If you’ve outgrown your house you might be thinking about moving, or wondering whether there’s another way to add space to your home. Aside from the logistics and general upheaval, moving is an expensive process and depends on there being a suitable property on the market.

And, with a general election around the corner and uncertainty over Brexit, not to mention the usual seasonal lull over Christmas – lots of people are finding the property market is a little slow, deciding instead to change their current home to fit their growing needs.

There are lots of ways of adding space to a property – we’ve gathered a few of the most popular.

Side return extension

Terraced houses often have a narrow passageway down one side of the house. Often used as a dark, damp dumping ground, this space is perfect for extending into. Although it’s often not a huge amount of space, opening up the side of your property and putting in roof lights with a side return extension can create an amazing bright open space – a far better use of the space!

Single storey rear extension

For properties with a bit more space to the rear, a single storey rear extension often opens up a kitchen to create a big open plan space. With views over the garden and big doors to let in plenty of light, single storey rear extensions are all over the interiors magazines.

In terms of cost, there’s a huge amount of variation. If you opt for a single rear extension you could keep it simple and to a tighter budget with some Velux windows and French doors – or you could go all out with bi-folds and a ceiling lantern to let the light in.

Single storey extensions are often possible without needing to seek planning permission, so you can get started without too much hassle.

Wrap around extension

A little more extravagant than a single storey extension simply at the rear of the house, a wrap around extension does just that – wraps around the property. A wrap around extension might be desirable if you want to open up the back of your property completely (with a big set of bi-fold doors, for example) but still have a separate utility area. You’ll need to get planning permission for this type of extension and it obviously only works where you have space to the side of your home.

Multi-storey extension

If you need bedroom space and living space, a two-storey extension might be a good solution, though you will need to go through the planning permission process before you can start work. It’s worth weighing up the cost of a two-storey extension against a loft conversion and a single storey extension, if both could fit your requirements.