£1,171 'to keep home up-to-date'

22/09/11

By Natalie Marchant

House-proud Britons are spending an average of £1,171 and eleven days each year revamping their home to keep up with the latest decorating trends,  a survey showed.

More than a third of people surveyed by esure home insurance admitted TV property shows were the drive behind them wanting to improve their home.

People in the UK spend more than a year-and-a-half of their lifetime trying trying to spruce up their surroundings, the poll showed.

They also spend a lifetime average of £529 on items such as soft furnishings and another £404 on items they never actually use, for fear of damaging them.

Head of home insurance at esure, Nikki Sellers, said: "The rise in popularity of television shows featuring showcase desirable homes has given rise to a new breed of homeowner driven to create a beautiful abode but almost too scared to enjoy it."