Stats, Trends And Developments
Uncertain times for UK housing market
08 March 2010
Brits planning on upgrading their home with a bespoke conservatory in order to increase its value may be interested to hear that house prices fell last month.The 1.5 per cent decline reported by the Halifax House Price Index is the...
Easter a great time to improve the home
09 March 2010
With the Easter break fast approaching, many Brits will be considering putting the time to good use by improving their home.Whether this is done by having a bespoke conservatory built or simply redecorating with a fresh coat of paint,...
Hertfordshire conservatory owner denied planning consent
26 February 2010
The owner of a home in Hertfordshire has been left disappointed after failing to achieve planning permission for a new single-storey extension.According to planningresource.co.uk, the consent was denied due to the presence of existing...
Santander increases mortgage availability
26 February 2010
Homeowners investing in a bespoke conservatory in order to increase the attractiveness of their house to buyers may be interested in the latest announcement from Santander.The Spanish bank has revealed that first-time buyers can now...
Green upgrades could be tied into mortgage availability
25 February 2010
Homeowners considering upgrading their property with a bespoke conservatory may wish to ensure it is as green as possible after a recent suggestion from the National Home Improvement Council (NHIC).The organisation has floated the...
Research home improvements
24 February 2010
Homeowners planning to improve their property should ensure they do their research to ensure it is a success, it has been claimed.Whether it is building a bespoke conservatory or pool house, Ideal Homes spokesperson Linda Barker suggested...
Bespoke the way to go for home design
24 February 2010
Brits may be encouraged to invest in a bespoke conservatory rather than a factory-made version by the comments of an Ideal Home Show spokesperson.Linda Barker suggested that individuality is an important factor in achieving the look...
Home improvement firm reports profits
23 February 2010
The number of Brits investing in a bespoke conservatory in 2010 could rise if the latest figures from Home Depot are any reflection of where the home improvement market is headed.A trend for do-it-yourself projects in 2009 led to the...
Green home improvements too expensive
19 February 2010
Brits may decide to buy a bespoke conservatory instead of getting a green home improvement after it was suggested that such installations are too expensive for the average homeowner.According to Build It Magazine, the cost involved...
Buyers reluctant to meet increased asking prices
18 February 2010
Homeowners looking to secure a greater price for their properties may have to offer buyers something extra to entice them to pay more.According to independent estate agent haart, those looking to secure a new house are reluctant to...
Conservatory permission importance highlighted
15 February 2010
A national newspaper has pointed out the importance of obtaining the correct planning permission when having a bespoke conservatory or other home improvement built.According to the Times, a number of Brits, including celebrities such...
Fill conservatories with home-made items
11 February 2010
Brits investing in a bespoke conservatory may be tempted to follow the trend of filling it with items they have built from scratch.According to DIY Week, property owners are increasingly looking to create their own products for the...
Conservatories to heat homes
11 February 2010
Bespoke conservatories could soon be used to help heat the entire house during winter months.A Cambridge-based firm has developed an product that takes warm air from the glazed extension and circulates it around the home via the loft...
Extra cash for UK homeowners
29 January 2010
Homeowners may have a little extra cash to invest in a bespoke conservatory after it emerged that mortgage payments have fallen over the past year.Figures from Woolwich - the mortgage arm of Barclays - show that the average English...
House market recovery 'not complete'
28 January 2010
The housing market has not made a complete recovery, it has been claimed.In news that may interest Brits choosing between moving home or improving their current property with something like a bespoke conservatory, Firstrung has suggested...
House price rises to be slow and steady
28 January 2010
Brits considering building a bespoke glazed kitchen extension to help boost the value of their property may be interested in the latest comments from iammoving.com.The firm suggested that the house price rises seen over the past ten...
Record letting deal for house with conservatory
27 January 2010
A large Victorian conservatory may have played a part in a property firm achieving a record-breaking lettings deal.Savills Henley is letting out a ten-bedroom country house in Henley worth £15,000 per month, the Henley Standard...
More home loans in December
22 January 2010
Homeowners who have invested in a bespoke conservatory to boost the value and appeal of their property may be pleased by the latest figures from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML).The organisation revealed that gross mortgage lending...
Conservatory owner follows Victorian tradition
22 January 2010
An elderly conservatory owner from the Isle of Wight has used his glazed extension to grow a favourite tropical plant.Gordon Harrison managed to grow an impressive pineapple plant in his conservatory, the Isle of Wight County Press...
New Surrey homes feature conservatories
21 January 2010
Housebuilder Bryant Homes has released a new batch of homes at one of its Surrey developments, with each property featuring a stylish conservatory.Buyers will be able to enjoy views of their garden and let light flood into their new...
Farmhouse with conservatory listed for £1m
21 January 2010
A Devon farmhouse featuring a lean-to conservatory has been listed with property agent Knight Frank for £1 million.According to Country Life, the 14th century residence near the River Avon is of "considerable historic importance".Taking...
Conservatory funding could be clawed back
20 January 2010
The city of Liverpool could be forced to pay back millions of pounds in funding after the European Union began an investigation into contracts to build a number of public amenities.Included in the buildings under speculation are the...
How to add value to a home
20 January 2010
Brits planning to build a bespoke conservatory or glazed kitchen extension in order to add value to their home may be interested in a new book from a TV expert.Property guru Phil Spencer's new title Adding Value To Your Home is available...
First-time buyers still put off by deposits
19 January 2010
Those contemplating building a bespoke conservatory may be further pushed away from the idea of moving home by the latest comments from MyMortgageDirect.The firm suggested that the current low interest rates will not make a difference...
Mouseprice: Property price rise down to seasonal factors
19 January 2010
Brits considering building a bespoke conservatory or pool house to raise the value of their home may be interested in the latest comments from Mouseprice.The firm suggested that the recent figures showing a rise in asking prices may...
Volatile times ahead for property market
18 January 2010
Brits considering staying in their current property and improving it with a bespoke conservatory may be even more encouraged to do so after it was predicted that rocky times lie ahead for the housing market.The Royal Institution of...
Energy efficient windows key to 'winning cold war', homeowners advised
14 January 2010
Investing in good-quality windows and energy-efficient bespoke conservatories is one of the best ways of winning the 'cold war', it has once again been argued.With millions of UK consumers likely to be facing huge fuel bills over the...
Effective glazing highlighted as top energy saving tactic
14 January 2010
Investing in good glazing is one of the most effective means of slashing energy bills over the long-term, homeowners have been advised. With the cold weather currently sweeping the UK prompting millions of Britons to turn up their...
Interest rates set to remain low 'for years'
12 January 2010
Brits considering taking out finance for a bespoke conservatory may be interested to hear that one expert believes that interest rates are set to remain low.Last week, the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee voted to keep the...
Take care when installing bespoke conservatory
12 January 2010
Brits improving their home with a new bespoke conservatory may be interested to hear that insurance firm Congregational & General has warned not to take risks by cutting corners.It revealed that those who do not have home improvement...
Country homes at knock-down prices
11 January 2010
Two large country homes featuring conservatories have been featured in an article in a national newspaper which reveals that many such buildings have been repossessed by banks after the owners ran out of cash during renovations.One...
Lenders increase rates
11 January 2010
Those trying to decide whether to invest in a home improvement such as a conservatory or to move to a larger property may be interested in the latest statistics from moneyfacts.co.uk.The online resource revealed that eight mortgage...
Retrofitting plans for the UK
11 January 2010
Those investing in a bespoke conservatory or other home improvement may be interested to know that there are projects in development that could help homeowners cut their carbon emissions.According to Thames Gateway Institute for Sustainability,...
London property price rises to continue
08 January 2010
Conservatory owners may be interested to hear that one company believes that London house prices are set to continue to rise.This is despite predictions from Firstrung that UK property values will fall over the next two years.According...
House prices could plummet in 2010
08 January 2010
Homeowners considering investing in a bespoke conservatory may be interested to hear one firm's prediction that house prices are set to fall significantly over the next 24 months.Property firm Firstrung predicted that there will be...
Conservatory owners could find it easier to sell
06 January 2010
Those considering building a bespoke conservatory to boost their chances of selling their home may be glad to hear that lenders are unlikely to increase their profit margins in 2010.That is according to mortgage broker Alexander Hall,...
Housing market 'becoming more accessible'
05 January 2010
Homeowners who have built a bespoke conservatory recently in the hope of selling their property more easily may be glad to hear that first-time buyers are now finding the market more accessible.This is according to the Halifax, which...
Homeowners to make bespoke improvements in 2010
04 January 2010
There is likely to be a rise in the number of Brits opting for bespoke conservatories or other tailored home improvements during 2010, it has been claimed.According to House Beautiful magazine, homeowners will this year look to add...
Brits becoming less competent at home improvement
04 January 2010
Brits are becoming less capable of improving and maintaining their own home, new figures have shown.According to recent statistics from Screwfix, more than half (51 per cent) of men in their 20s are incapable of rewiring a plug, while...
First-time buyers to return to market
31 December 2009
Homeowners who have invested in a bespoke conservatory to boost the appeal of their home to prospective buyers may be buoyed by the news that 2010 will be a better year for those new to the market.According to mortgageforce, the coming...
Property prices to continue to rise
31 December 2009
Homeowners who are hoping to boost the value of their property by investing in a bespoke conservatory may be glad to hear that the residential market is continuing to improve.According to the Land Registry, prices continued to rise...
Mortgage market to remain "constrained"
23 December 2009
Brits trying to decide whether to build a home improvement - such as a conservatory or pool house - or attempt moving to a new property may be interested in the latest statement from Savills.The estate agent noted that the mortgage...
Now a good time to make a green home improvement
23 December 2009
Brits planning to build a conservatory or pool house may decide to add some green technology while the building work is going on after British Eco Energy claimed that there has never been a better time to do so.A spokesperson explained...
Men getting into DIY later in life
23 December 2009
Those considering building a conservatory or pool house may be interested to hear a magazine's view that modern living circumstances have raised the age at which men become involved in DIY.According to Build It, the difficulty in getting...
Housing market 'still in decline'
21 December 2009
Those considering building a bespoke conservatory to add value to their home may be interested to hear that one property expert has suggested that the residential sales market is still on its way down.Recent figures had led to calls...
Lack of discretionary buyers in housing market
21 December 2009
Those planning to build a bespoke kitchen extension to improve the liveability of their home are not alone, it has been claimed.According to Hometrack, there is a shortage of discretionary movers - those who buy new property just for...
London property to return to pre-crunch values
21 December 2009
Londoners who are planning on installing a bespoke conservatory to boost the value of their property may be glad to know that house prices in the capital are set to return to pre-credit crunch levels in 2010.That is according to London...
First-time buyers still struggling with deposits
18 December 2009
Conservatory and kitchen extension owners who decided to improve their property rather than move to another may feel vindicated by the fact that first-time buyers are still struggling to access the market.According to new figures,...
Conservatory owners to see home values rise
18 December 2009
Brits investing in a bespoke conservatory or glasshouse in order to boost the value of their property may be glad to hear that house prices are set to rise in 2010.According to Assetz, residential property values are likely to continue...
