While an Englishman’s home may be his castle – it is a woman who has chosen it for him!

This is the verdict of Britain’s largest network of independent estate agents, 94% of whom have confirmed that, in most house hunting couples or families, it is the woman who has the last word in choosing the home they buy.

Home Sale Network, which has more than 730 selected members throughout Britain, asked members about the relative roles of men and women in the house hunting process.

A massive 94% confirmed that, in their experience, it is the woman who has the last word in choosing the home to buy.

And two of the biggest factors that women look for are a modern kitchen, and a his-and-hers en-suite bathroom!

91% of Home Sale Network members say that a modern kitchen is the single feature most likely to clinch a sale for a woman. Even more (95%) say it is the woman, rather than the man, who is more inclined to want a his and hers en-suite bathroom.

For men, almost half of Home Sale Network estate agents (43%) say that a recreation room large enough for a big screen TV to watch sport is the most important single sale clinching feature.

A quarter (25%) of Home Sale Network members find that a shed or workshop is the biggest attraction for men.

A back garden, protected from neighbours’ watchful eyes by high hedges or fencing, also featured as a strong attraction for both men (9%) and women (4.5%).

According to Richard Tucker, Managing Director of Home Sale Network: “This survey confirms, that what men and women want in a new home is different, and what is important to one may not be important to another – particularly when it comes to houses!”

“But as the survey points out, the final decision is usually made by the woman, so sellers with a restricted budget should take notice of what will clinch the sale for a woman, and concentrate on improving those features first.”