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More than half of young people lack the basic DIY skills necessary to maintain their homes, a recent study shows.

Research undertaken for Halifax Home Insurance has demonstrated that half of under 35 year olds can't wire a plug, 63% wouldn't attempt to put up wallpaper and 54% can't bleed a radiator.

A life-sized reconstruction of a living room will be hoisted into St Ann’s Square next week to launch a hard-hitting campaign aimed at cutting burglary across Manchester.

One in three burglaries happen through an open door or window and the mocked-up living room, which is open on two sides, will demonstrate how easily a burglar can get into your home if you don't take simple precautions.

A recent poll conducted by leading London-based property maintenance and refurbishment company, Aspect Maintenance, has uncovered the most dreaded DIY tasks.

Topping the survey was room re-decoration, accounting for 38 percent of the votes. And 36 percent of those questioned, indicated that clearing guttering and downpipes was a job they weren’t too keen to undertake.

More homeowners than ever are choosing a lick of paint or new wallpaper to spruce up their property – according to latest research on home improvement spending habits.
 
A new survey reveals more than half of all homeowners (56 per cent) carried out some form of improvements to the tune of an average of £6,362 over the last 12 months. 
 

New research has shown that homeowners have spent more money on loft conversions than other popular home improvements over the last 12 months - a figure which makes sense according to loft conversions expert Gary Dyer.

A survey carried out by the Halifax found that over 50% of homeowners had extended or modernised their properties in some way over the past year, with an average spend of £6k. Those who had loft conversions spent above this, with an average outlay of £7k.

Sotheby's has announced a new and exciting collaboration with Sudeley Castle with an inaugural selling exhibition of cutting-edge contemporary design to be staged in the spectacular grounds of the estate from Friday 28 May to Sunday 1 August 2010.

The Sotheby’s selling exhibition, arranged in association with Carpenters Workshop Gallery, will showcase a series of one-off and limited edition pieces by leading contemporary artists and designers including Marc Quinn, Lionel Scoccimaro, Pablo Reinoso, Marcel Wanders, Jurgen Bey, Wendell Castle, Robert Stadler, Vincent Dubourg (see photo) and Ingrid Donat, as well as the design ateliers Studio Job, Demakersvan and Atelier Van Lieshout.

In view of the current economic climate, many of today’s property owners have sought to improve, before considering a house move.  And, Spring presents the perfect time to freshen up your property, whether you opt for a redecoration or a full refurbishment.

London-based property maintenance company, Aspect Maintenance, provides property owners with its top tips on how to maintain the gas, electrics, plumbing or roof of their properties. The tips are designed for homeowners to create money savings, retain their property’s value and to be more environmentally friendly.

Shelter and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) have launched Architect in the House, an innovative scheme that matches homeowners with an RIBA chartered architect for a  consultation in exchange for a donation of £40 to Shelter.

Now in its 14th year, the scheme has raised over £1 million for homeless and badly housed families and helped 50,000 homeowners realise their home improvement aspirations.

The Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF) continues to attract signatories to its Downing Street petition to introduce a window scrappage scheme to the double glazing industry.

The list of people supporting the proposition now tops 3500.

The GGF petitioned the Government to introduce a scrappage scheme, whereby householders would be encouraged to scrap their old poorly insulated windows in return for a £1000 grant towards the installation of new, professionally installed, energy efficient ones.

Christmas decorations blight the festive housing market, putting off house hunters throughout the UK. According to the first regulated property portal, PropertyLive.co.uk, curb appeal can depreciate through over the top use of tinsel and flashing lights.

People getting into the Christmas spirit this month are unwittingly risking a sale if they fail to be conservative about how they decorate their home. PropertyLive experts have warned that the traditionally quiet Christmas property market could be further hit by lavish and often inappropriate decorations.