Savills Portugal

Renovating a property can be extremely rewarding and while a project may not appeal to all, for some the relative value and chance to create a home that suits their own style and needs can be an opportunity too good to miss.

In fact, since the pandemic there has been a strong correlation between home mover numbers and home extensions and improvements. A total of 135,963 planning consents were granted across England in the six months to September 2021 – the strongest two quarters for home improvements and extensions since at least the middle of 2014.

The largest increase in consents was in the North East – up 47 per cent in the year to September 2021 compared with the previous 12 months. This was followed by Yorkshire and the Humber with a 45 per cent rise. The smallest increase occurred in London, where it’s typically harder to get planning permission.

However, it’s not just those relocating that have sought to extend their homes. Many homeowners have decided to improve their existing properties rather than enter into a highly competitive housing market. As a result, the total number of permissions granted for the year to September 2021 reached 247,500 – some 19 per cent above the pre-pandemic norm.

Whether you’re looking to embark on a renovation project as part of your desire for a new life in the country, or you’re after manageable modernisation in the city, we have handpicked some of the best opportunities currently on the market.