AACCORDING to a recent survey by MyHammer, DIY is enjoying renewed popularity because of the recession. It found that 85% of people would rather make improvements to their home than sell up in the current economic climate.

More than half (58%) of those surveyed said they were planning or doing home improvements.

For more than two thirds (69%) this was because they feel they have to stay in their current home for longer than originally anticipated.

The study found that the hardest hit were those over 56, with 92 per cent of people in this age group saying they must improve instead of moving.

Following the fall in house prices, many of this age group are stuck in their current homes.