A new study of British homeowners across the country has revealed just 66 percent of us believe we live in a home, while as many as a THIRD claim the place they live is merely a house, made of bricks and mortar.
But when it comes to what exactly makes a house a home, as many as 57 percent of those polled agreed happiness was the key ingredient, while a further 50 percent believe safety and security are what make a difference.
Other things to emerge within the list of “homely attributes” according to Britons, were a well-stocked fridge, a pet, freshly laundered sheets every Friday, a few arguments now and then - and a MASSIVE TV.
Nearly half (48 percent) said the smell of good cooking instantly turns bricks and mortar into a homely sanctuary, while 22 percent believe a scented candle is a sure-fire way to turn a bare room into a cosy home.
Nearly a third (31 percent) felt a property full of books and paintings made a house feel lived in, while one in five said adding rugs to an interior space also made it feel cosy.
Summer BBQS, a television in the bedroom and an open-fire lit throughout the winter were also rated as important ways to make a house feel like a home.
Four in ten said a well-stocked fridge made a house feel like a home, while framed pictures of family and friends, freshly laundered sheets and pets running around also help create a homely atmosphere.
An ultra-comfy sofa, children playing and good quality lampshades were also a must.
Almost four in ten (38 percent) Brits said their ideal location for a home would be on the coast with a sea view, whereas a quarter said it would be in the heart of the countryside.
Researchers also found that a whopping one in ten Brits say their abode is just somewhere they “hang their hat”, and confess they have NO emotional connection to it at all.
According to the survey of 1,000 UK homeowners, nearly one in five (18 percent) said they have NEVER felt house proud, and a third admitted their property is massively in need of a facelift in order to make it feel more like a home.
This is despite the fact that more than half of Brits (52 percent) admit they have serious house envy, with more space, expansive kitchens and idyllic locations topping the list of things that make them jealous.
Commissioned by Anglian Home Improvements, the study reveals that the average Brit spends six hours a week attempting to make their house feel like a home, including everything from researching inspiring décor ideas, carrying out DIY, rearranging furniture and sprucing up the garden.
Making a house feel like a home comes at a cost, with the typical homeowner forking out £92 a month on home improvements, which is equivalent to £1,104 every year.
In fact, over a third (35 percent) said they regularly come to blows with their other half when it comes to sprucing up their property and the costs involved.
A spokesperson for Anglian Home Improvements said: “It comes as no surprise that happiness and love are what make a house a home, and that we’re all prepared to invest so much in turning a property into our very own haven and a space we can be proud of. Here at Anglian, we’re aware there are many ways to make the place you live feel more comfortable and homely, from making it feel safe and secure, to the smallest of touches such as an ultra-comfy sofa, fresh sheets on the bed and the sound of laughter.”