Five interest rate rises in almost as many months, recent flood damage and a cooling property market have caused homeowners to take a long hard look at their most important asset. For many, moving house is no longer an option and making the most of their current home is the most sensible strategy.

This trend has been confirmed in a recent survey by the Halifax revealing that home improvements have increased in popularity by 12 % on last year’s figures as more than half the population (58%) have undertaken some form of home improvement in the past 12 months. These figures are borne out by research carried out at the National Homebuilding & Renovating Show in March where 44% of visitors described themselves as home improvers, up 6% from 38% at the London Show in September 2006. This is surely welcome news for anyone working in the property industry.

The organisers of the London Homebuilding & Renovating Show, on at ExCeL from 21 to 23 September, had already identified this trend and have focussed heavily on home improvements at the Show. The Move or Improve? Pavilion will feature a number of specialist companies covering all aspects of home improvement and Michael Holmes, presenter of the ITV programme Don’t Move, Improve will be presenting a daily seminar on ‘Renovation Do’s and Don’ts: The Key to Successful Home Repair, Extension and Conversion’. There will also be a full day of twelve free Renovation Masterclasses on Sunday 23 September.

“We could see the direction the market was taking and wanted to make sure the Show reflected this” said Show Director Nick Noble, “We feel it is important to offer both our consumer and trade visitors a wide range of products and services that focus on renovation and home improvement. Our research revealed that 75% of visitors see updating a kitchen or bathroom as the most important project following by 72% interested in extending their property and 62% seeking to convert a loft or basement.”

The London Homebuilding & Renovating Show also boasts the Eco Homes Zone, the T3 Smart Home Zone and a wide range of self-build exhibitors. Over 220 national and specialist companies will be on hand to offer the latest products, innovations and services. Free seminars and exhibitor-led masterclasses will help visitors to plan their projects. The seminars take a broad overview on a range of topics whilst The Masterclasses concentrate on a different specialist area each day of the Show - Friday is Eco Day, Saturday is Self-Build Day and Sunday is Renovation Day. In all there is an incredible total of 72 free sessions during the three days of the Show.

The London Show takes place at ExCeL from 21 - 23 September and will feature over 220 exhibitors, 12 free seminars and 12 free masterclasses every day offering an unrivalled source of information and advice under one roof. Tickets are £8 in advance or £12 on the door (children under 16 go free). For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.homebuildingshow.co.uk or phone 0870 906 2002.

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