Lack of supply to match demand
17 December 2009
The housing market has yet to return to normal, with a lack of available properties holding it back, it has been suggested.According to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics), the recent modest increase in the number of...
Conservatory builders could access Tory energy grant
16 December 2009
Those considering building a conservatory may be interested to hear that the Conservative party has revealed its plans for a home energy efficiency improvement grant scheme.The move would see 14 local authorities pilot the initiative,...
Kent house prices set to rise
15 December 2009
Kent residents planning to build a conservatory or kitchen extension to help boost the value of their homes might see the price rise further still thanks to a new transport development.According to residential sales and lettings firm...
Lenders have to lower deposit requirements
15 December 2009
Homeowners trying to choose between selling their house and improving it with a conservatory or kitchen extension may be interested in the latest statement from Landlord Mortgages.The firm believes that the only way the property market...
Kitchen extension customers could get boiler replacement help
14 December 2009
Brits investing in a kitchen extension and planning to renew their boiler as part of the project may be interested to hear of a new government initiative.The boiler scrappage scheme has been set up to assist families in replacing their...
'Long way to go' in property market recovery
11 December 2009
There is still some way to go before the housing market completely recovers, giving homeowners time to build a conservatory or glazed kitchen extension before it does.While some Brits would like to extend for their own purposes, others...
Mortgage prices drop again
09 December 2009
Two-year fixed-rate mortgages have fallen in price, with new figures showing the largest weekly reduction since 2009 began.According to statistics from moneyfacts.co.uk, the average rate for this type of home loan is 4.86 per cent...
Brits often move due to neighbours
07 December 2009
While some people move home as they feel that they need more space, others are motivated by more sinister factors, it has been revealed.Those who need more room can provide it by adding a conservatory or dining room extension, but...
'Take care' when choosing kitchen extension appliances
04 December 2009
Brits investing in a new conservatory or glazed kitchen extension should take care when choosing appliances to fill them after a Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) report found many are not performing to the...
Homeowners 'should overpay on mortgage'
04 December 2009
Homeowners should take advantage of the low interest rates available at the moment to pay off their mortgages early, it has been suggested.According to the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) Brits can turn the financial downturn to...
Conservatory owners could see stamp duty holiday extended
03 December 2009
Homeowners who have increased the value of their house by building a conservatory or glazed extension could benefit from a proposal by a member of parliament.The stamp duty holiday, where the tax has been removed from purchases on...
House boom control tax 'a bad idea'
03 December 2009
Proposals to introduce a method of taxation on housing that would see the government be able to increase and decrease the levy as a means of stopping another property boom occurring have been frowned upon.Adam Posen is an external...
Property investment 'easy money has been made'
02 December 2009
Those wondering whether to invest in a new conservatory or to put their cash into buying a second property have been told to proceed with caution if following the latter option.According to impartial property investment advisory service...
Property investors 'should act now'
01 December 2009
Property investors are looking to expand their portfolios in the near future, it has been claimed.Many wealthy Brits buy homes with the intention of improving them with a conservatory or loft conversion in order to sell them later...
Brits choose conservatories to suit themselves, not others
30 November 2009
Homeowners would rather build a bespoke conservatory or pool house that suits themselves than one designed to appease potential buyers, it has been suggested.According to House Beautiful magazine, the days of making changes to a property...
House price rise 'will not last'
30 November 2009
After it was suggested earlier this week that homeowners will increasingly improve their properties, a housing expert has predicted that the effects of the recession will be long-lasting.Homebuilding and Renovating Magazine editor...
Lack of movers to boost home improvements
27 November 2009
People in the UK are likely to carry out improvement work over the next 12 months, it has been claimed.According to Homebuilding and Renovating Magazine, the lack of people moving to new homes will lead to more people building on what...
Home registrations reach highest level in 15 months
23 November 2009
Homeowners considering building a new conservatory to make their property stand out when it comes to selling may be interested to hear that the number of new home registrations has reached its highest level in more than a year.According...
Conservatory owners could install green log fire
23 November 2009
Brits who have installed a bespoke conservatory and plan to heat it with a stylish log fire may be interested in a new offer from GreenStamp.The firm sells environmentally-friendly products for the home that help families cut their...
Stamp duty holiday 'not effective'
20 November 2009
The stamp duty holiday that was supposed to introduce first-time buyers to the property market has helped just a quarter of the number that the government estimated it would.According to research from Zoopla.co.uk, just 115,447 buyers...
House prices could rise by 5% next year
20 November 2009
Brits planning to build a conservatory or garden studio in order to boost the value of their property may be interested to hear that house prices could be set to rise in 2010.According to realpricecomparison.com, a five per cent increase...
Home improvement restrictions 'should apply to wind turbines'
19 November 2009
Just as there are restrictions on building home improvements such as conservatories and glazed extensions, there should also be regulation of green improvements, it has been claimed.The government is considering allowing homeowners,...
Property investors given advice
19 November 2009
While many Brits may invest in their own property with improvements such as conservatories or pool houses, one website has given some advice on purchasing property abroad.Homesgofast.com said that investors should look to buying in...
Brits given green light for eco home improvements
18 November 2009
Brits considering adding microgeneration technology to their property while having their conservatory installed to cause them minimum inconvenience have received a boost from the government.It revealed that residents in England will...
Ofgem warns of soaring energy bills
18 November 2009
Energy watchdog Ofgem has warned that energy bills are set to increase markedly over the next two or three years.It has worked out a number of scenarios for the UK and suggested that the worst case could see the cost of heating and...
Brits spending hundreds of pounds per year on eating in
18 November 2009
Homeowners may be more inclined to invest in a dining room extension after hearing that Brits spend hundreds of pounds per year on takeaway food.According to just-eat.co.uk, the winter nights mean it is less likely that people will...
"Maintenance timebomb" for UK homeowners
18 November 2009
A large number of UK homeowners have reportedly been putting off work that could lead to a "maintenance timebomb" over the next ten years, it has been claimed.According to a new Lloyds TSB study, the recession has led to...
Residential asking prices fall
17 November 2009
Homeowners considering whether to upgrade their house with a conservatory or dining room extension may be encouraged to do so by the news that asking prices for residential properties have fallen.According to the latest FindaProperty.com...
Conservatory owners may see more first-time buyers in market
16 November 2009
Brits who have invested in a conservatory in order to make their home more valuable may soon be able to reap the benefits.Recent figures show that the number of mortgages given to first-time buyers is on the up - which could be good...
Brits in their 50s 'most likely to get credit for conservatory'
12 November 2009
Brits considering applying for credit to finance a home improvement such as a conservatory or glazed extension may be interested in the latest figures from Confused.com.According to the firm's research, those aged between 51 and 55...
Brits urged to think about green improvements
12 November 2009
The recent comments of climate change committee chairman Lord Adair Turner may encourage those considering investing in a conservatory to ensure it is as energy-efficient as possible.He suggested that the UK needs a set of "one-stop...
Conservatory owners set to see house transactions rise
11 November 2009
Homeowners who have built a conservatory to increase the value of their property may be interested to know that the number of houses being put up for sale is rising.According to figures from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors...
Conservatory owners could add shutters
11 November 2009
Those investing in a bespoke conservatory or glazed extension may be interested in pairing it with a set of shutters for the windows in their home.The California Company, which specialises in such DIY decorations, has announced a 15...
Conservatory owners 'should remember insurance'
11 November 2009
Conservatory owners should remember to inform their insurance provider of any structural changes to their account after a disparity in the quantity of claims against the number of burglaries was highlighted.Recent Home Office figures...
Lodger tax threshold 'should be raised'
11 November 2009
Brits considering investing in a roof light and loft conversion in order to take on a lodger may be interested in the latest plea from the National Landlords Association (NLA).The organisation has called on the government to raise...
HSE attends National Painting and Decorating Show
10 November 2009
The National Painting and Decorating Show will begin tomorrow (November 11th), with attendees being educated on an important aspect of home improvement.The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will be attending the two-day event in Coventry...
Sustainability 'should feature in conservatory plans'
10 November 2009
Those considering adding a bespoke conservatory or loft conversion to their home may be interested in advice recently given to self-builders.According to one eco expert, it is important to prioritise the sustainability of any project...
Conservatory planners head to home improvement show
09 November 2009
Those considering building a conservatory were recently given the chance to put their questions to the experts at the Homebuilding and Renovating Show.The event took place at the Harrogate International Centre from November 6th to...
Sealant firm releases eco-friendly DIY products
09 November 2009
Brits carrying out home improvements may be interested to hear that adhesives and sealants company Evo-Stik has released a new green range.The environmentally-friendly products can be recycled with household items and can be used by...
Increased interest in residential market
09 November 2009
Homeowners planning to install a conservatory with a view to making their property more attractive to potential buyers may be interested to hear that the level of interest in the market appears to be rising.According to figures from...
First-time buyers face stamp duty race against time
07 November 2009
Homeowners who have built a conservatory in order to attract first-time buyers may soon find their wish granted, according to one expert's predictions.National Association of Estate Agents spokesperson Trevor Kent explained that such...
Emotional ties make Brits want to stay put
05 November 2009
Brits may have to build a conservatory or pool house to make the market value of their property match their estimation of its worth, if the comments of one firm are anything to go by.According to Mouseprice, the recession has caused...
Brits plan to stay in current homes
05 November 2009
Britain has become a nation of property owners attached to their current homes, a new survey has found.According to research from Aviva, a growing number of Brits have no interest in climbing the property ladder and simply want to...
Calls for glazing scrappage scheme
05 November 2009
The success of the car scrappage incentive scheme - which was launched to reduce the number of old, polluting vehicles on the UK's roads while boosting the industry - has led to calls for a similar initiative to be introduced for home...
First-time buyers 'set to return to housing market'
04 November 2009
Homeowners who have added a conservatory to their property in order to make it more attractive could see the benefits if they decide to sell to the growing number of first-time buyers set to appear on the market.According to research...
London high-end properties 'worth as much as ever'
04 November 2009
Brits who have built a conservatory to boost the value of their home could be interested to hear that many properties worth more than £1 million are currently priced at higher levels than in 2007.According to estate agent Prickett...
Conservatory builders 'must inform local authority'
04 November 2009
Homeowners carrying out home improvement work such as building a conservatory or glazed dining room extension have been reminded to have the plans checked by building control experts before and after the work takes place.According...
Conservatory owners could see house prices rise
03 November 2009
Those considering building a conservatory to boost the value of their home may be interested to hear one expert's prediction that house prices are set to rise.According to Lucian Cook, director of residential research at real estate...
Housing market recovery 'could begin in 2010'
03 November 2009
Homeowners considering building a conservatory to boost its appeal to future buyers may be interested to hear that a "real recovery" in the property market could begin next year.According to online estate agent Little House...
House prices 'unlikely to fall'
02 November 2009
Conservatory owners who invested in a glazed extension to increase the value of their home could see it rise even further in the coming year, it has been suggested.According to independent estate agent haart, the average cost of a...
