More than half of all homeowners plan to do up their property during the coming six months.

About 56 per cent of people are planning a DIY project in the near future, the equivalent to 9.5 million households, according to The MarketPlace at Bradford & Bingley.

The group put the DIY enthusiasm down to people opting to make the most of their current property rather than move to a new home, with 49 per cent of those questioned saying they planned to improve their home this year rather than move.

David Bitner, of The MarketPlace, said: "This current wave of DIY mania may be fuelled by more than the popularity of shows such as Changing Rooms, DIY SOS and Home Front.

"More homeowners may be reacting to the current economic and political uncertainty and choosing to sit tight and consolidate their property assets."

Friday March 14 2003