Random Thoughts

How homes have changed, then and now

Over the years the real estate and more noticeably homes in general have changed dramatically. House builder, Miller Homes has taken a look at how the properties you can buy today differ to those that were lived in back in the 1950’s. Over the last sixty years, the world around us and the environment has changed drastically, now we take a look back at home the home related trends have changed and moved on since then.

Nationwide released data that has revealed that the average cost of a home in 1952 was £1,891. This is figure that many will find astounding given today’s average of UK homes said to be at £164,134. £1,891 today could possibly put two sofas into your living room. Back in 1952 an average of 4.2 lived in each property – 2.2 children and a husband and wife – and many couples began married life still within the home of their parents.  Today however, is again different however, the number, very slightly. The family unit is not so typically defined and with the trends such as a big rise in the number of people living by themselves, sharing with friends and couples living together before they are married. Each property in the UK has moved up slightly to the average of 2.3 people living in each property.

Back then in 1952, only a small 33% of homes possessed a washing machine and a smaller 15% had a fridge or a freezer. This statistic is virtually unthinkable in today’s world and almost £5 million was spent on major household appliances throughout the United Kingdom in 2011 only a tiny 14% of households back then had a television which is even more unbelievable than the previous stats as today we are bombarded by technology within the home.

However, it is also particularly noticeable that some 1950’s house trends come back whilst incorporating newer trends such as enhanced home security and uPVC windows. Post-war era, life at home had the focus of the wife who generally assumed the role of ‘homemaker’.  Front covers of magazines and adverts showed women smiling in pressed, clean linens ironing and baking and we are seeing some slight return to these very traditional values. Examples include the ‘Keep calm and carry on’ slogan which has reappeared. Cath Kidson-style home wares have become extremely popular again which are favoured by a new generation of females who wish to make their homes homely.