Happy Homeowners Boast About Property Value

LEEDS, England, July 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

A man's house really is his castle with boastful Brits needing little excuse to show off improvements made to their homes to add to its value.

According to new research by Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks, one in ten homeowners admit to hosting a flash dinner party just to unveil their latest DIY successes whilst one in six proud Brits invite loved ones over just to look at their new loo.

Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks surveyed 3,000 Brits and found that an extravagant 104,000 adults have even gathered friends and family to reveal a new hot tub or steam room at their property. However, only a surprising four per cent of people have invited family over to unveil their baby's nursery.

But house-proud Brits aren't just showing off their homes to close relatives with one in ten Brits inviting colleagues over for dinner and an outgoing one in 20 Brits hosting people they've only just met at the gym or on holiday.

What's more, Brits are going to extreme lengths to impress these guests with a fifth even admitting they would make changes to their home especially in preparation for a dinner party.  And while a third would hide embarrassing items and photos, a fifth would go as far as making small home improvements, buy accessories or re-decorate in advance of guests coming round.

Steve Reid, retail director for Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks said: "It's great to see that homeowners are thinking about adding value to their properties in order to take the next step on the property ladder. Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks have trained advisers who are here to guide and support people through the maze of information to help understand their options when it comes to buying and selling a house."

Most popular home improvements that homeowners show off at a dinner party according to the survey:

• Garden makeover - 15.7 per cent
• New kitchen - 14.45 per cent
• New bathroom - 13.5 per cent
• Conservatory - 8 per cent
• Loft conversion - 5 per cent
• Baby's nursery - 4.7 per cent
• Swimming pool, steam room or hot tub - 4.4 per cent

Notes to editors

Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks polled 3,000 UK adults in May 2011. Respondents selected topics of conversation from a list of options.

About Yorkshire and Clydesdale Banks

Yorkshire Bank was founded in 1859 in Halifax, West Yorkshire, and now has a strong personal customer base and a growing business banking capability in the North of England and the Midlands. Clydesdale Bank was established in 1838 in Glasgow and is one of Scotland's largest banks as well as having a significant presence in London and the South of England.  Both banks have a proud history of innovation and support for local industry and communities.  

With a combined network of 339 retail branches and 72 business banking Financial Solutions Centres, both Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks are members of the National Australia Bank Group. Clydesdale Bank plc became a member of the Group in 1987 and Yorkshire Bank joined in 1990.