Renovation Nation Report 2026
Updated on
A new era of home improvement is taking shape in the UK as household priorities change
About the report
The Renovation Nation Report 2026, from MyBuilder.com, reveals how economic pressures, shifting priorities, and changing lifestyles are transforming the UK home improvement market.
Drawing on a year of platform data and a survey of 2,000 UK homeowners, the report explores how and why homeowners are choosing to invest in their properties - and what this means for the industry in the year ahead.
Key insights
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Improve, not move: Over a quarter (26%) of homeowners say they are more likely to renovate than relocate due to the current financial climate - rising to 53% among 18-34s.
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Spending on the rise: 27% of homeowners say they are more likely to invest in home improvements in 2026, with strong growth in kitchen (+19%) and bathroom (+8%) projects.
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Self-sufficiency shift: With 79% of Brits monitoring electricity use and 65% limiting gas, homeowners are prioritising efficiency, resilience, and cost-saving upgrades.
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Eco Ethos in action: Demand for sustainable solutions is rising sharply, with HVAC searches up 126% and EV installations increasing by 51%, while interest in log burners and artificial grass declines.
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DIY ditched: Homeowners are confident about renovating, but reluctant to do it themselves - 73% are uncomfortable using a chainsaw, and nearly half would leave power tool jobs to professionals.
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Skills shortage impact: 36% of homeowners have delayed or cancelled projects due to difficulty finding tradespeople, highlighting growing pressure on the workforce.
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Hot vs Not: Practical upgrades such as kitchens, gardens, and EV installations are on the rise, while non-essential or high-cost features like hot tubs, log burners, and artificial grass are falling out of favour.
Why it matters
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.
Download the report
Access the full Renovation Nation Report 2026 for detailed data, charts, and insights into the trends shaping the future of UK homes.