MORE and more house hunters are searching for homes with a driveway or garage, says an estate and lettings agency.

Parking is one of the most common must-haves for buyers, says Antony Gibson, managing director of residential sales at Berkshire-based Romans. He said sellers often ask "How much value will a garage add to my property?" and "Does having a parking space increase demand from buyers?"

Mr Gibson explained: "Utilising what parking you have or, better yet, creating more is one of the most reliable methods for increasing the desirability of your home."

Consider converting part of your front garden into some parking space, he suggested. The good news is planning permission is often not needed if the property is located on an A or B road, although local highway regulations will need to be adhered to. Home owners are strongly advised to check with their local council before starting any work.

If your home offers both a garage and a parking space, it may be possible to increase its value further by converting the garage into extra living space. Adding an extra room to your home is fairly straightforward, said Mr Gibson, and in many cases does not require planning permission. Again, it is always advisable to seek professional advice beforehand.