Garages drive up house prices

According to valuers for the Virgin One account, kitchen and bathroom refits no longer top the table for adding value to your property, because off-road parking and a garage are now far more desirable to Britain's 23 million car owners.

Virgin One account bosses also say that more and more customers are freeing up funds to pay for property makeovers instead of planning a move. In the last year there has been a marked increase in the number of customers who have released cash for home improvements.

Virgin One Account's Improvements That Add Most Value:

1. Single garage

2. Conservatory

3. Loft conversion

4. Rear extensions

5. Double glazing

6. Kitchen refit

7. Bathroom refit

8. Central heating