Landlords and property owners are being held back from spending money on improving their home because of the current state of the economy, according to an expert.

Andrew Leech, director at the National Home Improvement Council, said that DIY jobs are taking second place as many are struggling to make ends meet.

Mr Leech was commenting on a recent survey from Lloyds TSB which revealed that spending on home improvement projects has declined to its lowest level in over 15 years.

“A lot of these people who can’t improve their homes will still have a holiday abroad or a new car; they can afford money for that sort of thing, but they turn a blind eye to the property that they live in,” he added.

Mr Leech went on to say that if the current housing stock is to be maintained to the level that it deserves then a lot more personal money will have to be put in.

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