Homeowners look to create more space

Recent figures show that the home improvement market is flourishing with mortgage lenders reporting a 50 per cent rise in loans taken out last year to pay for renovations, which has been valued at over £11 billion.

Furthermore, tumbling house prices and reduced access to mortgages has caused a fundamental shift in British homeowner’s behaviour as they begin to adapt to the current market conditions.

Experts at the National Home Improvement Show attribute this to homeowners searching for new ways to add value to their property and create space which will allow them to stay put or encourage them to buy a more affordable, but maybe less suitable, property which can be altered to suit their needs.

Spokesperson for the National Home Improvement Show, Michael Holmes, one of the country's leading property experts and Real Homes editor-in-chief says: “The high cost of buying and selling property in the UK means people are now choosing to buy later in life and are moving home less frequently. The emphasis is therefore shifting away from ‘flipping’ property for a quick profit and climbing the housing ladder as quickly as possible, towards creating a longer term home.

“This has in turn led people to think a lot more carefully about the space they live in, and the importance of layout, running and maintenance costs, and the opportunity to make improvements to suit their own needs and aspirations, rather than some notional future buyer.

“Together with increased design awareness though television and magazines, this has led to a rise in remodeling and extension projects, and the number of people creating a totally individual home from scratch by taking on a conversion or self-build project.”

Consequently, the recent figures show that the home improvement market is indeed flourishing with mortgage lenders reporting a 50 per cent rise in loans taken out last year to pay for renovations.

George Clarke, presenter of TV’s Channel 4’s The Home Show and Real Homes' space planning expert says: “Making the most of your home has become increasingly important in today’s property market. As a result, homeowners are searching for new ways to add value to their property and create space which will allow them to say put while still meeting the demands of an ever-changing and evolving lifestyle.

“As an architect, this shift poses an interesting challenge to encourage homeowners to discover the home’s hidden potential and making the most of their budget.”

The National Home Improvement Show, in association with Real Homes, will be the UK’s largest event for people looking to add space and value to their home and will provide visitors with the resources to access advice and support through its exhibitors, live expert forums and practical how to sessions. Topics range from a guide to self build, renovation and conversion, how to discover your home’s hidden potential, how to secure finance and how to restore a period home sympathetically.

Experts will be on hand throughout the show and presenting their own seminars including TV personalities George Clarke (Channel 4’s ‘The Home Show’), Julia Kendell (presenter of ‘DIY SOS’ and ‘60 Minute Makeover’), Matt James (TV’s City Gardener) and Michael Holmes (Real Homes editor-in-chief and presenter Channel 5’s ‘I own Britain’s Best Home’).

As well as presenting in-depth advice on all aspects of home improvement in the comprehensive live theatres and masterclasses supported by Real Homes and Period Living, the experts will be on hand at the Ask the Experts Drop in Advice Clinic throughout the show to answer individual questions.

The National Home Improvement Show in association with Real Homes magazine and will take place at Earls Court, London from 2 – 4 October 2009. For more information about exhibitors, seminar schedules and tickets visit improveyourhomeshow.co.uk. Tickets are £7 in advance if booked before 3pm on Friday 1 October and £12 on door.