Now the final bank holiday of August has passed, it will not be long before the leaves begin to turn, days become shorter and an autumnal chill will begin to set in, forcing everyone to put away their holiday brochures and put on their winter coats.

As the population considers turning their heating on again, many people will start thinking about whether their home is suitably insulated to keep them warm throughout winter without costing a fortune.

Many home owners in more modern properties will benefit from the careful planning of architects and developers with double glazing, cavity wall insulation and roof or loft insulation. Not only will these features save money on heating, but they can also increase the value of the property.

Michael Fiddes, Head of Agency at Strutt & Parker notes that: "Under the government's CERT scheme, homeowners are entitled to a grant to install cavity wall or roof insulation for their home. A wood burning stove for the inside of the house can also be a stylish way to keep a room warm and is always popular during viewings."

Other ways to keep your home warm during the winter include external solid wall insulation which can renew the appearance of outer walls as well as insulating the property. However this is not applicable to cob walls and some other traditional building types and it's not permitted in conservation areas or for listed homes, in which case wall insulation would be more suitable.

With the current global climate, home owners have become increasingly aware of the importance of being 'eco-friendly' in terms of lifestyle, and therefore sustainable homes which can emulate this are always popular with environmentally conscious buyers.

Admittedly, it can be costly to insulate your home well, especially if it is an older or listed property, and the disturbance caused within the home whilst wall insulation or new windows are fitted can be an annoyance for the time the builders are in your home.

However, Fiddes concludes: "Although it does cost money to insulate your home well, the long-term benefits far outweigh the short-term hassle of having the insulation installed. A well-insulated property that stays warm throughout the winter can increase the price of a property, or if you are letting, eliminate the void period between rentals."