© Press Association 2009

More than half of homeowners have done work to improve their property during the past year, spending an average of more than £5,000 each, a survey has shown.

Around 55% of people said they had carried out work on their home, two-thirds of whom had redecorated it, according to Halifax.

A further 39% of people had taken steps to improve their garden, while 26% had bought new furnishings, 20% had put in new carpets and 18% had installed a new bathroom.

Just under half of people said they had done work on their property to improve its look and design, while 38% said they had been updating or modernising their home.

Around 13% of people said they had either increased the size of their property during the past year, or planned to do so during the coming 12 months.

Among those adding extra space, a third had an extension built, while 31% added a conservatory and 28% converted their loft.

People spent an average of £5,300 on home improvements during the past year, excluding those who added more space to their home, with those who have lived in their property for only one or two years spending the most at around £8,100.

Unsurprisingly, adding an extension was the most expensive home improvement carried out, at an average cost of £19,900, followed by a loft conversion at £15,800 and adding a conservatory at £11,500.

Among other improvements, people spent most on a new kitchen at an average of £6,300 and replacing windows or installing double glazing at £3,700.

Stephen Noakes, commercial director at Lloyds Banking Group, which Halifax is part of, said: "In the current housing market, many people have decided to stay put rather than move."