Conservatory owners 'should take care during autumn celebrations'
30 October 2009
A number of firms have suggested that homeowners take extra care of their properties over the next few weeks.While a conservatory may seem like a good place to watch a fireworks display, having the rockets or a bonfire close to the...
House price rise slows in October
30 October 2009
The recent increase in house price lost pace during October, new figures have shown.According to statistics from Nationwide, the average value of a home in the UK increased by 0.4 per cent over the last month.However, annual price...
New house prices drop during September
30 October 2009
The value of new builds declined by 2.3 per cent in September , research has shown.According to SmartNewHomes, the average value of a new home fell last month to £313,124 - a quarterly reduction of 1.3 per cent.It means a typical...
Mortgage lending set to stall in 2010
30 October 2009
The recent increase in mortgage approvals will not last long, it has been suggested.New figures show a rise in the number of home loans agreed during September, taking the figure to an 18-month high of 52,970.However, independent mortgage...
Lodger numbers 'will continue to rise'
30 October 2009
The number of lodgers in the UK will continue to rise, easyroomate.co.uk has suggested.The website was responding to statistics from Halifax Home Insurance which show the number to have increased by 23 per cent since 2006 to around...
New register released to regulate kitchen fitters
29 October 2009
The chances of Brits being caught out by cowboy kitchen and conservatory fitters may have been reduced by the introduction of a new industry standards register.Brought in by the Kitchen, Bathroom and Bedroom Industries National Training,...
Conservatory owners 'should be wary of fireworks'
29 October 2009
Conservatory owners may wish to take care over the next week or so with Bonfire night approaching.According to the Co-operative Financial Services, November 5th often brings a deluge of home insurance claims for damage caused by fires...
Lodger numbers rise dramatically
28 October 2009
The number of Brits investing in a space-adding extensions such as a conservatory could be set to rise after new figures were released showing an increase in lodgers across the country.According to a Halifax Home Insurance study the...
Boost eco appeal with wood-burning stove
27 October 2009
Those with conservatories or bespoke kitchen extensions may decide to add a stylish wood-burning stove to their living space.According to natural energy company Euroheat, this is the "perfect way to heat your home".It advised...
Conservatory owners should 'take care on Bonfire Night'
26 October 2009
With Bonfire Night approaching, those planning to watch the fireworks from their conservatory have been warned to check their home insurance policies.According to moneysupermaket.com, Brits putting on their own display should ensure...
Geffrye to host Eco Homes Debate
26 October 2009
Homeowners considering building a bespoke conservatory to energy-efficient standards may be interested in attending an upcoming event in London.The Eco Homes Debate takes place at the Geffrye Museum on Thursday November 12th from 19:00...
New figures 'not the end of crisis'
26 October 2009
Homeowners considering building a conservatory have been told that the latest National House-building Council figures are not the "beginning of the end for the housing crisis".The statistics show a four per cent rise in new...
Brits socialising more at home
26 October 2009
The number of Brits investing in a conservatory or glazed dining room extension could be set to rise following a recent study which showed more people are opting to socialise at home.According to the research from Friends Provident,...
Parents financing kids' first homes
26 October 2009
British parents may be inhibited from building a conservatory or pool house as they feel compelled to help their offspring procure their own property.According to Lloyds TSB, more than two-thirds of parents with adult children believe...
London residents see house prices rise
23 October 2009
Central London residents who have built a conservatory to boost the value of their home may find it is worth more than they thought after statistics revealed a further rise in house prices during September.According to Primelocation.com,...
Kitchens 'more popular for meals'
22 October 2009
Brits considering building a kitchen extension to allow their family to enjoy meals together may not be alone, a survey has shown.A recent poll of more than 2,500 people across the UK has shown that almost half of British homeowners...
Conservatory owners 'should take care of garden items'
21 October 2009
Conservatory owners may have put a lot of work into their garden to help grant them a good view from their glazed extension, but one company is warning Brits to protect their green spaces.According to insurance firm Saga, a proportion...
Conservatory owners can 'expect property market recovery in 18 months'
21 October 2009
Homeowners building conservatories to boost the value and functionality of their house may have less than two years to wait for the property market to recover, it has been suggested.According to investment advisory group Assetz, the...
Property prices 'likely to fall again in 2010'
20 October 2009
Brits may be forced to wait a little longer for the property market to return to normality, it has been suggested.As such, some may decide to abandon plans to move for the time being and instead improve their current property with...
Housing market 'still not recovered'
20 October 2009
The latest statistics from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) show that there has been a 27 per cent year-on-year decline in the estimated total value of home loans issued in the UK during September.However, the £12.5 billion...
FSA to make mortgage deals tougher to find
20 October 2009
Property owners could find it even more difficult to sell their property after the Financial Services Authority (FSA) revealed proposals suggesting that mortgage lenders should become stricter in their credit checks.It may tempt some...
Scottish homeowners 'more confident than UK average'
16 October 2009
Homeowners in Scotland buoyed by the recent positive housing figures may consider building a conservatory to give their property's value a further boost.According to Zoopla.co.uk, property owners north of the border are most confident...
Conservatory owners could install new heating system
15 October 2009
Brits considering investing in a bespoke conservatory may decide to investigate a new form of heating to go with it.Last month's Grand Designs Live show in Birmingham saw FARHO exhibit its latest innovation to the general public.The...
Lack of housing 'could be pushing up prices'
15 October 2009
The current house price increase is down to a lack of supply, it has been claimed.According to the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, the shortage of new homes is helping to increase the value of existing ones. However, Click...
Stamp duty threshold 'impedes movers'
14 October 2009
Brits looking to move home may instead decide to invest in a conservatory or other home improvement if stamp duty is reset to its normal levels.According to Douglas & Gordon director Ed Mead, the tax is a "major impediment...
Bespoke conservatories 'should retain heat'
14 October 2009
Brits considering purchasing a bespoke conservatory or glazed kitchen extension should ensure they ask for secondary glazing in order to reduce energy bills, it has been suggested.According to Access Plastics, this could be a good...
Brits could use equity release to fund conservatory
14 October 2009
Brits releasing equity in their home in order to finance a conservatory are not alone in freeing up the cash tied up in their property, a study has found.According to the latest market monitor from Key Retirement Solutions, a growing...
Fewer young people able to buy
14 October 2009
Recent comments from the National Landlords Association (NLA) may convince homeowners to abandon any plans of selling to first-time buyers in favour of modifying their property with a conservatory or kitchen extension.According to...
Computer software could help visualise bespoke conservatories
13 October 2009
The use of computer-aided design (CAD) software might be seen as an example of how people want to customise their home.Whether it is adding a bespoke conservatory or designing an entire new property, CAD is being used more and more...
Scottish home improvers urged to go green
12 October 2009
Scottish property owners investing in a conservatory or glazed kitchen extension may also decide to take advantage of interest-free loans being set up to encourage residents to build green home improvements.The funding is available...
Remortgages fall year-on-year
12 October 2009
Fewer people are remortgaging, despite an increase in the number of new home loans issued in the last year.Mortgages for first-time buyers were up 29 per cent year-on-year in August, according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML).However,...
House prices 'could be set for big fall'
09 October 2009
Brits studying the property market and considering whether it is best to build a conservatory or move house may be interested in the latest prediction from Fitch Ratings.The company suggested that the recent recovery in the industry...
Conservatory owners 'may choose vintage furniture'
08 October 2009
Those furnishing a new conservatory may decide to follow the trend of make do and mend, it has been suggested.TV interior designer Julia Kendell explained that an increasing number of Brits are becoming more concerned with recycling...
Home improvers 'opting for personal touch'
08 October 2009
Property owners may opt for a bespoke conservatory after an expert claimed that people are now more inclined than ever to personalise their homes.According to Build a New Life and The Home Show presenter George Clarke, home improvement...
Brits now 'more intent on home improvement'
08 October 2009
BBrits may be more inclined to add a conservatory, garden studio or whatever home improvement they desire to their property thanks to the credit crunch, it has been claimed.According to TV presenter George Clarke, the financial downturn...
Younger homeowners 'more inclined to call in home improvement specialists'
07 October 2009
Those under the age of 35 may be more inclined to use a professional company to build their conservatory than their older counterparts.A recent study showed younger Brits are less confident about taking on home improvement tasks than...
Gardens 'more important to homeowners than ever'
07 October 2009
The results of a recent survey may see Brits invest in a conservatory or glazed kitchen extension.Research carried out at the National Home Improvement Show found 91.3 per cent of respondents were planning to carry out a modification...
TV personality champions glazed home improvements
07 October 2009
The comments of a TV personality may encourage Brits to invest in a conservatory or glazed kitchen extension.Michael Holmes presents Channel Five's I Own Britain's Best Home and suggested there is a trend for open plan living, especially...
Home improvements 'becoming greener'
06 October 2009
Property owners considering adding a conservatory or other glass-based home improvement may wish to choose a company that aims to cut out heat loss.A TV presenter recently noted how residential modifications are becoming more focussed...
Brits 'investing in home improvements'
06 October 2009
Brits may be battling against the recession, but one expert has noted how home improvement has become an attractive investment of late.According to TV interior designer Julia Kendell, more and more people are pouring cash into improving...
Huddersfield Victorian conservatory to get new face
05 October 2009
A Victorian conservatory is about to get a new lease of life following news that restoration work on Greenhead park in Huddersfield is set to begin this week, it has been reported.The park, which is under the care of English Heritage,...
Remortgaging levels falling
02 October 2009
The number of people remortgaging their property has fallen over the past six months, it has been revealed.New figures from the Bank of England also show a 17.2 per cent drop between July and August.It could affect the number of people...
Property market "still on the way down"
01 October 2009
Homeowners put off moving to a new house by the inhospitable market have been told the worst is yet to come.Property website Briffy.com suggested the industry has yet to hit rock-bottom and predicted more declines in house values.The...
Housing market 'better for some than others'
01 October 2009
Brits may be encouraged to invest in a home improvement - such as a conservatory or glazed kitchen extension - after hearing the latest comments from a property website.Briffy.com founder David Amstell explained hat the housing industry...
Bank figures show mortgage market contracting
30 September 2009
The latest figures from the Bank of England show recovery from the recession is far from over, it has been suggested.Statistics from the lender show a fall in mortgage approvals during August - data that moneysupermarket.com claimed...
Conservatory and kitchen extension decor ideas
28 September 2009
Families decorating their new conservatory or glazed kitchen extension have been urged to consider using tiles.The Stone & Ceramic Warehouse suggested that using such materials to furnish a home can help create a "relaxing,...
House prices fall again in August
28 September 2009
Homeowners considering building a conservatory to add capital to their property may be interested to hear the average house price has fallen again.There was a 0.1 per cent drop in the typical value of residential buildings between...
BBA explains mortgage rate disparity
28 September 2009
The British Banking Association (BBA) has defended its members against criticism over the rates charged to home loan customers.It released a fact sheet called Your Mortgage and the Markets, which explains why customers may be charged...
