Can't move? Then improve

With recent changes to the planning rules making it easier to extend or remodel your home, now is a great time to think about how you can add space and value to your property.

From the beginning of this month the majority of homeowners will no longer need to get planning permission to extend their homes, leading to around 80,000, or one quarter, of all planning applications being removed from the system. With the cost of moving now exceeding £20,000 in fees and duties for an average property, it's often cheaper to build space than buy it.

If you are thinking about extending, converting, improving or even building your own home a visit to The North of England's Homebuilding & Renovating Show is a must. On at the Harrogate International Centre from 7 to 9 November, the Show offers over 180 exhibitors, 54 free seminars and masterclasses, and the opportunity to ‘Ask the Experts'.

Take your plans, outline drawings or just your ideas and speak to one of the many experts at the Show. Michael Holmes, TV presenter and editor in Chief of Move or Improve and Homebuilding & Renovating magazines, will be heading up a team of experts specialising in renovating, design, planning, self-building, and greener living.

Speak to local authority building control and planning experts on The Planning Portal to hear about the new planning rules and how they will affect your building project. Free 20-minute sessions worth £150 are available. Pre-book your slot at www.planningportal.gov.uk/expert.

‘How to Successfully Add Space and Value to your Home' is just one of the subjects covered in the comprehensive programme of free seminars running every day of the show. The seminars include tips on making your home eco friendly, finding and evaluating land, renovation do's and don'ts and selecting architects. The free Masterclasses offer specialist advice and the chance to have one-to-one discussions with the experts. Topics range from underfloor heating through to smart technology in your home.

Other attractions at the show include finding that Dream Home Design - whether it be a cottage or a townhouse, bungalow or a mansion, visitors can view a whole raft of inspiring designs. Finding a suitable plot of land or renovation project is often the first hurdle. Plotfinder and Plotsearch both have databases of thousands of plots and projects for sale and will be joined by other land agencies at the show.

For those keen to get their hands dirty and save more money, there will be a number of useful and interesting demonstrations from exhibitors, including the latest in internal walling systems, paving and home security.

If you are interested in increasing the value of your current home, saving up to 30% on a new home or are simply looking for ideas to get you started, a visit to The North of England's Homebuilding & Renovating Show is a must. Taking place over three days at the Harrogate International Centre from 7-9 November, the Show really is a one-stop shop with over 180 exhibitors and an unrivalled daily series of free seminars and masterclasses on all aspects of building and renovating.

For more information and tickets visit Homebuildingshow.co.uk. Tickets are £5 in advance or £8 on the door.