Homebuyers prioritise décor over protection, leaving them exposed
22 January 2026
Homebuyers prioritise décor over protection
Homeowners are eagerly investing in making a new property feel like home, while overlooking vital protection insurance that could safeguard them if illness strikes, leaving them unable to work or cover the mortgage, according to new research from Vitality.
The research reveals that when buying a home, people are more likely to actively plan for new furniture (36%), décor (26%) or a new kitchen or bathroom (25%), than for protection insurance, which was ranked lowest in importance during the homebuying process, with only 15% considering it a top priority.
The research found three-fifths (62%) of mortgage holders said their biggest fear if they became too ill to work would be losing their home, and 56% said they wouldn’t be able to keep up with mortgage payments for longer than 6 months if their income stopped.
Andy Philo, director of strategic partnerships at Vitality, said: “While this insight isn’t entirely surprising given that creating a home can be a very exciting time, it highlights how important it is to engage clients about insurance when they’re shaping their home environment. By helping them choose what is right for their needs, we can ensure they are protected and supported to live healthier today and well into the future - because for us at Vitality, protection is more than a safety net. It’s about delivering value throughout the life of the policy, not just at the point of claim, by helping members maintain good health and wellbeing every day.”
The research also found that on average, new home buyers spend nearly £2,000 on new furniture, over £1,000 on décor, and more than £800 on styling and accessories, with technology and appliances also high on the list. Yet, the average spend on protection cover since they bought their home (£1,614.40) still lags behind the combined outlay on making a house look good.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Research carried out by Opinium on behalf of Vitality with 2,000 homeowners with a mortgage between 17-26 October.