Heat Trap Homes Report 2026
Updated on
New report has revealed a growing urgency around home adaptation in the UK, as summers consistently grow hotter
About the report
The Heat Trap Homes Report 2026, from MyBuilder.com, examines how the UK’s hottest summer on record exposed the fact that British homes are unequipped to accommodate a fast-warming climate.
Drawing on platform data and a survey of 2,000 Britons, the report offers a comprehensive look at how heat-trap homes affect people’s well-being, the knowledge gaps that prevent homeowners from making home adaptations, and consumer sentiment on British workplace temperature regulations.
Key insights
Homes built for a bygone era: More than one-third (35%) of respondents—rising to 45% of 18 to 24-year-olds, and 44% of respondents who had children in their homes—said their home isn’t suitable for today’s climate.
Air-conditioning shift: 39% of Brits said air conditioning has become a necessity rather than a luxury, while 23% stated that they wouldn’t buy a home without it, rising to 38% among 18 to 34-year-olds.
Suffering sleep quality: 46% of respondents suffered from poor sleep this summer due to the stifling heat—17% slept in a different room, while 5% even said they slept outside at least once because their homes were too hot.
Cognitive consequences: More than one-third (37%) said the heat in their homes has negatively affected their well-being, and 27% felt they could not escape it, even inside their homes.
Home adaptation vs. affordability: More than a third (37%) of people surveyed said they cannot afford the changes they want to make to their homes to cope with the heat, rising to 51% among people with children living at home, and to 47% among 18 to 34-year-olds.
Knowledge gaps: 49% of respondents didn’t know that some heat pumps can both cool and heat their homes, which can be more affordable to install than air conditioning when they’re a viable option.
Grant and subsidy confusion: 56% of Britons said they were confused about which grants and subsidies are available for sustainable home upgrades, increasing to 63% among 35 to 54-year-olds.
Call to action: 46% of homeowners don’t think the government is providing enough financial support to help homeowners make their homes environmentally sustainable, some of which could also fix a heat-trap home.
Workplace regulations: 64% said the UK should introduce a maximum workplace temperature, while 60% said the UK should set a maximum workplace temperature for people working outside.
Why it matters
The findings point to an urgent problem in the UK housing landscape: Brits are struggling to live in homes that weren’t built for today’s record-breaking heat, and limited knowledge of affordable options and financial barriers are preventing homeowners from making the necessary home adaptations.
This has significant implications for the UK housing market, government policy, and the tradespeople responsible for making home changes in the years ahead.
Download the report
Access the full Heat Trap Homes Report 2026 for detailed data, charts, and insights into the trends shaping the future of UK homes.