Traditionally an Englishman’s home was said to be his castle but new research reveals that in fact the most sought after property type in the UK is a detached house.

Trendy conversions and cottages are also low on the average buyer’s list in most areas, but not all. City lovers always want flats and apartments but on average, some 70% of us want traditional houses; over 80% if bungalows are included.

The research carried out by the Marketplace.co.uk, looked at the property choice that buyers type into its search engine when using the internet to hunt for a new home. Its findings revealed that rather than a country manor, quaint cottage or trendy warehouse conversion, the most popular choice of home by UK buyers is a detached house with 24% selecting this type of property first. The semi-detached was a close second with 23% of the vote and terraces third with 22%.

Although many city dwellers are feeling the allure of a country living idyll, the research from marketplace.co.uk showed that a cottage was the least popular property for buyers with only 2% searching. Bungalows, although not in the top three choices, attracted 12% of Internet house hunters.

Commenting on the findings Gary Verity, managing director of Bradford & Bingley Estate Agents said: “It’s not surprising that a detached house is the most popular property type. They are a favourite with families as well as with those looking for more space and privacy.”

Regional differences

It seems the nation is divided when it comes to property type preference. Terraced and semi-detached houses are the most popular choice in the Northeast, with each type attracting 27% of house hunters. Detached properties are the most sought-after in Yorkshire, the Midlands, East Anglia and the South West buyers all aspire to own a home standing in its own plot.

Despite being famous for its castles, Scotland’s home of choice lies at the opposite end of the property spectrum. With fashionable loft style living and a number of exciting new developments launched in many of the country’s cities, particularly Glasgow, a whopping 49% of Scottish buyers are looking for a flat or apartment.

For first-time buyers in the SouthEast the most popular search is for flats, with 23% choosing this type of property for their first purchase. This may have more to do with the ability to afford an apartment compared to a house.