A significant share of UK homeowners are planning to invest in major home improvements in 2026, signalling a surprising degree of confidence despite prolonged cost-of-living pressures and ongoing economic uncertainty.
New research from MyBuilder.com, an online platform for hiring tradespeople, indicates that around one in three Britons intend to carry out substantial upgrades to their homes next year. The findings suggest that, rather than moving house, many homeowners are choosing to renovate, extend or modernise their existing properties as a way to adapt to changing needs and rising housing costs.
According to the study, 31 per cent of respondents said they feel confident about spending money on their home in 2026, an increase compared with the previous year. Meanwhile, 27 per cent reported that they are more likely to renovate or extend their current property rather than relocate. The data points to a shift in homeowner behaviour, driven in part by affordability constraints in the housing market and the high costs associated with buying and selling property.
Confidence levels vary significantly by age group. Younger homeowners are the most optimistic, with more than half (53 per cent) of those aged 18 to 34 saying they plan to renovate or extend their homes. By contrast, homeowners aged over 55 were the least likely to undertake major improvements, with just 12 per cent indicating similar intentions. Industry observers say this generational divide reflects differing priorities, with younger households more inclined to adapt their homes for remote working, family growth or long-term living.
Regional differences are also evident. Homeowners in Yorkshire and the Humber emerged as the most likely to renovate rather than move, with 38 per cent planning to upgrade their properties. At the other end of the scale, the South West recorded the lowest appetite for renovation, with just 20 per cent indicating plans to improve or extend their homes.
For the construction and skilled trades sector, the findings point to sustained demand through 2026. However, the research also highlights persistent structural challenges facing the industry, particularly an ongoing shortage of skilled tradespeople. MyBuilder.com found that 35 per cent of respondents had struggled to find a suitable tradesperson for the work they needed, while 13 per cent said they had been forced to cancel planned projects due to a lack of available skilled workers.
These constraints could translate into longer lead times and higher costs for homeowners, particularly for complex renovation and extension projects. Andy Simms, a property maintenance expert from MyBuilder.com, said the level of confidence among homeowners was encouraging, given the broader economic backdrop.
“After what many have found a difficult year financially, with the cost of living crisis affecting many people, it’s great to see that so many Brits plan to upgrade their property in 2026,” he said.
However, he warned that capacity pressures in the trades sector mean homeowners need to plan well in advance. “With the trades shortage across the UK, we’d advise homeowners to plan well ahead if they want to secure their preferred tradesperson. Many builders, in particular, book out time for jobs many months in advance, so it’s wise to get in touch with them as soon as you know you’d like work to be done.
“Many skilled tradespeople in this country have waiting lists, so don’t delay in reaching out in advance of when you want your project to start.”
To help homeowners navigate the renovation process, MyBuilder.com has outlined a series of practical questions to ask before work begins. These include understanding a builder’s experience with similar projects, checking accreditation and insurance cover, and requesting references and reviews. Homeowners are also advised to clarify whether prices are fixed quotes or estimates, particularly given recent volatility in raw material costs such as steel and timber.
Other considerations include guarantees on workmanship, payment terms, start dates and project timelines. While practicalities such as access to kitchens or bathrooms during works are important, Mr Simms also highlighted the value of good communication and a professional working relationship between homeowners and tradespeople.
The research underscores a broader trend in the UK housing market, where renovation is increasingly seen as a strategic investment rather than a discretionary expense. As affordability pressures persist and mobility declines, industry analysts expect home improvement activity to remain resilient, provided capacity and skills shortages in the trades sector can be addressed.
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