There are several reasons why adding an extension makes sense, particularly with the continued uncertainty in the housing market. Many of us just can’t face the stresses and strains of trying to sell a house and buy another one simultaneously. If you like your neighbours and your kids are settled in local schools, but you crave a bit of extra space, extending could be a simpler option.

Research undertaken by Abbey shows that a whopping 42 per cent of homeowners are abandoning their plans to move house and are choosing to extend instead. While loft and cellar conversions are not always an option, extending outwards is by far the most popular choice.