Design house: Britain's dream home is a modest three-bed semi

What else is on the wishlist? It does also include a pool and a hot tub... but despite this weekend's heatwave 40% say a garden's not important

Britain's dream home: sketch showing modern grey kitchen with island, bifold doors and yellow or brass accessories and light fittings
(Image credit: Arlo & Jacob)

When you're daydreaming of what you'd do with all that money up for grabs in this week's National Lottery, what are you thinking of? 

For a lot of us, investing in our dream property is top of the list – but a new survey*  has revealed that the average Brit's dream home is a three-bed semi-detached house.

Before you reel back in shock at the lack of Simon Cowell-like ambition, the list of demands also includes a pool and a hot tub – so we do have our sights set fairly high after all.

Just over 40 per cent of those surveyed would want three bedrooms – and only 4.5 per cent wanted a house with five bedrooms or more.

Tech also features high on the list, with a third of Brits wanting smart appliances like TVs and washing machines.

When it comes to coughing up the cash, the majority of respondents would pay £400,000 for their dream abode.

See the full list of demands below. Do they match up with your dream home?

Kitchen

Unsurprisingly, 42 per cent of Brits want a kitchen island – perfect for socialising and hosting parties. 

Over 37 per cent would like big patio doors opening out on to a garden, and over 30 per cent would love smart appliances like a fridge, washing machine and dishwasher.

If you love color, you'll balk at the idea of a white kitchen – but most Brits would love a pared-back style with white features.

Living room

Living room sketch showing white walled room with grey sofa, blue armchair, exposed brick fireplace and brass and glass furniture and accessories

(Image credit: Arlo & Jacob)

Over half of those surveyed said they'd love a smart TV in their dream lounge, but all that tech would be balanced with plenty of warm features like an open fire and fireplace (41 per cent).

Big, comfy corner sofas featured heavily in people's responses, while nearly 35 per cent would like large folding doors out into the garden.

The color scheme? Again, most Brits have opted for white in their dream living room, with tones of grey and brown. Looks like we're fully embracing neutrals, then.

Bedroom

Sketch of bedroom with four poster bed, doors out to balcony, dressing table, ottoman and chandelier

(Image credit: Arlo & Jacob)

While most Brits said that three bedrooms would suit their needs, they didn't hold back on luxury features: nearly 60 per cent would like an en-suite off their dream master bedroom, while 50 per cent wished for a dressing room and walk-in wardrobe.

Over a quarter of people were feeling optimistic about the British summer, stating that they'd like a balcony in their bedrooms to enjoy breakfast al fresco.

The minimalist aesthetic stays strong in this room, with white, grey and hints of blue and purple the preferred palette.

Garden

Sketch of garden with dining area, pool, hot tub and covered seating area

(Image credit: Arlo & Jacob)

It's in the garden that Brits really went to town with their dream property. Nearly two fifths would like an outdoor kitchen for those summer barbecues, while 27.2 per cent wanted a hot tub and 25.3 per cent dreamed of a pool.

Almost 30 per cent wanted a garage to secure their belongings in, while 27 per cent would love a summerhouse.

However, only 40 per cent of those surveyed said it's important that they have a back garden at all. They obviously hadn't checked the weather forecast for this weekend.

*Survey by Arlo & Jacob

Ellen Finch
Former deputy editor

Formerly deputy editor of Real Homes magazine, Ellen has been lucky enough to spend most of her working life speaking to real people and writing about real homes, from extended Victorian terraces to modest apartments. She's recently bought her own home and has a special interest in sustainable living and clever storage.