House security measures 'can add value' to home

12/07/2009

House security measures such as gates installations are the second top performing home improvement in terms of return on investment, according to Halifax.

Garden improvements were ranked as fourth from the top, which could also include gates enhancements, while redecorating was in third with fuel efficiency and energy saving measures in first, in the research that formed part of the Halifax Home Improvement Survey.

"This research has shown that it is often the low cost, straightforward home improvements that are perceived to add the most monetary value to a home," said Stephen Noakes, commercial director at Lloyds Banking Group.

Halifax said that garden improvements can enhance the quality of life for the user as well as appeal to potential buyers, but warned excessive decking and fountains may be expensive and not to everyone's liking.

Moneysupermarket.com recently recommended people to make sure that their gates and fences are in good condition to protect properties from thieves.