Friday, June 9, 2006
Category:
Home Improvements
Proud homeowners are spending a huge amount of money on garden makeovers, new figures have revealed, particularly as the warm summer months are approaching.
According to research from More Than insurance, Britons forked out £2.5 million last year on garden goods such as patio heaters and barbeques in the last year, with UK gardens now worth a massive £52 billion. Homeowners wishing to add a brand new garden shed to their garden or hire a professional landscaper for a complete revamp may want to consider home owner loans as a method for financing the move.
It is thought that the popularity of television garden makeover programmes has heightened the desire among Britons to put money into their gardens, with one in eight garden-owning Britons admitting that such shows have motivated them. The study found that a strong design element is now present in nearly a quarter of all UK gardens.
"In the last few years we have seen a rise in popularity of garden furniture such as patio heaters and hot tubs, and it seems more and more people are taking pride in their outdoor space," explained Craig Allen, head of home insurance at More Than.
Homeowner loans offer an affordable and convenient way for people to enhance their backyard. With 41 per cent of those surveyed revealing that they value their garden as much as any room in their house, it is clear that Britons are prepared to spend considerable amounts to improve the look and feel of their garden.
In addition to enhancing the garden for summer barbeques, many homeowners are also realising that improving the look of a garden can prove considerably beneficial when it comes to selling a property. With the housing market extremely competitive, an attractive garden can significantly increase the value of a home. Home improvements can be vital in today's housing market, with home owner loans available for those wishing to boost the value of their properties.
Britons considering taking out home owner loans for any home improvement projects are advised to consider whether they will be able to afford the repayments before going ahead and to shop around for the best possible deal on the market.