In the current economic climate people in Britain may be turning their backs on traditional methods of saving and instead opting for filling their homes with valuable old, rare and unusual possessions that are increasing in value.

The research found that the average home in the UK houses £3555 worth of gold, medal collections of up to £4500 and stamp collections of over a staggering £6000. Other popular items in the home include paintings and art worth £4209 and nearly £3500 worth of antiques.

Julie Fisher, head of home insurance at MoneySupermarket, said: “This ‘hoarding’ is an interesting phenomenon seemingly borne out of our current difficult economic times. Perhaps many are shunning more traditional savings routes, buying gold and antiques rather than stashing their money in the bank. It seems we are all looking at our possessions and scrutinising their proper value, keeping and insuring things that we may have thrown away or sold.”

She continues “Also, with the price of gold hitting close to a staggering high of $1,900^* an ounce, it’s interesting that many homes in Britain are holding onto their gold, rather than selling it for cash as many have done in the past.”

Rather interestingly the average Briton is insuring £3619 of ‘curios’ which are defined as rare and intriguing items. Family heirlooms and items purchased from vintage shops or markets that would have once been discarded or sold are now being treasured in the home.