Homeowners 'more concerned with curtains than insurance'

Britons pre-occupied with stamping their authorities on their new homes have been warned that their time could be spent more productively.

A study which forms part of AA Legal Service’s ‘Safe as Houses’ campaign found that painting walls and hanging new curtains are being prioritised by new homeowners over will writing and sorting out their insurance.

The survey shows that while 77 per cent of first time buyers choose to redecorate in the aftermath of their move, none of those polled had made a will within three months of the event.

Meanwhile, just 31 per cent of men and 28 per cent of women act to secure life insurance in the same timeframe.

"In the excitement of buying a new home, our research reveals that people are understandably enthusiastic about improving their home comforts by painting and decorating when they first move in," said James Molloy, head of AA Legal Services.

"However, although it may seem like a gloomy chore, it is vital to the get legalities sorted out to save complications further down the line."

AA Legal Services pointed out that putting legal issues in order was especially important in today’s high interest rate environment.