Home improvement is taking a back seat, with property owners choosing to splash their cash on a holiday abroad or a new car, according to an expert.
Andrew Leech, director at the National Home Improvement Council, said that DIY is now taking second place as many people struggle to make ends meet.
Recent research from Lloyds TSB revealed that spending on home improvement projects has declined to its lowest level in over 15 years because of the squeeze on finances.
It means that many properties could fall into a state of disrepair, and it is important for property owners to remember that they should keep up with important maintenance tasks, such as ensuring that their flue accessories are in good working order.
"If we are going to maintain the current housing stock to the level that it deserves then a lot more personal money has got to be put in to the improvements," added Mr Leech.