Majority of the residents across the GCC plan to carry out home improvements over the next 12 months to enhance their lifestyle and comfort levels, according to a recent survey conducted by leading home and lifestyle channel HGTV.

The research revealed that more and more people across the GCC were investing in their homes, regardless of whether they are homeowners or tenants.

It also shows the changing face of do-it-yourself (DIY) and home improvement as more people plan to stay in the region for longer periods and improve their lifestyle.

Conducted in a region that is often considered a transient market, the survey found that 66 per cent of the respondents are interested in finding new ways to improve their homes in the next year, including 55 per cent eager to invest in rental properties to re-decorate the interiors of their homes, as well as 45 per cent of homeowners planning to renovate kitchens to make them more functional.

The research aimed at both homeowners and tenants also found that more than a third (37 per cent) of residents in these countries have noticed a considerable increase in the amount of DIY and home improvement choices in the market, including the launch of HGTV in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) back in November 2016.

The leading lifestyle channel is the #1 cable network among upscale W25-54 in the US and has a relatable formula to its programs that makes it the premiere destination for those looking for home inspiration.

However, despite the easy to follow educational tutorials it provides, nearly a quarter (22 per cent) of GCC residents still feel like they do not know enough about DIY and home improvements to carry it out themselves.

A further 74 per cent of homeowners noted they would rather a professional carry out their own home improvements, despite their interest in trying their hand at the DIY task, stated the survey.

Commenting on the results, Phillip Luff, the managing director at UK and EMEA Scripps Networks Interactive, said: "We found the results surprising, but also very positive for the region, as more people are planning to invest in their home, irrespective of whether they owned the property or not, or whether they carry it our themselves or hire a professional."

"What traditionally is seen as a transient market is now offering an unexpected growth opportunity for home-improvement and décor businesses across the region, and we’re just glad the HGTV channel can be a part of the inspiration behind people transforming a space into a home," he added.

The targeted piece of research surveyed 2,700 respondents that represent the cross section of expats, NRIs and GCC nationals living in the GCC markets: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar.-TradeArabia News Service