A kitchen large enough to incorporate a large kitchen table is a key factor in influencing peoples' decisions on whether or not to buy a house, a new report states.

A Legal & General study claims that a house with a big kitchen, which has room for a big kitchen table, is a priority for around on in seven homebuyers.

Next on the wishlist was a desire for a garden, with 17 per cent of young homebuyers, and 11 per cent of those aged over 55, hoping for some space outside.

The third most important variable was the amount of space inside the home - with nine per cent of homebuyers hankering after a big main bedroom with an en suite and nine per cent hoping for a house with the potential for an extension.

"After the trend for homebuyers to opt for tiny kitchens, or even 'capsule kitchens' with just a microwave and no 'proper' oven, it's really encouraging to see the pendulum swinging back to large kitchens, with plenty of space for the family to eat together," Carina Norris, registered nutritionist and author of 'You Are What You Eat', commented.

"This could mean the return of the good old British family mealtime."

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