Fixed-rate mortgages 'not attractive'
28 September 2009
Homeowners considering whether to buy a conservatory or move to a new house may be interested in the latest disclosure from Click n go Mortgages.The firm suggested consumers may not be getting a fair deal as lenders are refusing to...
"Frustrated buyers" being driven to rental market
28 September 2009
Homeowners thinking of selling their property may instead decide to invest in a home improvement - such as a conservatory - following recent comments from propertyfinder.com.The firm's director Nicholas Leeming explained that there...
Homeowners 'should inform insurers' of changes to risk
24 September 2009
Homeowners who have added a roof light and loft conversion in order to take on a lodger should remember to inform their insurance provider, it has been claimed.Those who do not could face invalidating their cover, the Association of...
House purchases and mortgages 'remain low'
23 September 2009
Despite a high level of buyer interest, mortgage approval rates and house purchase transactions remain low, it has been stated.Commenting on recent British Bankers' Association (BBA) figures, which showed gross mortgage lending failed...
Homeowners 'could struggle to find buyers from social renting background'
23 September 2009
Homeowners considering whether to extend their property with a conservatory or put it up for sale may be interested in recent comments from the Chartered Institute of Housing.Director of policy and practice Richard Capie explained...
Sterling crash predicted
22 September 2009
A money exchange company has predicted a crash in the international value of the pound - something that could encourage Brits to stay at home for their holidays.Those heading abroad soon could see the exchange rate alter dramatically,...
Rise in mortgage satisfaction revealed
22 September 2009
An increasing number of Brits are happy with their mortgage lender, new research has found.The rise in confidence could free up more time for those wishing to improve their property with a conservatory or kitchen extension to press...
Homeowners could have extra property tax imposed
22 September 2009
Brits considering whether to extend their current home or move to a larger one may be interested in the recent Liberal Democrat proposal to impose a tax on properties worth over £1 million.Those looking to add extra space often...
New first-time buyer loans 'will not help'
21 September 2009
A new scheme under which first-time buyers are able to borrow up to £50,000 towards the costs of stamp duty and legal fees will not bring the benefits it had been hoped, it has been claimed.The project has been launched by Dragons'...
Return of stamp duty levels 'will harm market'
19 September 2009
A recent report has suggested the proposed return to normal thresholds for stamp duty could harm the property market.The Halifax figures show almost a third of homebuyers have benefited from the increase in the residential stamp duty...
B&Q sales 'show strength of home improvement market'
18 September 2009
Sales figures from a DIY chain may suggest Brits are still keen on improving their homes, it has been claimed.B&Q revealed it has increased its profits by almost two-thirds (66 per cent) in the six months to August 1st.While some...
Brits 'putting off maintenance work'
17 September 2009
Homeowners having a conservatory or glazed kitchen extension built on their property may consider getting any damage caused by leaking water pipes repaired at the same time, following recent research.A study by HomeServe found Brits...
First-time buyers getting "raw deal"
16 September 2009
Brits considering selling their home in favour of building a conservatory may think again after hearing the latest suggestion from propertyfinder.com.The website's director Nicholas Leeming suggested finding a buyer may be a problem...
House prices 'could stagnate in 2010'
16 September 2009
Property owners planning to improve their home may be glad they did so, if predictions of a housing market stagnation come to pass.Homeowners considering improving their property with a lean-to conservatory or pool house may be interested...
Homeowners 'prefer to invest in property'
15 September 2009
Homeowners augmenting their property by adding a conservatory or glazed canopy may be interested to hear a large proportion of people still feel houses are the best way to see a return on investment.According to a Scottish Widows survey,...
Mortgage costs 'obscene'
15 September 2009
Homeowners considering whether to move or improve may be interested in the recent comments from Firstrung.When space becomes an issue, people often face a choice between expanding - with something like a conservatory or glazed extension...
Conservatory owners in the country see homes hold value
14 September 2009
Conservatory owners with a house in the country may be interested in the latest comments from Smiths Gore director Robert Pritchard.The property consultant suggested a lack of available top-end rural residences means their value is...
Brits 'using conservatories and kitchens to save cash'
14 September 2009
New research has shown Brits are more inclined to stay in during their free time - something that may urge some to invest in a new conservatory or pool house.While the best of the summer weather may now be gone, almost two-thirds (65...
CML figures show rise in home loans
14 September 2009
Homeowners considering building a conservatory or pool house to add value to their property may be interested in the latest Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) figures.The body revealed the number of home loans for purchases issued in...
Homeowners 'have cash to spare' for conservatories
11 September 2009
Homeowners may have more cash to spend on conservatories and pool houses after it emerged the percentage of disposable income they spend on mortgage repayments has reduced lately.According to Halifax, the average family now spends...
Bank drops base rate of interest
11 September 2009
Homeowners considering taking out finance to fund a new conservatory or garden studio may be interested to hear the Bank of England's latest decision on the base rate of interest.The lender's Monetary Policy Committee yesterday (September...
Homeowners could suffer from stamp duty reintroduction
11 September 2009
Homeowners wondering whether it would be best to add a conservatory to their property or sell up and move to a larger one may be interested in the latest statement from Briffy.com.The housing site noted the reintroduction of stamp...
Stamp duty 'unfairly taxing buyers'
11 September 2009
Homeowners considering whether to move or improve may be interested in the latest comments from Briffy.com.Those looking for space can often face a choice of whether to move to a larger property or upgrade their current one - with...
Housing associations 'under pressure not to improve'
10 September 2009
While private homeowners may be considering improving their buildings with things like conservatories, roof lights and glazed canopies, councils have been urged to take a different route.According to the Audit Commission, local authorities...
Conservatory owners in country see homes retain value
09 September 2009
Properties in rural areas have retained their value better than their urban counterparts, a survey has shown.Halifax has released its Rural Housing Review, showing those whose conservatories overlook the countryside rather than a city...
Landlords could consider conservatories to sell property
08 September 2009
A number of landlords are said to be reconsidering their position due to rising expenses - something that could make them consider building a conservatory in order to raise the property's sale value.The Residential Landlords Association...
Landlords considering conservatories 'could soon have new competition'
07 September 2009
Brits considering upgrading their second property with a conservatory or roof light to attract tenants may be interested in the latest news from moneysupermarket.com.The price comparison site analysed the buy-to-let mortgages on the...
New legislation 'could boost case for conservatories'
07 September 2009
Homeowners considering adding a conservatory or pool house may be interested to hear the Building Societies Association's (BSA) view on the latest Financial Services Authority (FSA) legislation.The FSA has implemented regulations aimed...
Spring 2010 the time for housing "kick-start"
02 September 2009
Homeowners thinking of building a conservatory in the hope of boosting the value and appeal of their property may be interested in the latest comments from the Little House Company.The firm suggested spring 2010 could be the time where...
Stamp duty holiday initiative criticised
02 September 2009
The government's decision to extend the stamp duty holiday on properties under £175,000 has been met with criticism by industry experts.Estate agents and mortgage specialists have expressed concern over the initiative's effectiveness.One...
Lending activity 'still weak', despite rise
01 September 2009
Homeowners trying to decide whether to move or improve may be interested in the latest statement from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML).Commenting on Bank of England figures showing an increase in the number of home loan approvals,...
Energy campaign 'could increase cost of new builds'
01 September 2009
Homeowners considering whether to move or improve may be interested to hear the cost of a new build residence could be pushed up by thousands of pounds due to government regulations.That is the opinion of the Home Builders Federation...
Coldplay singer to extend mansion
28 August 2009
While most couples would probably be happy to add a conservatory or loft conversion to their home if more space was required, a pair of celebrities have gone a step further.Coldplay front man Chris Martin and wife Gwyneth Paltrow -...
Homeowners 'tempted by variable rates'
28 August 2009
Homeowners considering their options in terms of expanding their living space may be interested to hear of a rise in the number of people signing up for variable-rate mortgages.When Brits need more space, they are often faced with...
Brits planning to stay at home over holiday weekend
28 August 2009
New figures show millions of Brits are planning to stay in the UK this August bank holiday.According to figurers from LV=, almost seven million people will enjoy a staycation over the weekend.While some may decide to make the most...
Landlords 'boosted by rent increases'
28 August 2009
Brits with a second property considering whether to sell up or let it out may be interested in recent figures.Some may decide to improve the home to make it more attractive to tenants, with statistics showing a rise in the average...
Land Registry reveals house price data
28 August 2009
Brits considering building a conservatory or kitchen extension to add value to their house may be interested to hear the latest figures from the Land Registry.According to the statistics, residential prices in all areas experienced...
Property auctions 'have more appeal'
28 August 2009
Homeowners considering whether to move or improve may be interested to hear buyers may prefer to pick up property at auction rather than through estate agents.This is the opinion of Savills auction director Chris Coleman-Smith, who...
NAEA: Property slide has reached the bottom
28 August 2009
Homeowners trying to decide whether to move or improve may be interested in hearing the latest comments from the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA).Those needing more space in their residence often face a choice of buying...
Brits 'set for DIY holiday weekend'
27 August 2009
With the holiday weekend approaching, a fifth of Brits will attempt some sort of DIY job at home, new research shows.A large number will also undertake home improvement work that could be considered potentially dangerous, according...
Parents 'could extend to accommodate adult kids'
27 August 2009
The number of people having to extend their property to accommodate their adult children may be set to increase if recent figures are anything to go by.While some may choose to build a conservatory, others might decide on a loft extension,...
Fall in house prices 'reflects mortgage difficulties'
26 August 2009
A fall in asking prices might not be enough for first-time buyers to get on the property ladder, it has been claimed.Brits considering whether to move or improve may find it difficult to find a person in a position to buy their home,...
Homeowners 'could find it harder to move than improve'
26 August 2009
The Council of Mortgage Lenders has suggested procuring a mortgage could be a difficult proposition for some time - news that may interest those deciding whether to move or improve.Meanwhile, those considering adding a conservatory...
Recession 'over by 2010'
26 August 2009
Homeowners considering investing in a conservatory or pool house may be boosted by the news that a proportion of the public feel the recession could be over by next year.A recent uSwitch.com poll of consumers found more than one in...
UK 'faces housing shortage'
25 August 2009
Homeowners considering building a conservatory or pool house may be interested to hear there is concern about the lack of properties in the UK.Those with their own house might consider themselves lucky after the Federation of Master...
Property prices 'could be affected by unemployment'
25 August 2009
Homeowners looking to extend their property with a glazed canopy or conservatory may be interested to hear there is growing speculation the housing market could be affected by unemployment.It is unclear how the number of people out...
Green initiatives 'may lead to kitchen revolution'
24 August 2009
Further innovation in the design of kitchen appliances could be stimulated if plans to encourage consumers to buy more eco-friendly items are followed through, it has been claimed.A British Retail Consortium (BRC) spokesman called...
Brits 'should choose fixed-rate mortgages'
17 August 2009
Those considering remortgaging and adding a conservatory or pool house to their property may be interested in the comments of one financial expert.British homeowners should play it safe in terms of mortgages, rather than opting for...
