This year, the scent of new paint is common in British homes, but not because people are moving. According to recent data, over half (57%) of UK homeowners now prefer to fix up their current homes instead of moving out. In fact, most plan to redecorate or furnish, with almost half planning major renovations. It’s easy to see why.
Moving is expensive, mortgage rates remain high, and many people realise their current home can work much better with a few updates. Instead of searching for a new address, homeowners are redesigning kitchens, improving storage, installing built-in furniture, and upgrading energy efficiency to suit their daily lives.
At Gloucester Rd, we keep you updated on local business news, community narratives, and useful resources for small business owners in Bristol and nearby areas.
Moving Still Costs More Than Renovating
When you calculate the financial reality of relocating, staying put becomes much more appealing. A 2026 HOA report found that the average cost of moving house in the UK is now £13,018. The total covers stamp duty, legal fees, surveys, and removal costs for a typical property under £300,000, though the figure increases significantly in London and the South East.
Considering this expense, a new kitchen or a garden office seems like a more practical option. Homeowners are weighing up the costs and realising it is a better investment to improve their existing home, if that means a new kitchen worktop or a replacement roof for a garden room.
It’s not just about saving money upfront, though. Spending on your current place often adds real value to the property itself. You get to enjoy the improvements every single day rather than waiting for an eventual sale. By building a home that perfectly suits your needs, you save yourself the massive headache of property chains and stressful house viewings.
Kitchens Remain The Top Priority
Kitchens remain the most popular room to renovate across the UK, and it’s easy to see why when you consider how much time households spend in them. Rather than just being a place to prepare meals, modern kitchens function as social gathering spots, informal workspaces, and the main focal point of daily family life. UK homeowners are choosing warmer colour palettes, layered lighting schemes, and practical layouts that motivate shared cooking rather than keeping one person isolated in a tight space.
Skilled tradespeople like electricians and plumbers are highly sought after, as most UK homeowners undertaking renovations hire at least one professional to ensure the job is done correctly. Custom-fitted furniture is also becoming more popular. Built-in cabinets or breakfast nooks made to fit can make even awkward spaces useful. For a deeper insight, explore this practical guide on how to plan kitchen lighting and build a scheme that balances brightness, mood and everyday practicality.
Garden Buildings Add Space Without Moving
With demand for extra space at an all-time high, outdoor areas are taking on a far bigger role. Instead of paying for an expensive home extension, many homeowners are using their outdoor space as a home office, a gym, or just a place to store bikes and holiday decorations.
A garden building can meet the same need as an extension, but it costs much less and is easier to set up. The main decisions, like planning permission and the right materials for the climate, are worth getting right from the beginning.
Options range from a practical home office to coastal-inspired summerhouses or beach huts from Elfords for homeowners wanting a dedicated leisure escape. Getting this advice early on can prevent a lot of uncertainty when construction begins.
Energy Efficiency Climbs The List
People are also focusing more on energy efficiency because energy bills are still high and old boilers are becoming harder to justify. Things like loft insulation, double glazing, and heat pumps are no longer just good-to-haves; they’re becoming real priorities. This is true for people who plan to live in their homes for a long time. A well-insulated home is also warmer when you first walk in on a cold morning, which is as important as the energy bill itself.
To see how these upgrades work in practice, check this guide that illustrates property energy efficiency improvements and their impact on home performance:
Conclusion
Homeowners are not just upgrading while waiting for the housing market to change. Now, people are making changes to get more space, save money on energy bills, and better enjoy their living spaces. If you are planning a project this year, it pays to get price estimates early on and start with the room that will make the biggest difference in your everyday routine. Want to stay updated on home improvements? Get in touch with us at Gloucester Rd now.
