Brand new report from leading tradesperson platform predicts property trends for 2026
Millions of British homeowners are choosing to invest in their current homes, rather than moving house, according to a brand new report, published today.
The cost of living crisis, economic pressures, shifting priorities, and changing lifestyles are transforming the UK home improvement market.
The Renovation Nation Report 2026, published by MyBuilder.com, the reliable way to hire tradespeople, shows that more than a quarter (26%) say the current financial climate is making them more likely to renovate rather than move This rose to 53 per cent in the 18-34 age group.
It also found that 27 per cent of homeowners say they are more likely to invest in home improvements in 2026, with strong growth in kitchen and bathroom projects. However, despite increased renovation intent, many homeowners remain reluctant to carry out work themselves, with a growing preference for hiring professionals.
The increasing financial difficulties also mean that millions of Brits are mindful of their energy bills. Self-sufficiency is becoming an increasing priority for millions of Brits. The report found that 79 per cent of Brits are monitoring electricity use, and 65 per cent are limiting gas. And beyond limiting costs, homeowners are also prioritising efficiency, resilience, and cost-saving upgrades. Demand for sustainable solutions is rising sharply, with Google searches for HVAC up 126 per cent, and demand for EV installations on the MyBuilder platform increasing by 51 per cent. Concurrently, interest in environmentally harmful features such as log burners and artificial grass declines.
The findings point to a clear shift in the UK housing landscape: homeowners are staying put and investing in their existing properties, driven by financial pressures, sustainability concerns, and long-term value. This has significant implications for the property market, the construction sector, and the availability of skilled tradespeople in the years ahead.
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.
“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/