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Despite falling house prices, the percentage of first-time buyers in the market has increased, a report states, news which may be important for Britons currently looking to sell their home.

The average price of a terraced house dropped from £151,305 to £149,589 - between October and November 2008 - according to the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA).

Indeed, taking out a loan to undergo home refurbishments to boost a selling price may be a wise move to make, after the NAEA notes that the value of an average detached property now stands at £287,922, down from £291,592.

"For tens of thousands of people, their new year's resolution as 2008 draws to a close will be to get on to the property ladder, or to move further up it. We must all do what we can to help them achieve that goal," states Chris Brown, president of the organisation.

However, making home improvements - possibly paid for with a secured loan - could also be worthwhile because the number of first-time buyers in the market rose for the third consecutive month.

In related news, the over-55s are more likely to take energy efficiency steps in order to lower their home heating bills, Opus Energy revealed.