Newly built houses in the UK have been found to be the smallest in Europe.
A newbuild in the UK measures an average of 76m2 whereas in Italy the space allocated in 81m2. The Japanese, perhaps surprisingly, enjoy 95m2 while the Chinese are condensed into 60m2.
Australia has hosted the world’s largest houses for the past decade, running as high as an average of 241m2, topping the average 200m2 found in the US.
The trend for tinier houses has been channelling more sales of narrower beds and sofas as occupants squeeze into their accommodation, according to the annual retail report of John Lewis, which says that its customers are seeking ways to save space.
Demand for small double beds, measuring 4 ft (120cm) across, has brought a 53% spike in sales in the last year. Sales of mini-sofas, dubbed as snugglers, have shot up by 12% over the previous year.
The retail giant has become increasingly canny in finding space-saving designs, such as hidden shelves behind mirrors, and furniture whose function can be transformed, such as a coffee table which can be turned into a desk. Such items have sold well in the last year, John Lewis reports.
Consumers also went after technological gadgets, particularly those which enable smartphones to adjust home heating or lighting. Home monitoring technology sales rocketed by 265%, one of the shop’s fastest-growing categories.
Other items which were exceeding popular included statement water bottles, wireless headphones, the Dyson Supersonic hairdryer, designer light bulbs, and white Converse trainers for women.
British consumers appeared bolder in their choices last year.
John Lewis director of shop trade, Maggie Porteous, said: "Shoppers have been increasingly drawn to bigger and bolder trends, with clashing colours and prints, copper hues and even pink flamingos proving exceptionally popular.”
Dropping down the popularity list were selfie sticks. Sales fell by 50% after many major cultural and sport attractions banned their use.
Among other goods which fell out of fashion this year were CD storage racks, tablecloths, and alarm clocks.