One in five considering loft extension

New research has suggested that as many as 20 per cent of UK homeowners could improve their home after the government announced a plan to scrap the need for planning permission for loft conversions.

Falling house prices have meant that many are now considering improving rather than moving and a loft conversion with a roof light could be just the thing to open up some of the homes hidden space.

Figures from Alliance and Leicester Personal Loans show that around one in five UK residents are currently contemplating making a change in the roof space.

Alliance and Leicester personal loans manager Mark Boyle said homeowners seem to be delighted by the governments move.

"In an uncertain economic climate where homeowners are finding it too expensive to move house, the governments plans will be welcomed with open arms."

A recent study by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors added weight to the claim that it is better to improve than to move by showing that investing in a loft conversion could also add £10,000 to the homes value.