These are the top 30 ways to make your house feel like a home – including plants and fresh bedsheets

A house is not a home until you've hosted Christmas, filled your shelves with books – and completed at least four mini DIY projects, according to a study.

Research of 2,000 adults found they need to enjoy an average of three special occasions, such as birthdays, before a home really begins to feel comfortable.

Feeling safe in the local community and having family photos up are also important, along with the kids feeling settled and experiencing the sleeping in your ‘own bed’ feeling.

The study also found a third of adults have lived somewhere that never ended up feeling like home, with 45 per cent believing it is difficult to attain that homely feeling.

While 61 per cent believe it is much easier to settle into a new home if they haven’t had to grapple with property issues once they moved in, such as toilet leaks or mould.

Small disasters help homes feel 'lived in'

TV social and behavioural psychologist Honey Langcaster-James, speaking about the research commissioned by housebuilder Redrow, said: “The top things we need to make a house a home isn’t actually about the furnishings or the aesthetics – it’s all about what happens personally and socially within the four walls.

“And it’s about that sense of new home pride – being able to invite people to visit and welcoming them into your space.