Homeowners urged to renovate

Upgrading properties to include better insulation is the best way to save money and the environment, experts have advised.

The Independent claims insulating cavity walls alone can cut annual household heating bills by up to £120.

Meanwhile, more simple tasks like silicon sealing skirting boards is another way to keep bills low by knocking £20 off a year.

Other insulation tips from the paper include laying mineral wool between the joists under floorboards and fitting insular jackets around pipes and hot water tanks.

Installing double-glazing is one of the biggest savings self-builders can make, as it can cut £110 off household bills annually by reducing heat loss through windows by a half.

A recent survey by Alliance & Leicester (A&L) found 19 per cent of potential sellers are looking to raise the price of their properties via home improvements.