Bathrooms are expected to be a major growth area for DIY retailers this year as homeowners give their properties a makeover.

Matthew Piner, a retail analyst at Verdict Research, expects to see more people investing in new bathroom suites, providing an opportunity for DIY retailers and contractors.

"The big area of growth is likely to be bathrooms," he said. "It is something that is currently quite under capacity and there is a lot of [market] share there for DIY retailers to move into."

An important driver for the DIY sector is confidence in the medium to long-term prospects for the housing market.

The credit crunch saw a significant correction in house prices, which has left many homeowners feeling rather less bullish than they might have been three or four years ago.

As the credit squeeze eases and house prices begin to rise again, the DIY sector will benefit.

According to Aspect Maintenance, a handyman service, 70 per cent of London's homeowners plan to improve their properties this year.

Homeowners are always looking for ways to add value to their properties, so when loans become more freely available demand for new bathroom suites, kitchen units and loft conversions is likely to return to pre-recession levels.

Posted by Ashley Brunskill
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