The sluggish property market is prompting more householders to change their mind-set about moving up the property ladder, instead opting to make what they have fit their lifestyle.
 
External house painting, a new kitchen, the perfect set of French doors - all of these things could be part of the plans of growing numbers of Brits who are renovating rather than selling up, with this trend proving especially popular among millennials.
 
Data from Hiscox published in The Independent shows that while just three per cent of householders were choosing to renovate rather than move in 2013, this figure now stands at 15 per cent - and one-in four under-35s with a mortgage feel this way.
 
But Hiscox has warned householders to take a good look at how they can afford a big home renovation task, as these projects are frequently underestimated both in terms of time and money.
 
"Many view home renovations as an easier or more economical alternative to moving, but our report highlights that these projects are often underestimated in both cost and scale," Phil Thorn, home insurance spokesperson at Hiscox, was quoted by The Independent as saying.
 
But there are plenty reasons why renovating makes perfect sense given the sluggishness of the present-day property market, backed up by the fact interest rates look set to rise.
 
Moreover, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors reports that the number of properties being managed by estate agents is currently at a record low - and with a lack of choice, it's no wonder property owners are choosing to stick rather than twist.

Homeowners who want to upgrade their house will need to find a further £136,000 to buy their next house, making it hard for second-steppers to move up the property ladder.
 
According to Lloyds Bank, this group of homebuyers are deeply concerned about the market, as they need £135,985 to buy their perfect home; 35 per cent worry it will be hard to sell their existing property; and 39 per cent are stressed about interest rate hikes and the state of the economy.
 
Lloyds Bank mortgage director Andrew Mason said despite this, market conditions are “better than they’ve been for over five years”.
 
While there is quite a leap from the sale price of their first homes to the asking cost of their desired property, they have built up “substantial equity in their homes and [with] more first-time buyers entering the market, their next move may not be far away”.
 
Second-steppers typically spent £167,137 when they bought their first homes, and these properties are currently worth £211,296 on average. Therefore, homeowners have boosted their equity by £85,877.
 
This stake means they only have to find an extra £50,108 to put down as a deposit for their next property.
 
Those who are selling their homes will want to make them more saleable by doing simple but effective jobs on their home. External house painting in London is one of the most influential improvements that can boost chances of selling, as potential buyers are instantly more attracted to properties that look good on the outside, enabling venders to get more viewings.
 
Despite the challenges of upgrading your home, this is not deterring many households, as Lloyds Bank revealed last year that nearly a quarter are planning to move by 2022. 

Getting the best damp proofing London has to offer is essential if you are going to keep you and your family healthy and safe.
 
Mould and damp can cause a wide range of health problems of people of all ages but particularly effects young people, older people and those with respiratory illnesses such as asthma. It can even affect people with skin problems such as eczema and those with a weakened immune system.
 
In fact, it is thought that the rates of chest infection and asthma in children could be significantly reduced if they didn’t grow up in homes with damp problems.
 
The NHS choices website says that mould can cause problems as it causes allergens, reading: “Moulds produce allergens (substances that can cause an allergic reaction), irritants and, sometimes, toxic substances. Inhaling or touching mould spores may cause an allergic reaction, such as sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes and skin rash. Moulds can also cause asthma attacks.’
 
The NHS also suggests that removing mould is definitely a job for professionals, advising people to only attempt to remove mould if it is over a small area, less then 1m2, and you are sure it has been caused by condensation.
 
If the area of mould is larger than this or the damp is due to problems other than condensation, then you need to get a professional in to deal with it.
 
We can help you with identifying the cause of your damp and then advise you on the best treatments, whether that is damp proofing or applying a certain kind of exterior wall coating to help you keep your home safe and dry.