'Lack of long-term deals' on mortgage market
14 August 2009
Brits considering whether to add a conservatory or pool house may be interested to hear the latest figures concerning home loans.The number of long-term fixed-rate deals on the market has fallen significantly over the last 12 months,...
Housing market still "extremely complicated"
13 August 2009
Homeowners looking to build a conservatory or a pool house may also be interested to hear their property could be worth more than it was at the beginning of the year.A recent report revealed house prices rose in the second quarter...
New homes 'too small to live in'
12 August 2009
Brits with the space to add a conservatory or pool house may think themselves fortunate after it was suggested many new residences are too small for modern living.The assertion was made by the Commission for Architecture and the Built...
Wasteful homes 'should be banned from the market'
11 August 2009
Brits considering buying a conservatory or upgrading their loft space to include a roof light may wish to ensure the improvement is energy efficient, after recent comments from the Energy Saving Trust.A spokesperson for the body stated...
Green home improvement loans "aspirational"
10 August 2009
Homeowners considering a home improvement - such as a conservatory - may be interested to hear there have been proposals made over how the government should distribute eco loans.The UK Green Building Council is considering providing...
Four types of properties rise in value
07 August 2009
Homeowners considering whether to build a conservatory to help boost the value of their property may be interested in a recent statement from a body specialising in the residential sector.According to the National Association of Estate...
Bank keeps base rate at 0.5%
07 August 2009
Homeowners looking for finance to build a conservatory or pool house may be interested to learn the Bank of England has opted to keep the base rate of interest the same for another month.The Bank's Monetary Policy Committee opted to...
Property values could 'continue to surge'
06 August 2009
Brits considering whether to improve their property with a bespoke conservatory, or sell up and move, may be interested to hear the predictions of a mortgage broker.The next few months should see activity in the property sector increase...
What will your home be worth in five years?
05 August 2009
Following a recent statement by ratedpeople.com revealing a conservatory or other space-adding extension could boost the value of a property, a body has released its residential price trend predictions for the next five years.The National...
NHF predicts 20% rise in home values by 2014
04 August 2009
Homeowners considering buying a conservatory or pool house may be interested in a new prediction from the National Housing Federation (NHF).The body believes house prices will see a number of "substantial falls" over the...
Mortgage market set for 'slow, steady recovery'
03 August 2009
In spite of recent statistics showing mortgage lending has made slight improvements lately, one expert has urged homeowners not to get carried away.While some may be looking at the market deciding whether it is best to move or improve...
Recovery talk "very reckless"
03 August 2009
Homeowners considering whether to move or improve with something like a conservatory or glazed canopy should be careful not to look too much into interpretations of recent figures regarding house prices.That is the view of financial...
Rics comments on Nationwide house figures
31 July 2009
Homeowners contemplating building a conservatory or pool house may be interested in the latest comments from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics).The body's chief economist Simon Rubinsohn explained the latest Nationwide...
House prices 'up for third consecutive month'
31 July 2009
UK residents who have invested in a conservatory or roof light and loft conversion could see the value of their home raise further still, according to recent research.A ratedpeople.com survey earlier this month noted such improvements...
Charlie Dimmock helps to transform garden
31 July 2009
Ex-Ground Force presenter Charlie Dimmock has helped a writer for the Times to transform his garden.Some people choose a bespoke conservatory or pool house to really change their space but Damian Whitworth's urban area needed a makeover.He...
Bespoke conservatories 'could help to expand living space'
31 July 2009
Bespoke conservatories and outdoor structures could be an ideal way to extend a home.Chris Hedley-Dent recently told the Telegraph how his garden was an odd shape and he wanted a workspace away from his house.He wanted "something...
Be inspired by Somerset garden
31 July 2009
Wellfield Barn in Somerset has been made over by the couple that moved into it and those looking to change their own property might take some inspiration.Anything from a bespoke conservatory, garden office or pool house - there are...
Property prices to 'finish year stronger than they started'
31 July 2009
Homeowners considering adding a conservatory to their property might be glad to hear their residence might be worth more at the end of the year than it was at the start.A recent Ratedpeople.com study found adding a glazed extension...
Capital prices 'affecting UK average'
30 July 2009
London's effect on property figures may be more significant than originally imagined, it has been suggested.New data from Chesterton Humbers showed top-end properties in the UK increased in value during June, while those at the bottom...
Care home to install conservatory
30 July 2009
Residents at a care home for the elderly in a Gloucestershire town are to benefit from the addition of a new conservatory.People staying at Four Seasons in Mickleton will soon be able to enjoy views of the gardens, as well as have...
Wicker conservatory furniture 'needs TLC'
30 July 2009
Having wicker fixtures in a garden studio or conservatory might look good, but it can cause problems if not cared for properly, it has been suggested.The products require attention both before purchase and throughout their lifespan,...
Positive signs, 'but property market recovery could be slow'
29 July 2009
Homeowners considering whether to move or improve have reason to be positive about the property market, but should not expect the recovery to be immediate, it has been claimed.Some face a choice between buying a larger residence or...
Conservatory 'perfect for relaxing'
28 July 2009
A house currently on the market comes with a conservatory that has been described as the ideal spot to take a breather from busy day-to-day life.The Press and Journal included an article about Nether Unthank in Elgin, Scotland, which...
House prices fall by 14 per cent in 18 months
28 July 2009
New figures from the Land Registry show just how much the average value of a house has fallen in the past 18 months.Homeowners considering whether to buy a conservatory or sell up and move might be interested to hear their property...
Mortgage seekers 'taking a risk'
27 July 2009
Taking out a mortgage at the moment has an element of risk attached to it, an expert has suggested.Recent figures from mortgage broker John Charcol showed the proportion of mortgage seekers looking for a fixed-rate deal reached a high...
Foreign banks 'could change UK mortgage market'
27 July 2009
A financial expert has suggested the face of the mortgage market in the UK could be set to change forever.With house prices having fallen and home loans being hard to come by, some may opt to improve their current property with a conservatory...
Worst of property crisis 'now over'
23 July 2009
Homeowners considering building a conservatory to boost the saleability of their property may be encouraged by a recent statement from the Bank of England.It suggested the housing market was continuing to improve, with enquiries and...
Sellers 'realising their homes are worth less'
21 July 2009
Homeowners choosing whether to move or improve with a conservatory or pool house may be interested in recent comments from the Little House Company.The firm's director was discussing findings from Rightmove when she said sellers are...
Buyers have 14 days to choose a given mortgage deal
20 July 2009
Homeowners looking to move rather than upgrade their existing property with a conservatory or pool house only have a matter of weeks to take advantage of any particular offer, it has been stated.Recent figures show the average mortgage...
Conservatory planning 'should be meticulous'
20 July 2009
Homeowners planning to have a conservatory built on their property should ensure they have considered all the pros and cons before deciding on their favourite design.It was recently stated that such an improvement could boost the value...
Put thought into kitchen design, homeowners told
17 July 2009
Brits considering updating their home with a new cooking area or kitchen extension may be interested in the advice in a recent article.Speaking to Savannah Morning News, designer Jim Spence explained there is a thought process behind...
Conservatories 'a sound investment'
17 July 2009
Brits investing in a conservatory should find it is a savvy choice, it has been claimed.According to Ratedpeople.com, the home improvement should pay for itself within five years through its effect on the property's value.Commenting,...
Homeowners could earn conservatory cash through green improvements
16 July 2009
Savvy homeowners could soon be using their property to earn money that could help pay for a conservatory or pool house.The government has announced Brits might soon get paid for generating their own electricity as part of plans to...
House prices 'will not recover for years'
15 July 2009
Homeowners considering whether to move or improve their existing property with a conservatory or pool house may be interested in the latest statement from the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA).The body predicted the average...
Rics: Caution needed over CLG figures
14 July 2009
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) has responded to figures from Communities and Local Government (CLG) by urging caution.Chief economist Simon Rubinsohn explained that while the statistics were slightly more positive...
Brits to 'holiday in their millions' this summer
13 July 2009
Recent research has shown the extent to which Brits will go to relax and catch some rays this summer.Around £43.86 billion will be spent on holidays this year as people look to top up their tan, according to the study from Sainsbury's...
'Individual' houses will be worth more
03 July 2009
A housing expert has said only those properties with something unique to offer will attract premium bids over the next year.The comments could lead to a rise in the number of enquiries about bespoke glazed extensions and conservatories.Smiths...
Conservatory owners 'should grow their own'
02 July 2009
Conservatory owners have been encouraged to get out into their garden and begin growing organic produce.Not only could this improve the view from their lean to, it will help them save money, eat healthily and learn new skills, it was...
'No turning point yet' in mortgage market
01 July 2009
It is still unrealistic to say the mortgage market has reached a turning point, it has been claimed.Commenting on recent figures from the Bank of England, Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) communications manager Bernard Clarke said...
50-year-olds 'risking health' with DIY efforts
30 June 2009
New research from Saga Insurance has found over ten per cent of 50-year-olds have attempted a major DIY project.Of these, 31 per cent have injured themselves carrying out such a task, with three per cent requiring hospital treatment.Commenting...
Heat wave warning reiterated
29 June 2009
The Met Office has reiterated its health warning to Brits over the expected heat wave this week.While some may be fortunate enough to be able to spend the warm weather in the garden and conservatory, many others will be heading off...
Britain set for scorching week
26 June 2009
Brits who have booked holidays for next week with the intention of spending some time in the garden and conservatory may have pulled off a masterstroke after the Met Office suggested some areas could see temperatures of up to 30 degrees...
'Be wary of subsidence' during hot summer
25 June 2009
Following two of the wettest summers on records, Brits will finally be able to get the best out of their garden and conservatory this year.However, with hot temperatures and dry weather predicted, Halifax has urged people not to neglect...
Capital's property market still 'restrained'
25 June 2009
Homeowners in the capital may consider adding an improvement such as a bespoke conservatory or glasshouse to their property following recent comments from an expert.London Central Portfolio chief executive Naomi Heaton explained that...
Homeowners 'should improve exterior first'
24 June 2009
Aesthetically pleasing exterior home improvements like conservatories and glazed extensions may boost a home's appeal - something that Homebuilding and Renovating magazine has said every property owner should concentrate on.The publication's...
Brits put TVs before conservatories
23 June 2009
Holidays and home improvements such as conservatories and kitchen extensions are being put on hold so Brits can afford their TV subscriptions, it has been claimed.A recent study by Legal and General found 41 per cent of UK citizens...
UK homes 'should all have solar panels'
19 June 2009
Homeowners can harness the power of the sun in different ways, with building a conservatory or glazed kitchen extension just two of these.It is another method of utilising the power from the sky that interests the National Energy Foundation...
Tough competition among home buyers
19 June 2009
Homeowners considering selling up and buying a new property rather than extending their own with a roof light and loft conversion may find there is tough competition.Recent figures show demand for homes is outstripping supply, with...
