74 percent of people in the UK believe that renovating or improving a property is a better option than selling in the current market, according to Safestore's third biannual "Moving and Improving" Index.

The index showed that people continue to lack confidence in the stability of the housing market, with 54% of those surveyed describing themselves as having mixed feelings about it - a figure that doesn't significantly differ from the previous study.

In addition people feel unable to get on the property ladder because of a series of barriers. The index revealed that the people feel that their biggest barriers are that they can't afford a deposit, and that there are a lack of available mortgages.

As a result of this - coupled with people's uncertainty over the housing market's stability - many of those surveyed said that they would rather invest in their properties, with the hope of capitalising on their investment should they sell in the future. Currently 40 % say that they have plans to improve their home in he next 6 months

However, the index reports that people are warming to the idea of moving - in Nov 2010, 81% felt they should improve and not move, compared to 78% in spring 2011.