Loft conversions on the up

UK homeowners are battling falling house prices by tacking an extra bedroom on to their properties through a loft conversion, it has been claimed.

Changing the attic into an extra room using a roof light can be an cost-effective way of creating extra space and adding value to a home.

Homebuilding and Renovating Magazine editor Jason Orme recently suggested that some people are being forced into showing ingenuity when they require more rooms.

"Peoples circumstances dont just stop because of the recession," he said. "People still have children and therefore need more space, but if they cant move then they have to improve.

"The number one improvement would be loft conversions, which are slightly easier to do now due to planning regulations."

Other ways of adding space include constructing a conservatory or kitchen extension.

House prices fell again in January marking a 12.2 per cent year-on-year drop, according to the latest Financial Times House Price Index.