A report from MyBuilder.com suggests that people are more likely to undertake renovation projects rather than move house, due to shifting priorities and the cost of living crisis.
British homeowners are choosing to invest in their current homes, rather than moving house, which MyBuilder says may lead to higher demand for skilled tradespeople.
The Renovation Nation Report 2026 shows that more than a quarter of homeowners (26%) say the current financial climate is making them more likely to renovate rather than move This rose to 53% in the 18-34 age group.
It also found that 27% of homeowners say they are more likely to invest in home improvements in 2026, with strong growth in kitchen and bathroom projects.
The report found that 79% of Brits are monitoring electricity use, and 65% are limiting gas, and at the same time people are prioritising efficiency, resilience, and cost-saving upgrades. Google searches for HVAC are up 126%, and demand for EV installations on the MyBuilder platform have increased by 51%.
The report also looks at the topics of DIY, the trades skill shortage, and popular home improvement trends.
Andy Simms, from MyBuilder.com, said: “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. It also reveals that demand for skilled tradespeople is likely to be higher than ever, as more homeowners choose to renovate or extend, rather than move.
“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. It’s also interesting to see compelling stats to indicate that Brits are increasingly looking into sustainability as a priority. We predict this will continue to be popular in the years to come.
“We continue to monitor our platform data and consumer research to stay ahead of the curve – as trends develop so too does the demand for reliable tradespeople.”
For the full report, see: https://www.mybuilder.com/blog/renovation-nation-report
