Home improvements 'don't have to cost thousands'

With property prices meaning that many people may have to stay in their current homes a little longer than they planned, a celebrity has offered some tips on how to improve a home and its value without breaking the bank.

Anna Ryder-Richardson, best known for her appearances on TV's Changing Rooms, said that home improvements are not necessarily about splashing the cash on large-scale makeovers, but that the smallest changes can make a difference.

"Our homes are really important to us. Sprucing them up can be as simple as de-cluttering and changing the light bulbs. It's really about adding value to your property as well," she commented.

She added that people are being inspired to add new accessories such as pictures and rugs because they are spending more time at home in order to save money during the current economic conditions.

Ms Ryder-Richardson's opinions were echoed by recent research from lender GE Money, which found that many people are choosing to fit new bathrooms into their homes, which can add up to £4,000 to the value of a property as well as making it nicer for the owners.

Adding decking or patios to the garden were also found to be popular ways in which homeowners were making their houses more aesthetically-pleasing.