Transforming your decrepit flat into a des res is easier said than done. But with the costs of moving spiralling, it is no wonder that more and more people are taking on big home improvement projects. Here Times Online gives you some useful tips and insights into how to build and develop.

Lucy Denyer’s handy guide on how to find a good property deal, along with potential development opportunities, and Lucia Adams' invaluable self-build weblinks are great places to start. Make sure your budgeting skills are honed by following these tips.

Build your dream home at a fraction of the price, Kathryn Cooper tells us how to beat the bank, whilst Charlotte Rowles gets her hands dirty with some of her own home building.

Prefer to use diverse materials and designs to build your home? Here are some creative ways to make your house stand out.

Sian Griffiths investigates the inspiration, and cost, behind returning large country houses back to their former glory.

Want to build abroad? Take a look at Building Your Dream Home: Overseas Property: Going native in Andalucia and how not to build your dream home.

If completely re-developing your house is not up your street, Naomi Cleaver’s hints on loft conversions could be just the project for you.

Building from scratch? Check out these essential pages:

Building Your Dream Home: Don't lose the plot finding your land

Building Your Dream Home: Wood made good

Building Your Dream Home: A revolution in the suburbs

Lastly, if that all sounds like too much hard work, ease your conscience by reading CC Norton's confessional: why he's useless at home repairs

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• First-time buyer

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