When it comes to furnishing the home, most Britons prefer brand new items to fill their property with, according to new research.

When it comes to furnishing the home, most Britons prefer brand new items to fill their property with, according to new research.

More than 50 per cent of the people responding in a Post Office credit card survey said that what they furnish their home with "has to be new".

Just six per cent said they did not mind having items that were second-hand.

"Our survey shows that when people say they have a new home, they mean this literally both inside and out," said Gary Fitton, head of Post Office credit card.

More women than men are picky about whether or not their furnishings are new, with 58 per cent of them rushing to the shops to buy new items, compared to 45 per cent of men.

Nearly 60 per cent of the survey's respondents said credit cards were the means by which they bought furniture and electrical goods.

"We found that on average three-quarters of credit card holders make a purchase of between £500 and £2,000 around three times a year," Mr Fitton added.