The best home renovating tips: don't move, improve, with these tried and tested tactics to transform your living space

Rising house prices and high stamp duty levels have led to the number of planning applications rising by a quarter in the last five years.

The 'don't move, improve' philosophy is growing in popularity across the UK but particularly in London, which has seen the highest rise in in the country — up 60 per cent since 2012.

The number of applications lodged for renovating basements has rocketed by a massive 183 per cent, according to the new research by Halifax Insurance, with more single-storey extensions and loft conversions also in the pipeline (up 49 per cent and 43 per cent respectively).

The idea of renovating and/or extending can seem daunting, but many Londoners have struggled through the planning, pulling down and doing up process to be left with stunning results.

Here are some of the best tips picked up from their experiences:

Go for statement surfaces and lighting

If you want to add lots of character to make a place your own but the layout has already been fixed, stamp your mark on it with statement surfaces and lighting.

Interior designers Kat Turner and Jessica Gibbons from Field Day gave a masterclass in this approach for a City trader's Southwark penthouse, maximising space by using perimeter lighting and industrial-inspired concrete walls with one white porcelain and copper tiled mosaic wall in the living area for impact.

Make the most of generous ceilings

Make the most of generous ceiling height by creating a dramatic mezzanine level like former banker Joanne Leigh, who downsized into a one-bedroom Earls Court apartment three years ago.

Erfan Azadi of Notting Hill architecture and design studio Duck & Shed focused on the 12.5ft ceilings to completely overhaul Joanne's property, leaving her with an additional 16sq m thanks to clever space and storage solutions.

There is mirrored storage for her cutlery and glassware at the entrance and a short corridor is mirrored at both ends to lengthen its appearance.

Dig, extend and convert all at once

Emilie Mauran may not have fallen in love with her Fulham home at first sight (it was dilapidated, to be fair), but she has since more than doubled its size from 130 sq m to 285 sq m by digging a basement level, extending the ground and first floors and converting the loft into two bedrooms and a bathroom.

Do your homework when it comes to listed properties

It is possible to make dramatic changes to listed properties (even in the case of this Grade II* home, restored by architect Shahriar Nasser), but remember that the whole property is listed, not just the facade.

You will need to consult with planners from the off and do your homework on what may be allowed and what definitely will not be.

Expect planners to be more open to changes in already altered or less important parts of the house, such as the basement.

Prioritise the essentials with a two-phase refurb

Consider a two-phase refurbishment that prioritises the essentials so as not to become overwhelmed when transforming a run-down house into your dream home.

IT specialists Renato Calliso and David Morgan followed this advice for their leaky, damp Kennington terrace, starting with a new slate roof, removing a staircase that went nowhere, replacing all the windows with double glazed timber sashes and decorating the upper floors.

Then came the 11-month basement extension to bring width, space and light.

Bought for £850,000 in 2013, with works costing £250,000, their swish property is now valued at a cool £1.55million.