Among people aged 34-44, 42% want to stay in their own house when they retire. For people aged 65+ the proportion rises to 77%.

These findings come as part of research research from Friends Provident, which also shows that, with 32% of us not having a pension, the home may be a much more important asset than that.

The report, Visions of Britain 2020, published by Friends Provident in conjunction with Future Foundation shows that the desire to stay in one’s own home is continuing to increase, as people get older while the intention to down-size declines.

Trevor Matthews, CEO Friends Provident Holdings (UK) said: “There is no doubt people still see their house as an investment