamp their living spaces, including painting walls and ceilings (29 percent), redecorating the living room (26 percent) and buying new upholstery (26 percent ). ).

Mike Fairman added: “There is no doubt that a house is more than a house and the country’s pride in where it lives remains despite the many challenges it has faced in recent years.

“Whether it’s adding color to the living room, remodeling an attic or reducing its carbon footprint, taking good care of your home will help your home take better care of you.

“The country’s growing focus on smaller, everyday changes to refreshment spaces will continue into 2023, and we can’t wait to see what new – and old – trends this year brings.”

THE PROUDEST CITIES IN THE UK:

EXPENSES ON IMPROVEMENTS AND RENOVATIONS:

SHARE OF RESPONDENTS CONSIDERING HOUSE PRIDE:

TIME CLEANING/TTY-UP PER WEEK:

AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMERCIAL PEOPLE PER HOUSEHOLD:

SHARE OF HOMES THAT HAVE LESS DIY WORK TO DO THIS YEAR COMPARED TO LAST YEAR: