We have seen a rise in home improvements and a lot of colleagues in the industry report the same so whilst I think it is still tough for the property industry I agree with the RBS guy that (for those lucky to be employed) a rise in disposable income.

And with property prices still being depressed AND people in negative equity, many of people are turning to home improvements to help sell a home, improve its potential value for a later sale or just to make it refreshed if they are staying put.

I too cant see interest rates rising just yet but I'm still not too convinced that there isnt another dip ahead as reality bites from the bail outs. A finance expert on sky was saying that its all well and good borrowing £800bn but at some point it has to be repaid?

Sobering thoughts really