Housing market should be left alone

Following the governments announcement of a new £50 billion package to boost mortgage lending, a property expert has suggested the money would be better spent elsewhere.

Paul Holmes, chief executive of first-time buyer company Firstrung, explained the government should concentrate on helping existing mortgage holders, who are struggling.

He asserted there is too much emphasis being placed on boosting values and believes this may have something to do with the upcoming election.

"What the housing market needs is to simply be left alone and finally be allowed to find its own level," he said.

Mr Holmes added the £750 million of support already given to the market is sufficient and £50 million more was unnecessary.

Should the market be left to fall to its natural low, some homeowners may consider adding a roof light and loft extension to increase space and value.