75% of homeowners consider renovating instead of moving - Here's why

RG Law Blogger
14 hours ago
2 min read

If you have recently found yourself weighing up whether to move house or improve your current home, you are far from alone. A growing number of homeowners across the UK are making the same decision - and the results are striking.

Recent research shows that 75% of homeowners are now choosing to renovate instead of moving, highlighting a clear shift in how people are approaching property decisions in today’s market.

Painted room under renovation with two ladders, plastic-covered floor, paint tray and bucket near a bright window.

With rising house prices, increased mortgage costs, and the added expense of stamp duty and legal fees, the traditional route of moving is no longer the automatic next step for many households. Instead, more people are exploring how they can adapt their existing space - whether through extensions, conversions, or modernisation - rather than facing the cost and disruption of relocating.

From adding extra space to upgrading layouts and improving energy efficiency, the “improve, don’t move” approach is quickly becoming the new normal.

To explore the research in more detail and understand why so many homeowners are making this shift - read the full article here:

75% of homeowners consider renovating instead of moving

Why More Homeowners Are Choosing to Renovate

There are several key reasons behind this shift, and they go beyond simple cost-saving.

For many, renovation offers a more flexible and long-term solution. Instead of compromising during a house move, homeowners can adapt their existing property to suit their exact needs.

Common drivers include:

Avoiding high moving costs and fees
Staying in a preferred location or community
Creating more space for growing families or remote working
Increasing the value of their property over time

With millions of homeowners planning improvements over the coming years, it’s clear that this is not just a short-term trend, but a longer-term change in behaviour.

Renovating vs Moving: A Financial Perspective

Moving house can be expensive—and those costs don’t add value to your property.

By comparison, investing in your current home allows you to:

Couple installs a ceiling pendant light on a ladder in a bright room, smiling, with tools on the floor.

Put your money directly into improving your property
Potentially increase its market value
Avoid upfront costs like stamp duty and agent fees

This is why many homeowners are now viewing renovation as not just a lifestyle decision, but a financially strategic one.

How Are Homeowners Funding Renovations?

One of the biggest questions homeowners face is: how do we pay for it?

This is where remortgaging plays an important role.

Rather than using savings alone, many homeowners are choosing to release equity from their property through a remortgage, giving them access to funds for extensions, upgrades, or full renovations.