Manchester hosts eco building show
18 June 2009
Homeowners contemplating erecting a glazed extension such as a conservatory or bespoke garden studio may be interested in the sustainability and environmental-friendliness of their plans.Over the last two days (June 17th and 18th),...
Housing recovery to be 'long and slow'
17 June 2009
Homeowners expecting the economy to bounce back as sharply as it fell may be disappointed, it has been suggested.Some proprietors may have been hoping a recovered economy would boost residential values, but new minister for housing...
Housing market "frozen", according to expert
17 June 2009
Homeowners considering selling their property rather than improving it with a conservatory or other modification have been told the market is "frozen".Despite the latest reports from Hometrack, the Land Registry and Nationwide...
Recent mortgage moves 'not helpful' for buyers
16 June 2009
Homeowners weighing up their options in terms of whether to move or improve may be interested to hear the latest views of a mortgage expert.MoneySupermarket head of mortgages Louise Cuming noted there has been a lot of change in the...
Smart meters 'will help families be more efficient'
16 June 2009
The rollout of smart meters across the UK could save Brits money by allowing them to monitor their energy use in real time, it has been suggested.Energy expert at price comparison site uSwitch Will Marples said although the devices...
'No rush' to move house
15 June 2009
Potential homebuyers have been warned to ensure their job is safe and they find a mortgage deal that suits them before tendering an offer.Firstrungnow.com specialises in helping people get on the property ladder, but managing director...
Property prices 'to fall further'
15 June 2009
Homeowners wondering whether to move or improve have been warned to expect further drops in the value of their property.The suggestion from pricedout.org.uk spokesperson Katy John comes following the news a number of mortgage lenders...
Housing loan activity 'still low'
12 June 2009
Homeowners working out whether to move or improve may be swung by recent figures from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML).The data shows the number of home loan approvals during April 2009 was less than half the average from the...
People 'improving rather than moving'
12 June 2009
There is a trend for improving houses at the moment, with things like conservatories and loft conversions giving more space, it has been suggested.Recent statistics from Nationwide show turning the attic into another room can add as...
Property market 'not recovering yet'
10 June 2009
Homeowners considering whether to move or improve should hold back on believing the housing market is on the road to recovery until they see evidence of sales transpiring, it has been claimed.Recent figures from the Royal Institute...
Moving home 'set to become more expensive'
10 June 2009
Moving home could soon become an even more unattractive proposition, with fixed rates on mortgages set to increase, it has been claimed.Speaking on behalf of mortgage lender John Charcol, Ray Boulger suggested a number of finance providers...
Housing market 'may not be set for recovery'
08 June 2009
Brits considering whether to move or improve may be interested to hear a property expert has suggested the housing market is not at the end of its slump.Recent figures from Halifax suggested the industry may have reached its lowest...
Conservatory owners urged to check insurance details
05 June 2009
Brits who have invested in a conservatory to make the most of their garden during the warmer months have been advised to make sure their home insurance covers their outdoor items.A number of companies, including Saga and Halifax, have...
Brits urged to consider environmental impact of homes
04 June 2009
People thinking about building a conservatory may decide to opt for an environmentally-friendly model after Bellway Homes revealed how much carbon dioxide (CO2) the average property emits.According to the developer, a typical residence...
Home improvement finance costs 'to remain low'
04 June 2009
Homeowners considering taking out finance to pay for a conservatory, loft conversion or other property upgrade might be pleased to hear the latest news from the Bank of England.Its Money Policy Committee today (June 4th 2009) elected...
Brits 'willing to spend thousands' on improvement
03 June 2009
Investing time and money in improving a home can be a good move financially, it has been suggested.Grand Designs Magazine editor Claire Barrett explained some Brits are still able and willing to splash out on upgrading their property,...
House prices 'will remain low'
01 June 2009
Recent figures show house prices may have stabilised in May, but one expert has suggested they could remain low for a significant period.Hometrack research revealed property values remained constant between April and May - the first...
House prices fell in April, figures show
01 June 2009
Homeowners pondering whether to move or improve may be interested to hear the latest figures from the Land Registry.The statistics show there was a year-on-year fall of 16.2 per cent in the average cost of a home in England and Wales...
Rics responds to Nationwide house price figures with caution
29 May 2009
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) has responded to the news that house prices rose again in May by suggesting the market may now be stabilising.Property values have fallen considerably over the past 12 months and...
Property market 'won't recover until banks start lending'
28 May 2009
Banks should be encouraged to offer more mortgages at decent rates if the housing market is to recover, it has been suggested.Home Builders Federation head of communications Steve Turner explained the industry needs to have people...
Brits 'to stay at home in 2009'
27 May 2009
Brits are likely to spend more quality time in the UK this year, as staycations become more popular, it has been suggested.Defaqto head of insight Brian Brown explained the credit crunch has limited people's ability to travel abroad...
Media reports 'dictate property market trends'
27 May 2009
The direction of the housing market may be influenced by reports in the media, it has been suggested.Little House Company director Jane Marr claimed recently that stories concerning residential property can act as a self-fulfilling...
Brits 'paying off mortgages early'
27 May 2009
Some homeowners are taking advantage of the housing slump and could be mortgage-free within a decade, it has been claimed.While the current housing market conditions may be bad news for those looking to sell their home, First Direct...
More than half of Brits improve their homes
26 May 2009
New figures from Halifax show many Brits are choosing to develop their homes rather than move to a new property as the housing slump continues.According to research from the building society, more than half (55 per cent) of homeowners...
DIY-shy Brits 'missing out on savings'
22 May 2009
If more Brits took up DIY, the UK could save over £220 million and 1.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, a study has found.Conducted as part of the Energy Saving Trust's campaign DIY Shy, which aims draw people's attention to...
'Take care over DIY' this holiday weekend
21 May 2009
The holiday weekend is always a popular time to attempt home improvements, but an insurance provider has warned homeowners to take care when reaching for the toolbox.Over a third (38 per cent) of Brits are set to spend more time at...
Homebuilding and Renovating show set for Surrey
20 May 2009
Those considering adding a conservatory or kitchen extension may be interested in attending the Homebuilding and Renovating Show in Surrey next month.Running concurrently with the Kitchen and Bathroom show, the event will allow visitors...
FSB calls for home improvement VAT cut
20 May 2009
The Federation of Small businesses (FSB) has called on the government to reduce VAT on home renovations to help companies struggling against a backdrop of decreasing trade.According to a recent FSB survey, 59 per cent of its members...
Buying property now 'unwise' for consumers
19 May 2009
UK homeowners considering whether to move or improve have been advised that now is not a good time to invest in property.IamMoving.com chairman Simon Preston explained it would be "unwise" for non-investors to purchase a...
Asking prices increase again
18 May 2009
Those considering whether to move or improve may be interested to hear the average asking price of a home rose between April and May.According to the latest Rightmove House Price Index, the average seller is now looking for £227,441...
Coloured kitchen cabinets 'the latest fashion'
18 May 2009
Homeowners considering building a kitchen extension may be interested to hear coloured cabinets have been touted as the latest trend.Bold dashes of colours in the cooking area are a good idea for sprucing up the aesthetics, claimed...
Brits advised to avoid travelling workers
15 May 2009
Brits considering building a conservatory or pool house should be wary of travelling tradesmen who sell their services door-to-door.The warning came from Trading Standards officers with the Highland council and it advised homeowners...
Bradford woman left out of pocket by builder
14 May 2009
The importance of employing a reputable company when carrying out home improvements has been underlined by a story in the Telegraph and Argus.A homeowner has been left out of pocket after having to call in a second builder to demolish...
More Brits eating at home
14 May 2009
There is a growing trend for staying at home and making use of kitchens and dining rooms at meal times, it has been claimed.Amode buyer Helen Harwood explained consumers are investing in their eating spaces as they realise it is more...
Conservatories 'add value' to homes
13 May 2009
Homeowners considering investing in a conservatory may be interested to hear a recent study found the home improvement adds value to properties.An HSBC survey of residential valuation experts around the UK found the glazed structures...
Mortgage market showing 'very positive signs'
11 May 2009
Homeowners in the UK who have invested in a conservatory or kitchen extension to boost the value of their property with the intention of selling have been given some good news.Mortgage specialist Alexander Hall's chief operating officer...
Homeowners warned against dealing with rogue traders
08 May 2009
Homeowners considering building a home improvement such as a conservatory or garden study may be interested to hear the latest Lloyds TSB figures.The financial institution advised its customers to avoid using unqualified tradesmen...
Loans more expensive than in 2007
07 May 2009
Those looking for a loan to build a conservatory may have to pay up to 44 per cent more than they would have done two years ago, it has been revealed.MoneyFacts.co.uk figures show people seeking a £5,000 sum are likely to be the...
Drop in lending rates praised
06 May 2009
Those considering building a conservatory to boost value and buyer interest in their property may be encouraged by recent comments from MoneySupermarket.com head of mortgages Louise Cuming.After two lenders reduced the cost of borrowing...
Consumer 'confidence up'
06 May 2009
The largest single monthly rise in buyer belief was recorded in April, it has been reported.According to the latest figures, the Nationwide Consumer Confidence Index rose by eight points to 50 last month.It noted all sub-indices also...
Homeowners 'confused' about environmentally-friendly measures
05 May 2009
New research has shown the recession is forcing homeowners into going green.The uSwitch.com survey found over three quarters (78 per cent) are more energy efficient than a year ago, with the main reason being cost (36 per cent) rather...
Extending "more convenient" than buying
01 May 2009
It is "much more convenient" to add an extension to an existing property than to search for a new house, it has been asserted.National Home Improvement Council director Andrew Leech made the suggestion after hearing of a...
Mortgage market set for 'slow recovery'
01 May 2009
Recent figures from the Bank of England have hinted the housing market may be starting to pick up.The Bank's mortgage data shows approvals rose to 39,000 in March, compared to a low of 27,000 in November.However, the Royal Institution...
Resumption of house slump 'no surprise'
30 April 2009
The resumption of the house price slump is not surprising, it has been asserted.Commenting on figures released by Nationwide - which show house prices dropped again in April after a slight rise in March - the Royal Institution of Chartered...
Quarter of UK homes to be extended
29 April 2009
Nearly a quarter of the nation's homes are set to grow in size by the end of the recession, it has been asserted.Figures from a recent AA Personal Loans survey found almost one in four (24 per cent) residences expected to be extended...
'Higher transaction rates needed' for market boost
28 April 2009
A higher rate of property transactions need to take place to help the market return to normal, it has been asserted.FindaProperty.com content editor Michael O'Flynn recently suggested an increase in sales would be required before the...
Brits 'save �49 billion on DIY'
28 April 2009
Homeowners have saved billions in the past year by carrying out DIY projects, it has been asserted.Over £49 billion worth of work has been carried out by keen Brits, according to Sainsbury's Home Insurance.The company explained...
Women becoming more DIY-friendly
27 April 2009
A growing number of females are becoming interested and proficient in DIY, it has been asserted.Better job prospects and decent salaries mean women are becoming more independent and happy to try their hand at household jobs that were...
