Perfect place to live is on a quiet street with a decent garden and friendly neighbours
Researchers also found we yearn to live in a house which has green space within walking distance
The perfect happy home is on a quiet street, has a decent sized garden – and friendly neighbours, a study has found.
Researchers also found we yearn to live in a house which has green space within walking distance and local shops nearby.
The study also revealed three quarters of homeowners felt their home could be improved.
The extent to which having a comfortable home contributes to our overall happiness came to light following a poll carried out among 2,000 adults.
It also emerged around half (49 per cent) of those who took part said they felt they would feel calmer if they were able to tend to, or relax, in their garden.
And six in ten (61 per cent) of those polled by residential developer L&Q said a view of nature or water from their home made them more content in their surroundings.
A further 59 per cent stated that being more connected to nature would improve their well-being overall.
A spokesman for L&Q said: “Too often developments are about the buildings and not the people.
“The research highlights the impact the wider space and community has on people’s happiness.”
Additionally the report revealed 28 per cent of people feel better when their street has fewer cars visible.
And a similar number (27 per cent) said they wished their children could play safely with their friends and neighbours in the streets that surround their home, without having to worry about traffic.
Furthermore, the relationship we have with our neighbours plays a vital role in our wellbeing, with over half (51 per cent) saying it is important that they feel part of the community where they live.
Almost eight in ten (78 per cent) felt they already lived in a place that made them happy.
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Dr. David Lewis, psychologist, said: “For those people who are living fast paced lifestyles in densely populated and traffic heavy areas, being able to get outdoors and access green space is a great way to have a more tranquil lifestyle and escape the stresses of day-to-day life.
“Feeling connected to nature and even play a part in it, through gardening and visiting wildlife areas, can dramatically improve our sense of well-being and make us better equipped to deal with whatever life may throw at us.”
* L&Qs latest project is The Quarry, a collection of 600 new homes and a state-of-the-art primary school in Erith, Bexley. The new development, built in conjunction with The Anderson Group, is set to breathe new life into the disused quarry which has been neglected for the past 40 years.
Homebuyers interested in finding out more about The Quarry can register their interest at and follow developments on Facebook and Twitter. For more information on Shared Ownership homes available visit: .