Adding space increases value

Having a conservatory, roof light and loft conversion or glazed extension added to the home is likely to increase its overall value beyond the cost of the home improvement, it has been claimed.

Research from Ratedpeople.com shows the modifications could pay for themselves within less than half a decade.

While the average extension costs £19,922, it could add around £25,590 to the price of the home.

Similarly, a loft conversion should offer a 158 per cent increase in cost – the statistics show a typical attic modification will push the value up £24,981, compared to its cost of £15,766.

Homebuilding and Renovating Magazine editor Jason Orme commented on the findings, saying people should be careful to choose a quality conservatory rather than making a decision based solely on price.

The expert said a cheap version is unlikely to be a sound investment.

"But a really well-designed individual conservatory added on to any kind of house will add value," Mr Orme added.