Savers disappointed by Budget
24 April 2009
Brits have been left disappointed by the increase in ISA limits, a new poll has found.Almost two-thirds (61 per cent) of respondents to the MoneySupermarket.com survey said chancellor Alistair Darling should have done more to help...
HIPs 'should be improved - not scrapped'
24 April 2009
Those considering buying a conservatory may be interested to hear that the majority of industry professionals are in favour of amending rather than scrapping the Home Information Pack (HIP) scheme.Over two-thirds of those questioned...
Insurer predicts rise in burglaries
23 April 2009
Conservatory owners should take steps to protect themselves from crime after the UK's largest insurer predicted a 50 per cent rise in burglaries by the end of the year.Norwich Union said the rise in thefts would come as a result of...
CML backs Bank's Trends in Lending report
22 April 2009
The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) has backed the Bank of England's new Trends in Lending report and urged chancellor Alistair Darling to use its findings to help make decisions about today's budget.Constructed using figures from...
Mortgage lending 'increased in March'
22 April 2009
Those who have recently built a conservatory in the hope of attracting homebuyers may find an increase in interest after figures were released showing mortgage lending rose in March.Statistics from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML)...
Property market needs to be 'left to reach a natural bottom'
21 April 2009
The housing market should be left to its own devices to sort itself out naturally without government aid, it has been suggested.Following the announcement of a new £50 billion package to boost mortgage lending, Firstrung - a company...
Homes 'more affordable' than in 2007
20 April 2009
Homeowners who have invested in a conservatory or kitchen extension in order to make their property more appealing to prospective buyers may find there is greater interest after the Halifax suggested houses are now more affordable...
Homeowners 'back' energy saving measures
20 April 2009
The majority of homeowners back government plans to cut carbon emissions through residential energy saving measures, according to the Department for Energy and Climate Change.Chancellor Darling is soon to reveal the caps for the country's...
London property market 'close to bottoming out'
17 April 2009
Homeowners in London considering building a conservatory to add value to their property in order to sell it when the market recovers may not have long to wait, it has been suggested.London Central Portfolio Limited has suggested the...
Three generations squeezed into half a million homes
17 April 2009
More than half a million British households are squeezing in at least three generations of the same family, according to new figures.The statistics, from Lloyds TSB, show a 7.6 per cent rise since 2005 - which could see some need to...
Millions 'waiting on market change' before buying property
16 April 2009
Around four million homeowners are holding back on re-entering the property market, it has been suggested.Research from First Direct found many were willing to wait it out before selling in order to "cash in" on cheaper homes...
Buyer enthusiasm 'growing'
16 April 2009
Homeowners who have added a conservatory or glazed kitchen extension to their property in the hope of attracting bids may soon see the benefits following the release of Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) figures showing...
Rise noted in mortgage refusals
15 April 2009
The number of vetted mortgage applications that have been declined has risen almost four-fold in the past two years.In 2007, around 2.3 per cent of pre-checked requests were knocked back, compared to 8.8 per cent so far this year,...
Grown kids 'heading back home'
14 April 2009
A recent survey has found a growing number of adult children to be moving back in with family and friends to save cash.The figures from the Santander Group show there to be 1.6 million 18 to 34-year-olds living rent-free in this way,...
AMI: Government needs to do more
09 April 2009
The Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI) has called on the government to help consumers in the housing market.It comes following the Bank of England's decision to keep interest rates at 0.5 per cent.AMI suggested the Bank has...
Large number of Brits 'shocked' by winter fuel bills
08 April 2009
The importance of having a heat-retentive property has been hit home by new figures, which show a high proportion of Brits have been given a shock by their winter fuel bills.Almost half (42 per cent) of respondents to the MoneySupermarket.com...
Brits 'don't expect market to turn in 2009'
08 April 2009
The majority of Brits do not expect the housing market to recover before 2010, new research has found.Almost six in ten (58 per cent) of UK homeowners feel the market will continue to struggle for the rest of the year, according to...
DIY accidents 'will peak on Saturday morning'
07 April 2009
Home improvement accidents will peak this Saturday morning with paint spillages the most likely mishap.That is the prediction from insurance firm AXA, which is expecting a barrage of accidental damage claims as Brits indulge in DIY...
A third of Brits 'to make Easter a DIY weekend'
06 April 2009
Almost a third of UK homeowners are set to take advantage of the Easter weekend and use the time to make improvements to their property, a new survey has found.Figures from M&S Money found 28 per cent of Brits will undertake some...
Brits 'not confident in DIY skills'
06 April 2009
Almost half of Brits feel they lack the handyman aptitude of their parents' generation, according to a recent study.The Halifax survey found 43 per cent of respondents admit they do not have the same capacity for DIY as their mothers...
Housing market 'may be starting to recover'
03 April 2009
The housing market may be starting to recover after encouraging mortgage approval figures were announced, according to one financial expert.Capital Economics' Vicky Redwood suggested the market may have reached a bottom and could soon...
'Slight bounce' in housing market
02 April 2009
April Fool's Day may have passed but it appears the housing market has caught experts off guard by showing a slight improvement last month.Figures released today (April 2nd) by Nationwide show a 0.9 per cent increase in the average...
'Do homework' on Easter DIY
02 April 2009
Homeowners considering partaking in a spot of DIY over the Easter break have been advised to do their research and take care.Insurance company esure suggested people call in the professionals for bigger jobs such as constructing conservatories...
M&S: Don't let thieves spoil the view
01 April 2009
With last Sunday (March 29th) heralding the official beginning of British Summer Time, conservatory owners should be wary of garden thieves, it has been suggested.Home insurance provider M&S pointed out that with the average UK...
Eco-friendly constructions 'worth more'
31 March 2009
Homeowners considering building a conservatory or glazed extension may want to make their home improvement as energy-efficient as possible after figures from the US showed greener buildings can procure a higher fee.The Royal Institution...
'More figures needed' for housing market recovery
30 March 2009
Homeowners considering whether to move or improve should not jump to conclusions following the Bank of England's positive lending figures, it has been suggested.The statistics show an increase of almost a fifth in the number of mortgage...
Mortgage accessibility 'remains a problem'
30 March 2009
The news from the Bank of England that mortgage approvals increased between January and February should be taken with a pinch of salt, it has been suggested.Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors chief economist Simon Rubinsohn explained...
Mortgage increased 'welcomed'
30 March 2009
A property market expert has welcomed the recent Bank of England figures showing an increase in mortgage lending.The number of loan approvals for residential buying increased by almost a fifth between January and February this year...
"Several months" of mortgage lending needed for recovery
27 March 2009
Homeowners have been warned a turnaround in the housing market is unlikely for "several months".The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) suggested a sustained increase in lending was needed before any talk of a recovery.Press...
Rics: Land Registry price fall figures not unexpected
27 March 2009
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) has suggested that the fall in house prices reported by the Land Registry was not unexpected.Chief economist Simon Rubinsohn explained that the two per cent drop in February was part...
Garden criminals 'more prolific in summer'
27 March 2009
Sunday (March 29th) marks the official beginning of British summertime, with clocks being set forward an hour.With this in mind, conservatory owners will be getting ready to enjoy an extra hour of sunlight in the evenings as they enjoy...
Housing market to remain 'nasty'
27 March 2009
The housing market is set to continue to be a very "nasty place" for a long time, it has been suggested.Property expert Paul Homes pointed out that when house prices collapse the way they have, they tend to make a slow recovery.The...
Hips legislation criticised
25 March 2009
Moneysupermarket.com has suggested that the new Home Information Pack (Hip) legislation due to be brought in could be a further hindrance to the mortgage market.The rules state that every property put up for sale must have a Hip in...
House prices 'could rise again'
25 March 2009
Those who choose to improve rather than move could see the benefits in the future if predictions made by a new property website come to pass.NewHomesForSale.co.uk believes that the lack of residential developments being built could...
Rics: No market recovery yet
24 March 2009
The Royal Chartered Institution of Surveyors (Rics) has commented on the recent figures released by the British Bankers Association (BBA).With the statistics showing an increase in buyer enquiries, Rics chief economist Simon Rubinsohn...
Landlords 'wasting money' with lettings agents
23 March 2009
Landlords in the UK could be needlessly pouring thousands of pounds into the pockets of lettings agents every year, a study has found.According to Smartlandlord.co.uk, lettings experts are "cheating" the private rental sector...
Mortgage lending down again
20 March 2009
Those considering whether to move or improve may be interested to hear that mortgage lending fell again in February.New figures from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) show that total lending in February was £9.9 billion.This...
HIP legislation to change in April
19 March 2009
Homeowners looking to sell their property will soon have to ensure it has a home information pack (Hip) in place before it goes to market, rather than just having ordered one.The legislation comes into force from April 6th and will...
Reluctant landlords driving rental prices down
19 March 2009
Such is the state of the housing market that the lack of sales is now affecting rental prices.According to the latest figures from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics), an excess of reluctant landlords - property owners...
Credit crunch encourages Brits to save
18 March 2009
Recent research has shown the credit crunch has driven many Brits to becoming more prudent with their money, saving any surplus they may have.A study from FairInvestment.co.uk found that almost half (44 per cent) of people in the UK...
FSA regulations 'could harm first-time buyers prospects'
18 March 2009
With the Financial Services Authority (FSA) set to impose a cap on mortgage lending and potentially ban 100 per cent loans, buying a home could become an even more difficult task.The move comes too late to have its intended effect...
First-time buyers have 'logical fear' of house price falls
17 March 2009
A property investment industry expert has suggested that first-time buyers are being put off getting their foot on the property ladder by the "logical fear" of a further fall in house values.Property Investor News editor...
'Summer surge' for home improvements
16 March 2009
The UK is set for a surge in home improvements as spring and summer arrive.Such is the opinion of Homebuilding and Renovating Magazine editor Jason Orme, who explained he was surprised to hear of a drop in sales for Home Retail Group,...
Report: Panic-selling could occur
13 March 2009
Homeowners are being urged to avoid panic selling after it was suggested that the average price of a property in the UK could dip below the £100,000 mark.A report from Numis Securities predicted that property owners may soon start...
Mortgage lending falls again
12 March 2009
New figures from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) have shown that mortgage lending fell again in January.This data does not bode well for those looking to move home as it severely restricts the market, meaning that some may abandon...
Brits forgetting DIY skills
12 March 2009
A new survey has shown that a large number of Brits are reliant on professionals to carry out home improvements and maintenance.The research by Ask.com found that there is a skills gap in the UK, with a third of people unable to wire...
House prices could fall by 30 per cent
12 March 2009
The question over whether to move or improve may be answered by the latest statistics from Savills.Research from the international estate agent led it to predict that house prices will have fallen by 30 per cent by the end of the year...
No hope for sellers as first-time buyers priced out of market
26 February 2009
Those looking to sell up and move to a larger property have been left with little option but to improve their current property rather than move as ridiculously-priced mortgages are scaring off first-time buyers.Some prospective first-time...
