Most of them are focused on making homes more attractive, but a new study suggests that Britons are blaming home improvement TV shows for the "characterless" homes springing up across the country.

Shows such as Location, Location, Location and Grand Designs have never been more popular, but 51 per cent of Britons agree that they're at fault for a "one style fits all" approach to interior decoration.

But many buyers can't afford to be concerned by such trends, it seems, with 60 per cent of new homeowners struggling to be able to afford to decorate their properties, according to research from More Than.

"Britain was once the place of cosy country cottages and quirky towns and cities. However, due to a housing shortage we are witnessing a new generation of development, where houses and apartments are increasingly standardised both inside and out," advised More Than managing director Mike Holliday-Williams.

Yet more and more Britons are still finding time for home improvements, according to Halifax, so it seems there is a middle ground to be found.