Homeowners' spending on DIY is set to fall by ten per cent during the first quarter of the year as people take on less ambitious projects, research showed today.

During the three months to the end of March people plan to spend an average of £1,126 on home improvements, down from £1,239 the previous quarter and £1,243 in the first three months of 2002.

The number of homeowners attempting major DIY projects has also fallen, with fewer planning to put in kitchens and bathrooms and more intending to redecorate their home, according to Alliance & Leicester.

The group said the reduction in spending on DIY suggested people might be less confident they will recoup any money spent improving their home through an increase in its price.