Improve your home to 'ease pressure on living space'

Despite the credit crunch, families still grow and situations change, which puts pressure on the size of your home, it has been claimed.

One way to alleviate this strain is to make the most of your home's size, according to organisers of The South West Homebuilding & Renovating Show.

"With so few buyers in the market and the number of houses available dwindling fast, improving may be the only way to meet your accommodation needs," the show's representatives claimed.

In the current economic climate improving a home could be the best option and by making the right improvements Brits can add value and make their property easier to sell when the market picks up.

Tim Doherty, managing director of National Self Build and Renovation Centre, has claimed that self build, renovation, conversions and domestic extensions are becoming more appealing this year.

Homeowners that choose to develop their properties instead of moving will save on stamp duty, agent's fees and mortgage arrangement fees.