During the last bank holiday of the year many people will be staying in and indulging in one of Britain’s favourite hobbies: doing DIY.

According to research from Halifax, a huge percentage of UK homeowners say that when buying a new property they would want to change the structural framework. A massive 76 per cent of homeowners between the age of 18 and 40 would choose to knock down walls to create their perfect home. 

Nearly two thirds would look to add an extension to a new property and 65 per cent would add extra space through a loft or basement conversion.

When asked where they would look for inspiration when buying a new home, 40 per cent of the respondents to the Halifax survey chose the open-plan houses from Australian soap Neighbours, while 35 per cent favoured the quaint cottages of Midsomer Murders. The smallest percentage chose New York loft apartments seen on Friends and Sex and the City, suggesting UK homeowners favour larger, family-sized properties.

Less than one in five people would buy a house that required no work and despite the hard labour involved, an impressive 62 per cent of people would be willing to make major structural changes to their next property, adding both cost and time.

Stephen Noakes, commercial director of mortgages at Halifax, says people are now more willing than ever to take on projects in their home. ‘Whether it's knocking down walls, converting unused space or extending – homeowners are less willing to compromise to create their ideal living space.’