As concerns deepen over the ‘credit crunch’ and its effects on the UK housing market, home owners are turning in increasing numbers to home improvements rather than face trying to sell their homes.

According to the results of a recent survey commissioned by Home insurer LV=, “almost one million British households are ‘doing up’ their homes because the effects of the credit crunch are preventing them from moving.”

And of all the different types of home improvements either undertaken or planned in the next 12 months, a whopping 2.3 million (16%) of home owners are planning to install new windows.

The survey also showed that despite purse strings tightening in other areas, over half (57%) of all Brits have undertaken home improvements in the last 12 months or plan to complete them in the next six months.

With the average spend on home improvements estimated at over £5,000, the total cost of these renovations is projected to be over £4 billion.

A spokesperson for LV= Home Insurance, Emma Holyer said: “Despite the challenging housing market and lack of affordable mortgages, we are still a nation obsessed with our homes and what money we can make on them.”

She added, “Many homeowners told us they were spending this money so they could profit more on their homes when they do come to sell them after the market has stabilised. This shows that although people are concerned about the short term housing market there does appear to be optimism in the long term.”

If you’re one of the growing number of householders looking to invest in their property during these uncertain times, contact Brackenwood today on Freephone 0800 25 35 45 for friendly advice on the many benefits that replacing your windows and doors can bring.

And with the looming possibility of increased energy bills causing concern too, don’t forget to ask about our energy efficient windows and doors.

Figures obtained from a nationally representative online poll by www.opinium.co.uk.

The well-publicised slowdown of UK house prices is putting greater pressure on Basingstoke residents looking to sell their homes to address the needs and desires of buyers. This is compounded by the fact that although at £275,000 the average house price in the area is £45,000 more than the national average, it is significantly cheaper than neighbouring Berkshire and Surrey, which both appear in the top 10 most expensive areas in the country.

A survey by estate agency group Spicerhaart suggests that one of the top three most sought-after features in a potential home is natural light - something that is even more acute as we reach the shortest daylight hours in December. Insulation is a key issue for wintertime, but the need to conserve heat and energy needn’t be at the expense of better use of natural lighting.

Brackenwood Windows and Conservatories are keen to highlight that double-glazed windows and conservatories can make the most of the precious winter sunshine, adding brightness and warmth to your home without increasing heating bills and the negative affects on the environment.

Innovations such as Pilkington Activ™ self-cleaning glass, as well as the obvious benefits of double-glazing, make it easier and more practical than ever before to add greater natural light to homes. A conservatory is an excellent focal point for family and friends to get together, to enjoy the benefits of winter sunshine without the cold temperatures. Natural light also makes living space appear larger, a real bonus at Christmas with extra guests visiting.

It’s not just the glass that can brighten up a home, as Brackenwood’s Managing Director David Medcraft explains:

Old, drab and tatty window frames and doors can really age a property, making it look unwelcoming and unloved. A fresh set of windows and doors can transform the look of a house, both inside and out and the benefits to energy saving and heat retention are well publicised. We offer a wide range of styles and designs and can also match specific colours (for frames and doors, from thousands of possible shades) to perfectly compliment the décor of the house both inside and out.