Mortgage lending falls again
19 February 2009
New figures have shown that it is becoming more and more difficult to obtain finance when looking to buy a home.Despite recent figures from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors showing that interest from first-time buyers had...
Loft conversions on the up
17 February 2009
UK homeowners are battling falling house prices by tacking an extra bedroom on to their properties through a loft conversion, it has been claimed.Changing the attic into an extra room using a roof light can be an cost-effective way...
House prices fall again
17 February 2009
People wondering whether to move or improve may have had their minds made up for them by the latest figures showing a 12.2 per cent year-on-year drop in house prices.Every one of the ten regions across England and Wales recorded a...
UK improving, not moving
12 February 2009
New figures have suggested that the UK is becoming a nation of home improvers.An estimated 425,000 loans were taken out for home improvements such as conservatories, kitchen extensions and roof lights in 2008, according to research...
Brits would use gardens more if they had a conservatory
30 January 2009
It's official - Brits believe that having a conservatory would encourage them to make better use of their garden.According to research conducted by Alliance and Leicester, one in five UK homeowners don't use their gardens as a social...
Mortgage approvals fall to seven-year low
22 January 2009
With the housing market in turmoil and the National Association of Estate Agents admitting that its members are each selling the equivalent of just one house per week, homeowners may begin to abandon plans to move.Spring is on its...
Confusing and dangerous housing market
21 January 2009
The state of the UK housing market has been illustrated by the National Association of Estate Agents' (Naea) call for an overhaul of the management of the market.Homeowners have been forced to either sell at a low value or stay put...
Slump sees housing sales drop to less than one per week
15 January 2009
Those looking to move home may think again after hearing the latest statistics from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (Rics).According to a recent survey of estate agents, the average number of sales for the final quarter...
8% of Britons to upgrade to double glazing
13 January 2009
Nearly one in ten (eight per cent) Britons are planning on installing double glazing in the New Year, new research shows.According to a survey by npower, half of homeowners in the UK intend to make their homes more energy efficient...
To move or improve? No longer a tough question
07 January 2009
There was once a time when homeowners faced a difficult choice when looking for extra floor-space in the home; they could either improve their current property or sell up and move to a larger one.Nowadays the choice is not as tough...
New glass training centre opened
07 January 2009
The UK's glass industry has received a boost after a new national training centre was opened in Birmingham recently.As the first of its kind in the country, the Safestyle Centre will work in tandem with Matthew Boulton College and...
House prices return to 2003 levels
06 January 2009
Homeowners will be lamenting the fact that the average house price has fallen back to the same level it was in April 2003.The news means that anyone who bought after this period may now find themselves with a property worth less than...
Motley Fool: Refusal to predict hints at further house price falls
30 December 2008
Motley Fool's Neil Faulkner has suggested that the Halifax, Nationwide and the Council of Mortgage Lenders' refusal to publish this year's annual forecast on house prices does not bode well.He believes it is a sure-fire sign that the...
House market could bounce back meaning conservatory owners could cash-in
29 December 2008
The National Association of Estate Agents (Naea) has predicted that 2009 will see the housing market bottom out and even bounce back.If this is the case it could present an argument for home improvement in preparation for a return...
Rics: House prices to continue to fall in 2009
24 December 2008
It may be Christmas tomorrow but the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) has delivered an unwanted early present for the housing market.That present comes in the form of a prediction that house prices will continue to fall...
Revolutionary electro-glass product hits US
19 December 2008
The US has been given a taste of the future with a revolutionary new glass product that could eventually change the face of the building market forever.Glass company Rainbow Solar (RSi) has released a transparent photovoltaic glass...
Market could recover in 2009
19 December 2008
The National Association of Estate Agents (Naea) has issued a rallying call to all involved in the housing market to make 2009 a "prosperous" year.After releasing figures which showed the average detached house now costs...
Increasing the appeal of a home as buyers return to market
18 December 2008
Confidence is slowly returning to the housing market, according to a recent study.With potentially more buyers looking at the market, those looking to sell may look to add a conservatory as a powerful bargaining chip, increasing the...
House prices to fall further in 2009
16 December 2008
As the year comes to an end and homeowners look back over 12 months of financial turmoil, some would be forgiven for welcoming 2009 as an opportunity for house prices to recover.But according to one financial expert, things will continue...
Sustainability centre wins award
11 December 2008
A builders' merchant has won an award for its Sustainability Building Centre which allows builders, tradesmen and architects to see how the latest sustainable building techniques and materials are utilised first-hand and in one place.Wolseley...
Rics: Homeowners must now face facts
09 December 2008
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) has said that homeowners now have to face up to the fact that house prices are falling and that their property isn't considered as valuable as it was two years ago.Figures released...
Lower base rate could lead to more conservatories
05 December 2008
The Bank of England (BoE) yesterday made a move that could see a number of homeowners finally make the home improvement they have been waiting for.By reducing the base rate of interest to just two per cent, the BoE has encouraged banks...
House price slump continues to boost case for conservatory investment
05 December 2008
The continued house price slump affecting the UK market could serve to strengthen the argument for adding a glazed extension such as a conservatory or a lean-to kitchen extension.According to the Halifax, house prices fell by a further...
Three million extra houses could spell trouble for home owners
01 December 2008
The UK could be set to see a number of new housing developments thrown up over the next 12 years.The government intends to have an extra three million homes built by 2020 - a fact that will only make things more difficult for those...
A third of Brits to decorate before Christmas
18 November 2008
New research has shown that a large proportion of Brits are planning to spruce up their home for Christmas.With the festive period starting to gather some real pace, the Fun on the Floor campaign has revealed that almost a third (31...
Brits staying put and turning houses into homes
18 November 2008
UK homeowners are showing an interest in making their properties as homely as possible, according to recent suggestions made on the back of a survey.Interior designer Danielle Proud claims that Brits are getting so fed up with the...
Green home improvement trend
17 November 2008
Britain's home owners are becoming more environmentally aware when carrying out home improvements, according to a recent study.Almost one in ten use reclaimed and green materials when improving their property as economic pressures...
House prices continue to fall building the case for improvement
14 November 2008
While Scotland may not enjoy the best of weather, a few more homeowners may be considering adding a conservatory to their home to make the best of the good weather that does grace the country from time to time.A conservatory can be...
Silver lining for those looking to improve
12 November 2008
Home-owners can use the economic downturn to their advantage, according to a top home improvement expert.The housing market may be in meltdown, with only 35,000 mortgages issued in September, but savvy home-owners could use the time...
Good time to improve as housing market stagnates
12 November 2008
Now may be a good time to improve the home by adding a bespoke lean-to conservatory.Recent figures show just how stagnant the property market has become, with only 35,000 new mortgages issued across the UK in the month of September.The...
Worst homes market in three decades
11 November 2008
Homeowners looking to up-size to a larger property face a tough task in today's market.Figures released by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) show that the housing market is in its worst state for 30 years.The number...
Pro-active sellers could get jump on property market
05 November 2008
Those considering selling their home should be more proactive in the way they present it, according to a leading property advice company.With the market currently in turmoil and house prices continuing to fall, sellers are being forced...
Property expert predicts sellers may wait it out
30 October 2008
With asking prices for UK property falling almost continuously, many homeowners are choosing to stay put and improve rather than move.Rightmove research showed that asking prices have fallen by a record amount in the last 12 months,...
Spanish glass company celebrates success
29 October 2008
Spain's largest publicly traded glass company is expected to report that it has experienced growth when it releases figures next year.Vidrala expects around ten per cent growth in earnings after sales grew 15 per cent, according to...
1m homeowners planning extension
30 September 2008
Almost one million homeowners in the UK are planning on adding an extension to the rear of their property in the next year, according to a new study.Research carried out by Sainsbury's Home Insurance found that in the year from May...
Building with glass a pleasure for architects
25 September 2008
Architects require a strange mix of logic and creativity in order to be good at their jobs.With that in mind, it is perhaps surprising to find so many using glass as the main material for the structural elements in their work.Channel...
A big reason to improve
12 September 2008
The recent housing price slump has lead to a growing number of homeowners becoming stuck in their property due to negative equity.While this is not a problem for some, others need more space or feel the need for a nicer place.And recent...
Shatterproof glass to revolutionize building design
30 July 2008
British scientists have come up with an invention that could change the future of architecture and enhance the safety of citizens throughout the country.International steel glazing systems company Wrightstyle has launched a shatterproof...
Outdoors trend in new home architecture
30 July 2008
Homebuilders are using kitchen extensions, glass boxes and conservatories to open up their designs and give the feeling of bringing the outdoors indoors, according to The Daily Telegraph.The trend can be seen as designers recognising...
Conservatories and curtains to provide power
16 July 2008
Conservatories of the future may not only be credited with saving power in the home but providing energy for it too, if the latest research is taken up commercially.Architect and professor in practice at the Massachusetts Institute...
Glass insulates and maximises view
24 June 2008
Glass is an enormously flexible building material, providing both insulation and maximum views of the surrounding environment.Ayr native Jean Elvidge has utilised the material in her new home on the bank of the River Tay, incorporating...
Glazing pioneer made Companion of Honour
16 June 2008
Architect Lord Rogers has been made a Companion of Honour in the Queen's birthday list.The BBC reports that Lord Rogers had collaborated with a number of other leading practitioners of glass and steel construction, including Renzo...
Sustainability 'more than just green issues'
12 June 2008
Sustainability relates to much more than just environmentally-friendly issues, it has been asserted.Detective inspector Steve Trigg tells online resource thisissouthwales.co.uk that the notion also includes the development of communities...
Conservatory features in UK building must-see list
27 May 2008
The largest conservatory in the world has been included on a list of the top 20 must-see buildings in the UK.Dorling Kindersley Eyewitness Travel Guides has included the Eden Project among the top structures in the UK to visit.Built...
US glass testing 'more rigorous'
08 April 2008
A glass and steel systems supplier explains that its adoption of US-style testing methods was spurred by the fact that they are more rigorous than European processes.Wrightstyle provides glazing units such as those used in the British...
'High specifications wanted' in conservatory roofs
04 April 2008
Many customers are now demanding higher quality from the roofs of their conservatories, it has emerged.Scott Nicholas, managing director of conservatory roof manufacturer Roof-Maker, tells Glass on Web of such a desire among the firm's...
South-facing conservatories 'key to eco-homes'
04 April 2008
New homes could be more likely to incorporate south-facing conservatories as constructors look to reduce the carbon footprint of property, it has been claimed.Environmental news service scenta lists conservatories among the "key...
Ralph Rapson remembered
02 April 2008
Modernist architect Ralph Rapson - who had a passion for sky lights and glass walls in his designs - has died at the age of 93.Famous for designing the Greenbelt House for the 1940s Case Study House programme in Los Angeles, which...
New laminated glass launched
06 March 2008
Consumers aiming to improve the environmental efficiency of their glass structures may be interested in glassing manufacturer PPG's latest innovation.The firm explains that its Solarban 70XL product is now available in a laminated...
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