Abbey: Homeowners disguising bedrooms

A significant number of homeowners would look to disguise a bedroom in order to avoid having to purchase a home information pack (Hips), according to new research.

Last month, a survey by Abbey found that 4.5 million owners of properties with four or more bedrooms would choose to rename a room.

Following the launch of Hips for three bedroom properties this week, the firm discovered that a further four million people plan to disguise a bedroom as a study, playroom or walk in wardrobe.

Nici Audhlam-Gardiner, head of mortgages at Abbey, advised against the move, arguing that marketing a home in this way may lose the interest of potential buyers.

"You might also make your property seem over-valued as potential buyers will be comparing the price of your bigger abode against someone else's," she remarked.

According to the communities minister Iain Wright, families looking to purchase a four bedroom property are now receiving "clear" information on how to make cost savings on energy bills following the introduction of Hips.

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