Why More Homeowners Are Choosing to Improve Rather Than Move

The numbers back this up

According to the Renovation Nation Report published by MyBuilder.com in April 2026, over a quarter of UK homeowners say they are now more likely to renovate than relocate, rising to more than half among 18 to 34 year olds. Separately, Aviva's research shows that almost seven million UK homeowners plan to renovate their properties by 2027, budgeting an average of around £14,000 each.

One in five homeowners says they would like to move but cannot afford to. That figure has grown significantly over the past two years. For many, renovation is not a compromise. It is simply the most sensible financial decision available.

What are people choosing to improve?

The most common projects are extensions, loft conversions, kitchen upgrades and the creation of dedicated home office space. Outdoor improvements are also rising sharply, with garden spending up significantly year on year according to recent consumer surveys. At a higher level, some homeowners are going further: reconfiguring layouts, adding storeys, or undertaking whole-house renovations that effectively create a new home within an existing shell. When the result is a property that performs well, looks right and suits how the family actually lives, the case for staying put becomes compelling.

The financial argument

There is a straightforward financial logic to improving rather than moving, particularly in areas like Dorset where property values are high and supply is constrained.
A well-specified extension or conversion can add considerable value to a property, often more than it costs to build. That is not guaranteed, and the return depends on the type of work, the quality of execution and the local market, but in many cases the numbers support the decision to invest rather than uproot.
There are also the running costs to consider. A home that has been properly insulated, had its systems upgraded and been built to current standards will cost less to run than an older property that has not. Over the long term, that saving is real and meaningful.

Is improving the right decision for you?

Not always. There are situations where moving makes more sense, whether because the plot is genuinely constrained, the neighbourhood is wrong, or the changes needed are simply too extensive. But for a large and growing number of homeowners, the answer to wanting more from their home is right in front of them.

Final thoughts

At MPS Building Ltd, we work with clients who are at exactly this point. If you are weighing up whether to improve your current home or look for something new, we are happy to have an honest conversation about what is realistic and what the numbers might look like.

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