UK homeowners are increasingly choosing to improve rather than move as financial pressures reshape housing decisions.
New research from MyBuilder shows 26% of homeowners are more likely to renovate than move due to the current economic climate, rising to 53% among those aged 18–34.
The findings highlight a shift in behaviour as affordability constraints, higher borrowing costs and lifestyle changes reduce appetite for moving home.
More than a quarter (27%) of homeowners said they plan to invest in home improvements in 2026, with kitchens and bathrooms among the most popular projects.
DIY WHY
The report also points to growing demand for professional trades, with homeowners less willing to undertake DIY work despite rising renovation activity.
Energy efficiency and cost control are emerging as key drivers of home improvements. The research found 79% of households are actively monitoring electricity use, while 65% are limiting gas consumption.
Demand for sustainable upgrades is also increasing, with online searches for heating and ventilation systems rising sharply and electric vehicle charging installations up 51% on the MyBuilder platform.
Interest in features seen as less environmentally friendly, such as log burners and artificial grass, is declining.
The data suggests a longer-term shift in the housing market, with more homeowners choosing to extract value from existing properties rather than trading up, with implications for transaction volumes and supply.
NEW PRIORITIES
Andy Simms, Spokesperson at MyBuilder, says: “The Renovation Nation Report is a fascinating snapshot of how UK homeowners are shifting their priorities to investing in their homes, rather than moving on.
“The data indicates that many of these homeowners are shifting from luxury renovation to more practical alternatives, which, with the current financial climate, is unsurprising.”
