Renting blamed for decline in DIY skills in under-30s

Spending on DIY by the under-30s has fallen by a third since 1996, and credit card provider MBNA thinks that the property market may have something to do with it…

With reports showing that the age of first time buyers steadily climbing, young adults are no longer responsible for putting up shelves, fixing a leaky tap or even painting walls, with many tenancy agreements banning tenants from making any changes to their rented homes.

Overall the DIY sector has grown by 42% since 1996, but the nations under 30’s are spending 32% less than they were 20 years ago, to an average of only £108 a year. Conversely, their parents’ generation – from 45-60 year olds are upping their spending to an average of £240 a year.