Loft conversions best value upgrade
Recent research has shown loft conversions to be the best value home improvement.
A study by HSBC found adding roof lights and turning the attic into an extra room added an average of £13,567 to the value of the home.
Those building an extension can expect to see an average increase of £13,285, while a conservatory can boost the property price by around £7,042, the study revealed.
As part of the research, home valuation experts from around the UK were asked their opinions on how different improvements would affect the price commanded by a residence.
The least effective improvement was re-carpeting the home, which the survey found adds an average of £1,273.
However, almost half (49 per cent) of respondents believe this would add nothing to the propertys overall value.
Martijn van der Heijden, head of secured lending at HSBC commented: "Todays challenging housing market is making valuers reconsider previously held assumptions of what home improvements actually add in terms of value."
Those who add a conservatory may wish to protect its contents from snooping criminals by adding a fence around the garden, More Than recently advised.