Now is a "good time" for structural property changes

Despite the recession, now is "a good time" to make structural changes to a home, an expert has suggested.

Andrew Leech is director at the National Home Improvement Council and said building costs are lower than usual at the moment and there are some very competitive prices on the market.

Having a greenhouse built could be a useful option for those who want to improve their garden without breaking the bank.

But Mr Leech explained that while banks have money, they are not lending it to as many consumers who could use it for extensions and property modifications.

"It is a good time to start on something like that," he added. "There are some very keen prices out there if people are prepared and have got the money to spend at the present time."

His comments follow a survey undertaken by Halifax Home Insurance and published last month. It found that adding an extra room can add more value to a house than any other type of improvement.