After several years of rising bills, mortgage costs and economic uncertainty, you might expect most homeowners to be putting major home plans on ice. But that isn’t what’s happening.

Instead, a surprisingly large number of people are looking ahead to 2026 as the year they finally get on with improving their homes – from extensions and renovations to long-delayed upgrades that make everyday living a little easier.

The reason is simple: for many households, staying put and improving what you already have is often more attainable than starting again somewhere new. In addition, hybrid working, growing families and a growing focus on energy efficiency, and the appeal of investing in your own home becomes clear.

Home improvement over house moves

Today’s renovations are less about luxury and more about practicality. Extra space, better insulation, improved layouts and more efficient heating systems are all high on the wish list.

Younger homeowners, in particular, are also far more likely to see renovation as a long-term strategy. Rather than stretching themselves for their next home, many are choosing to adapt their current ones to suit the next stage of life. That might mean converting lofts, opening up kitchens, or creating flexible spaces that can change as needs evolve.

Older homeowners tend to be more cautious, but even for them there’s strong interest in smaller, targeted upgrades – bathrooms that are easier to use, warmer homes with lower running costs, and gardens that are simpler to maintain.

Regional differences – and shared challenges

Where you live also plays a role in renovation plans. In some parts of the country, improving an existing home feels far more achievable than competing in a fast-moving local housing market. In others, space constraints or planning restrictions mean homeowners are looking for smarter ways to rework what they already have.

What unites almost everyone, however, is the challenge of finding the right tradespeople.

Planning ahead is becoming essential

The UK’s long-running skills shortage hasn’t gone away, with good tradespeople in high demand. Builders, plumbers, electricians and decorators are often booked months in advance, especially for larger projects.

It means, if you’re thinking about a renovation in 2026, now is the time to start researching, budgeting and having early conversations. Leaving it too late can lead to delays, unwanted compromises or having to cancel projects entirely.

Making renovation less stressful

A successful project isn’t just about the end result – it’s about how smoothly you get there. Clear communication, realistic timelines and written agreements matter just as much as design choices.

It’s also important to understand exactly what you’re being quoted for, how material price changes could affect costs, and what protections are in place if something goes wrong. Insurance, guarantees and references aren’t paperwork for the sake of it – they’re what give homeowners confidence to move forward.

And while it might sound trivial, small things help. Knowing how long you’ll be without a kitchen, bathroom or heating makes a big difference to day-to-day life during a build. So does having a decent working relationship with the people in your home every day.

A broader shift in how we use our homes

What’s clear is that this renewed interest in renovation isn’t just about property value. It reflects a broader shift in how people think about their homes – as long-term spaces that should support health, work, family life and wellbeing.

From better ventilation to reduce damp and mould, to gardens that work harder for relaxation or growing food, homeowners are becoming more thoughtful about how their homes function, not just how they look.

If 2026 does turn into a big year for home improvement, it won’t be because people suddenly feel flush with cash. It will be because improving what you already have increasingly feels like the smartest, most achievable option.

And for anyone considering taking the plunge, the message is clear: plan early, ask the right questions, and think carefully about what will genuinely make your home work better for you.