Latest study from Houzz finds homeowners plan to stay in their 'forever homes'

Home renovation and design platform Houzz has shared the findings from its 2026 UK Houzz & Home Renovation Trends Report, which indicates homeowners are making long-term commitments to their homes – we bring you the highlights and key takeaways.

The 2026 UK Houzz & Home Study found that more than 7 in 10 homeowners plan to stay put for 11 years or more (71%) following a renovation, and nearly 2 in 5 consider their residence a forever home (39%). This commitment is especially strong among Baby Boomers*, with more than half (53%) saying they never plan to move out, compared with 31% of Gen X and 24% of Millennials.

Pent-up demand remains the strongest motivator for home upgrades, with more than a third of homeowners saying they finally have the financial means (36%) and time (34%) to renovate. Nearly a third of renovations are driven by a recent home purchase (31%), up from 27% the previous year. Damage related to home age follows at 21%, while life events account for another 20%.

Among homeowners renovating due to life events, the most commonly cited reasons are adjustments needed to work from home (27%) and changes in income or employment (22%), followed by health or accessibility needs (14%). Millennials are the most likely to cite increased remote-work needs (56%), while older homeowners are more likely to point to employment or income changes (38%), including retirement, as well as changing health or accessibility needs (25%).

“Renovating homeowners are making long-term investments in ‘forever homes’,” said Marine Sargsyan, head of economic research at Houzz. “Pent-up demand remains a key driver of renovation activity, with homeowners finally having the financial means and time to adapt their homes to support evolving lifestyles. Continued spending across interiors, outdoor areas and essential home systems underscores homeowners’ commitment to improving the functionality, comfort and longevity of their homes.”

Activity Holds Steady as Spend Softens
Nearly half of homeowners undertook a renovation in 2025 (49%), while 3 in 5 decorated or furnished (60%) and 44% made repairs (up from 39% in 2024). Median renovation spend** softened slightly to £20,000 in 2025, down from £21,440 in 2024, but remained above the £17,000 reported in 2023. High-end spend also eased, with the top 10% of projects reaching £115,000 or more, compared with £169,000 the previous year.

Looking ahead, homeowners continue to plan home projects in 2026. Decorating and furnishing lead intended activity at 57%, followed by renovations at 46% and repairs at 31%. Median planned renovation spend has declined to £10,000, down from £14,000 for 2025.

Savings Remain the Dominant Funding Source
Savings remain the primary way homeowners fund renovation projects, used by nearly 9 in 10 renovating homeowners (86%). Credit card use jumped 6 percentage points year on year (to 19%), while 17% of homeowners used proceeds from a previous home sale and 10% used gifts or inheritance. Funding patterns vary greatly by generation, with millennials significantly more likely than older generations to use credit cards, gifts or inheritance and mortgage refinancing, while Baby Boomers are more likely to rely on proceeds from a previous home sale.

Many Homeowners Exceed Their Budgets
Nearly three-quarters of homeowners set a budget before starting their project (74%). However, 38% exceeded their initial budget, compared with 33% who completed their project on budget. Only 3% came in under budget. More than a quarter of homeowners started their renovation without a budget (26%).

Professional Hiring Remains High
The vast majority of renovating homeowners hired at least one professional in 2025 (92%), underscoring the role of skilled experts in delivering complex projects. Speciality service providers were the most commonly hired, led by electricians (56%), plumbers 54%) and carpenters (41%). 

Homeowners Prioritise Interiors and Essential Systems
Homeowners undertook a diverse range of renovation projects in 2025, tackling interior rooms, outdoor areas and home systems. Interior room projects were the most common activity, undertaken by 74% of renovating homeowners, followed by outdoor upgrades (72%) and home system upgrades (65%).

Bathrooms, kitchens and bedrooms tied as the most common interior projects, each undertaken by 27% of renovating homeowners. Among home systems, heating led at 38%, followed by plumbing and electrical upgrades, each at 34%, underscoring the continued focus on essential home infrastructure.

* Generational categories follow Pew Research Centre’s age ranges: Gen Zers (18-29), Millennials (30-45), Gen Xers (46-61), Baby Boomers (62-80) and Seniors (81+).

** Median spend is the midpoint level, meaning half of renovating homeowners on Houzz spent more and half spent less.

The annual UK Houzz & Home Study is the largest survey of residential renovation, building and decorating activity published. The survey covers a wide range of renovation projects in 2025, from interior renovations and extensions to home systems, exterior upgrades and outdoor projects. Data gathered includes historical and planned spends, professional involvement, motivations and challenges behind building, renovation and decorating projects, as well as planned activities for 2026. The 2026 study includes more than 1,000 respondents in the UK alone, providing insights into the home improvement activity of the millions of users of the Houzz site and mobile apps.

The 2026 UK Houzz & Home survey was sent to registered users of Houzz and fielded in March - June 2026.

The full report is available HERE.