The average Brit is looking for a south-facing, detached property with 3.5 bedrooms, two bathrooms, a small lawned garden and parking space for two cars.

It must also be within a mile from the nearest town or city centre.

Detached properties top our dream list with more than half of us wanting extra distance from our neighbours. Other must-have features include a garage, en-suite bathroom, parking space for two cars and plenty of storage space.

And while our love affair with gardens continues, it must be manageable - a small lawned garden with a conservatory is the most sought-after outdoor space.

Shunning more traditional period properties, modern homes came out on top when it came to the style of property that Brits prefer, with almost half of those surveyed by property website Zoopla opting for a house with a 21st century feel.

We also want a central location – our ideal home would be within a 30-minute commute to work and less than a mile to the nearest town or city centre. Local amenities should be within walking distance and include transport connections, local shops, parks, restaurants, and supermarkets.

Even when asked what we would choose if money were no object, more than half of those surveyed said their ideal home would be here in the UK, despite the cold winters and rainy summers.

Fifteen per cent of them fantasised about a country estate, closely followed by a modern London townhouse and a big suburban family home.

Even the more adventurous among us would only choose to move as far as the other side of the English Channel, with a spacious house in the south of France being the next most popular choice of home abroad.