Non-investors should not buy property now

Only professional property investors should be looking to profit from buying a home in the current economic climate, it has been suggested.

Those considering whether to move or improve may wish to choose the latter, according to IamMoving.com chairman Simon Preston.

Buying a property at this time would be "unwise" for non-investors as it is unlikely to be a "good investment" within the next five years, he said.

"For someone where it is their primary residence and probably the largest part of their own personal portfolio, it is pretty high-risk to take the investors perspective," Mr Preston added.

Homeowners may instead elect to create extra room by installing a roof light and converting their attic space.

A recent HSBC study found adding a loft conversion could add more than £13,000 to the vale of a home.