Many British homeowners are choosing to extend their basements in order to create extra space and add value to their properties, it has been claimed.
According to basement building specialist CellarWise, the practice of converting an underground area into living space is already well-established in the capital and is beginning to spread further afield.
The London-based company revealed that its "enquiry rate has gone through the roof" recently as a growing number of householders are put off moving and instead look for more innovative ways of improving their existing residences.
"A lot of people are comfortable in their house because it's good for commuting distances and schooling … the housing market is moving but it's slowing down because people don't want to move," said CellarWise spokesperson Keith Defoe.
He added that a good basement conversion can give a property "that 'wow' factor".
Paul Weller sang 'I'm going underground' on The Jam's 1980 number one hit and, over 25 years later, an increasing number of UK homeowners are following his lead.
Self storage is another way to create space in the home.
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