Rising solicitors' fees and the fact that mortgages have become harder to secure means that many people are staying put, and instead looking at home improvement options. These don't have to be costly changes, like extensions or loft conversions, but can be as simple as painting your door frames. 

Home and Garden on Female First

Home and Garden on Female First

One of the best ways to save money in your home is to get your cavity wall or loft insulated. You can lose a lot of cash in unnecessary heating bills, and if your house isn't properly insulated, it may make it harder to sell in the long run.

While you may have to pay out for these initially, cavity wall insulation can save a household up to £135 a year, meaning it'll pay for itself in between one and three years. See if your house is eligible for government grants for these projects, you could save a lot of money.

Improving your 'kerb appeal' (the front path of your house) can also mean that when you come to sell your house, you'll have an easier job of it. It's best to keep on top of these jobs every so often, so they'll be easier and free to do. If you wait for something to go wrong, you risk having to pay a lot to get them fixed.

Rated People’s ambassador Phil Spencer says: “Although kerb appeal probably won’t add value to your home it will make it – and probably your neighbours’ properties – more saleable, which is more important than ever in the current market.”

If you're going to get an expert in to help with some DIY work, make sure you shop around for the best deal. With trade recommendation websites like RatedPeople.com, you can compare the prices of different tradespeople, as well as reading reviews from past customers, so you know you'll be getting the best man or woman for the job.