Brits spend more on their homes than they do on their partners

A new study reveals that over a third (35%) of those surveyed admit they love their home just as much as their significant other*.

And it’s not just empty words. Brits are putting their money where their heart is, splashing out an average of £806 a year on home improvements, more than double the £388 they spend on gifts for their partners.

We asked psychologist Dr Audrey Tang to get to the bottom of why we’re so in love with our homes.

What’s your home love language?

According to Dr Tang, our homes are deeply personal spaces, so what's your home personality? Are you a ‘cosy romantic’ who loves nothing more than a quiet night in, or a ‘serene minimalist’ who finds joy in a clutter-free space? Find out in our quiz:

The emotional connection

With 68% confessing they “truly love” their home, it’s clear that living spaces have become more than just bricks and mortar. 81% of people say they feel fiercely protective of their homes, while nearly half (48%) admit they take it personally if someone criticises their space.

What’s more, 70% of Brits admit they’d feel stressed if a household issue — like a broken boiler or leaking pipes disrupted their peace. This reflects the deep emotional connection people have with their homes, which they describe as ‘safe’ (97%), ‘relaxing’ (93%), and even a ‘sanctuary’ (90%).

We asked Dr Tang why so many of us feel this way:

“Our homes are far more than just where we live — they are deeply personal spaces that reflect who we are. We personalise them, shape them to our needs, and share them with the people closest to us.

“This connection goes beyond aesthetics: our homes represent safety, identity, and control. They’re where we can truly relax and be authentic, free from the roles we perform in the outside world. It’s no surprise that people invest so much in their homes—they’re not just places, they’re physical extensions of ourselves.”

*Unless otherwise stated, data is based on Opinium commissioned research amongst 2,000 UK adults (18+) in January 2025.