Conversions and extensions are ideal changes for the house

At the current time, with many people viewing low house prices as a good reason not to sell up their own piece of UK property for the risk that they might lose their investment, it could be a great time to improve it rather than move.

According to one expert, this is best done through adding an extension to the property. Not only do these provide you with added space and a new room in your home, but they will have the potential, if carried out correctly, to add value to the household in the long run when eventually the time comes to sell it.

The most common types of extension, and according to Anna-Marie DeSouza, editor of Build It magazine, the most likely to add a significant value to the house, are loft conversions and conservatories.

Ms DeSouza said that it is the case that people should think carefully about what kind of extension they are adding to their properties for sale, particularly if they are hoping to bring them to market in the next five years.

"In terms of extending for profit - so if you are intending to sell in the next five years and don't want to go into negative equity - you need to think about the type of extension you want carefully. The easiest and probably cheapest option is to do a loft conversion. This can add valuable space as either a bedroom, home office or even media room. In most cases you won't need planning permission, as this will fall within your permitted development rights."

However, for those who are seeking to add to the actual area of their house, the best way to do so can be to add a ground floor extension, either through the conservatory or simply an additional room.

When it comes to adding a new extension onto the home though, it is important to remember that insurance is vital to make certain that you are covered for any accidental damage to the property during the building process.