Improve if you 'can't move'

Homeowners are being urged to improve their homes if they cannot afford the costs associated with moving, it has emerged.

Organisers of the South West Homebuilding & Renovating Show have claimed that the cost of moving - including fees and duties - has increased to around £20,000.

These rising costs have left people unable to move and often make it cheaper to "build space" rather than buy it.

Furthermore, representatives of the show say that recent alterations to planning laws will make it "easier to extend or remodel your home".

The event is described as a "must" for people that are planning to renovate their homes and install green technology into existing properties, or those considering self build developments.

People considering building their own home could take a look at a range of literature produced on the subject.

John Broome's Green Self Build Book offers tips and advice on how to build an ecohome and includes case studies of green building techniques, according to Amazon.