Spring is well and truly here. And, with some of us reassessing our homes via spring cleans and the like over the recent Easter break, it seems a good time to look at some fresh figures on home improvements.
Throughout last year, for example, planning applications for domestic improvements surged in every part of the UK except Scotland. The smart London borough of Kensington & Chelsea remains the area with most home improvers, with nearly seven applications for every hundred private households there in 2016,according to the newly released Home Improvers of Great Britain 2017 report, put together by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and industry analysts Barbour ABI.
Overall, London led all regions with nearly four home improvement applications for every hundred private homes. The East of England also saw a strong upsurge, with a 14% rise in applications, a figure which made it the strongest growth area in terms of volumes of applications.
This was in contrast with the north east and Scotland, which saw just over one application being made per hundred homes in 2016.
Cambridge, where house prices have dropped following a sharp hike in values, exemplifies the ‘improve don’t move’ maxim. It has the highest ratio of home improvement planning applications to home sales of any borough.
Overall, the south dominated in terms of areas with the highest number of home improvement applications. The region accounted for 18 of the ‘top 25’ districts.
FMB chief executive Brian Berry said: “Home improvements are often vulnerable to consumer confidence dips, but at present there’s no sign of a negative ‘Brexit effect’.
“In fact, this year’s report shows a 6% rise in work needing planning permission last year, compared with 2015.”
Meanwhile, lead economist at Barbour ABI Michael Dall commented: “Last year saw continued growth in home improvement in the areas expected, including London and the south. A continued shortage of housing generally will also undoubtedly help fuel home improvement activity a people look to ‘improve not move’.”
One home improvement that doesn’t usually need planning permission, within certain provisos, is conservatory installation.
Consider one of these extensions for the sunnier months ahead, and look forward to enjoying extra space and an eye-catching addition to your property. These light, airy structures are adaptable for use at any time, give you a massive window on to your garden and let natural daylight flood into your home.
At Worthing Windows, we’re conservatory specialists based on the West Sussex coast and covering our area from Ferring in the west to Shoreham in the east – and beyond. Talk to a member of our friendly, knowledgeable team today. You could be enjoying your own conservatory by summer.