How are UK homeowners adapting their spaces in 2026? According to the GetBuilder Renovation Nation Report, the trend of "improving rather than moving" has reached new heights. High transactional moving costs and mortgage rates have encouraged homeowners to reinvest in their current properties, with the average household spending £14,500 on home renovations over the past 12 months.
The report, which surveys 10,000 UK homeowners, highlights a major shift in priority toward energy-efficient upgrades, kitchen makeovers, and attic storage boarding. Here, we outline the key trends, project averages, and return on investment (ROI) expectations.
Key trends: What are homeowners building in 2026?
- The Rise of the Eco-Home: Energy efficiency is the top priority for 2026. 42% of surveyed homeowners invested in home insulation (loft insulation, cavity wall insulation) or central heating upgrades (combi boiler conversions, heat pumps) to lower utility bills.
- The Garden Living Space: Following work-from-home trends, 35% of households invested in garden makeovers, including paved patios, composite decking, or custom summerhouses.
- Attic Boarding for Storage: Rather than expensive extensions, 28% of homeowners boarded their lofts and installed drop-down ladders to maximize storage space without structural modifications.
| Home Renovation Project | Average UK Cost (2026) | Typical Property Value Added (ROI) |
|---|---|---|
| Loft Conversion (Dormer) | £40,000 - £65,000 | +15% - 22% |
| Single Storey Extension | £30,000 - £60,000 | +10% - 15% |
| New Fitted Kitchen | £5,500 - £15,000 | +5% - 10% |
| Garden Landscaping / Patio | £4,000 - £9,000 | +5% - 8% |
| Double Glazing Upgrade | £3,500 - £6,500 | +4% - 6% |
| Loft Insulation (270mm) | £500 - £900 | Immediate utility bill drop |
Regional spending highlights
Redecoration and building budgets vary significantly across the UK, reflecting regional house prices and wages:
- London & South East: Homeowners spent an average of £22,000 per property on renovations, with high demand for structural loft conversions and double-storey extensions.
- North of England & Yorkshire: Spent an average of £11,500, prioritizing kitchen updates, bathroom tiling, and energy insulation.
- Midlands & Wales: Spent an average of £12,800, focusing on garden paving, block driveways, and combi boiler swaps.
A note from our data coordinator
"Homeowners are being highly strategic. Rather than purely cosmetic updates, they are focusing on structural changes that reduce running costs—such as A-rated boiler swaps and loft insulation—and projects that add maximum square footage, like loft conversions."
Start your renovation safely with GetBuilder
Planning a home upgrade? GetBuilder matches you with vetted, insured local professionals in seconds:
- Post your project requirements: Specify your budget, size, and timeline for free on GetBuilder.
- Compare trade profiles: Match with local builders, plumbers, electricians, and painters checked for active certifications.
- Compare transparent quotes: Receive up to three written quotes with no success fees or hidden charges.
