Homeowners are keen to buy properties that offer them plenty of privacy, new research has revealed.

According to Yorkshire Bank, 59 per cent of people would like to buy a home which is not overlooked by people in neighbouring houses, with those living in the West Midlands the keenest to keep their distance from other householders.

Around 57 per cent admitted that having to share a driveway with a neighbour would put them off buying a house, with 42 per adding that they did not even like neighbours parking outside their home.

Gary Lumby, head of retail at Yorkshire Bank, said: "Privacy and personal space are high on the list of priorities for homeowners keen to avoid nosey neighbours.

"As increasing numbers of young professionals and first time buyers are choosing to live in city centre apartment blocks or purpose built flats, it seems that more of us aspire to own a property that offers plenty of privacy."

Last year, research conducted by the Halifax revealed that 50 per cent of Brits saw a detached property as their ideal home.