Modern-day UK status symbols include Smeg fridges, Agas and iPhones

A walk-in wardrobe, Smeg fridge – and having a cleaner – are all modern ‘status symbols’ people think will keep them ahead of the neighbours.

Researchers who polled 2,000 adults in the UK identified the must-have items to stay one step ahead of the ‘Joneses’, including the latest iPhone 12 and a fancy car.

Other status-symbol material goods include electric gates at home, and Louis Vuitton luggage.

A designer watch and a high-performance car are all modern ‘status symbols’ people think will keep them ahead of the neighbours

Researchers who polled 2,000 adults in the UK identified sending children to private schools – which ranked third – and having a cleaner were amongst the top 50 modern status symbols 

It also emerged that one in seven think having a range or Aga cooker, is a sign ‘you’ve made it’ in life, while a fifth think having a personal trainer is a huge statement.

Commissioned by Lottoland.co.uk in conjunction with its Best Ever Black Friday offers, the study also found those polled most hope to get a discounted iPhone 12 this November 27.

Close behind are the Playstation 5, the latest iPad and a TV bigger than 65 inches.

A spokesman for Lottoland said: ‘Bit by bit, we try to build ourselves what we think is the ‘perfect’ life.

‘From posh cars to top cleaning kit, we’re always hoping to find deals and discounts on luxury and so it’s no surprise that people gear up for Black Friday spending every year.

The latest iPhone and a home with a swimming pool are said to be status symbols. The average Brit reckons they own four modern status symbols

An electric car like a Tesla (pictured right) or flying first or business class is considered a statement for some Brits with a quarter even spending money they don’t really have, on a luxury item to feel proud about

‘We’re hoping that our offers give shoppers the chance to cross off their entire wish-list this year, but what’s lovely to see is that our research found lots of people are happy with plain, everyday belongings as long as they have their health and their family.’

The average Brit reckons they own four modern status symbols – although one in eight believe they have more than 10.

And while 76 per cent claim they aren’t bothered about owning items they consider to be status symbols, 14 per cent admitted this is ‘important’ to them.

Almost half – 47 per cent – also said owning something others might be envious of makes them feel more confident.

Making the top 50 modern status symbols list was owning a holiday home abroad at number six and having tennis courts at home at number ten, with 41 per cent of people surveyed saying they think luxury items are a shortcut to letting people know they’re doing well financially 

Another 41 per cent want others to know they are doing well financially and see expensive goods as a shortcut to letting people know.

But a quarter have even spent money they don’t really have, on a luxury item to feel proud about.

More than one in ten – 12 per cent – have borrowed a posh watch, handbag or even a car from someone else to show off at a one-off event, according to the OnePoll figures.

And one in five Brits admitted that buying fancy items makes them happy.