The contents of your attic could be worth more than you think

FOR most of us, I suspect, the attic is a place to store rarely-needed items such as Christmas decorations or large suitcases.

However, it could just give a boost to your family finances.

According to research, one in 10 homeowners who found an item in their attic they didn’t realise was there say it was worth £1,000 or more.

The new figures from Confused.com reveal the average value of hidden gems in our attics comes in at £348, with nearly one in five finding something left behind by previous owners.

Unusual items found in attics include an old Bakelite telephone with a recording of Churchill talking, antique Troika pottery and an original Beatles LP as well collections of stamps and football programmes.

While seven in 10 UK homeowners have an attic, more than a quarter didn’t check it before moving in. To read more about antiques, click here Indeed, 3% still haven’t, which may explain why these unexpected items of value keep turning up.

Confused.com estimates the average value of the contents of a person’s loft is £653, although, one in 20 have contents worth more than £2,000.

Recently, a householder in the Cotswolds discovered a 100-year-old stamp collection which was worth £250,000.

Confused.com’s Gareth Lane says: “The attic has traditionally been a place in the house no one sees.

“However, this research has shown many homeowners have uncovered unique treasures by rummaging through their attic.

“In some cases those items have been worth thousands.

“These hidden valuables contribute to people undervaluing their home contents, leaving many vulnerable to loss if they become victim of theft or damage to the home.”