Who chooses which home to buy?

Plus, a third of movers don't leave a forwarding address

Around three quarters of women think the choice of a new home is a joint decision, compared to 80 per cent of men who believe women have the final word.

The findings from a small survey by The Little House Company of 141 households across the UK shows that 68 per cent of women said that factors such as the 'feel' of a property and the initial 'wow-factor' were important compared to only 15 per cent of men.

In contrast, 85 per cent of men mentioned practical concerns or features that influenced the homebuying process including the condition of the property and the amount of work it would require.

Only five per cent of those polled said that children played a role in the decisionmaking process, and only eight per cent said being close to good schools is an important factor when choosing a home.

Meanwhile, a third of movers forget to tell at least one of their financial service providers that they have moved home, according to the Royal Mail.

Commenting on the survey of almost 13,000 people who have used the Royal Mail Redirection service Stephen Proffitt, Head of Action Fraud said: "If someone fails to tell their financial services provider, whether it is a bank or pension company, they have moved home, they are increasing the risk that personal information could fall into the wrong hands and be used fraudulently."

Just over three quarters of home movers surveyed said that they are concerned about identity fraud, while just under half have received what they believe to be sensitive financial information for someone who used to live at their address.

Around 18 per cent forgot to tell their pension company, 15 per cent their bank, 13 per cent their mobile phone provider and only five per cent their telephone/broadband service.