Median Renovation Spend Rises Significantly, Houzz Survey Finds

  Posted by: electime      29th May 2025

Ageing housing stock fuels demand for renovations

More than half of homeowners renovated their homes in 2024 (51 per cent) at a median spend* of £21,440, according to Houzz, the leading platform for home renovation and design, empowering industry professionals and their clients with all-in-one project management and design software. The 2025 UK Houzz & Home Study of more than 1,000 UK respondents found that the median spend increased by 26 per cent year on year (£17,000 in 2023), with the top 10 per cent of renovating homeowners spending £169,000 on home renovations.

With 53 per cent of renovating homeowners residing in homes built in 1940 or earlier, repairs and system upgrades are a key focus. Nearly 2 in 5 homeowners undertook home repairs (39 per cent) in 2024. Of those who renovated, more than 2 in 5 homeowners upgraded heating systems, closely followed by plumbing and electrical (43 per cent, 42 per cent and 39 per cent, respectively). Home renovation activity is expected to continue into 2025, with 3 in 5 of the surveyed renovating homeowners planning to decorate (60 per cent) and almost half planning to renovate (49 per cent) this year, both figures similar to those cited last year (59 per cent and 49 per cent in 2023).

“While rising costs for goods and services are influencing renovation spend, activity remains stable,” said Marine Sargsyan, staff economist at Houzz. “With almost half of homeowners planning renovations, it suggests that the need to update ageing housing stock continues to fuel demand for home improvements.”

Professional hiring remains widespread across all project types and sizes, with more than 9 in 10 homeowners (94 per cent) choosing to work with a pro. Speciality service providers such as electricians (59 per cent) and plumbers (56 per cent) were the most commonly hired. Notably, demand for cabinetry professionals rose by 8 percentage points year over year to 27 per cent, while hiring of painters, roofers, and architects also increased, each by 5 percentage points (41 per cent, 31 per cent, and 25 per cent, respectively). Homeowners also turn to builders, interior designers and design & build firms for their guidance and execution. When planning a renovation, homeowners can find and hire building, renovation and design pros using Houzz Pro for a standout experience.

Long-term Commitment to Our Homes
Renovating homeowners are committed to living in their homes long-term, with 3 in 5 planning to stay put for at least 11 years following their project (61 per cent). Pent-up demand continues to be the strongest motivator for home upgrades, with renovating homeowners reporting they finally have the financial means and time to pursue a renovation (36 per cent and 33 per cent, respectively).

Funding Sources
The majority of renovating homeowners continued to rely on savings to fund their renovations (83 per cent), followed by proceeds from a previous house sale (20 per cent) and credit cards (13 per cent). The use of gifts or inheritance saw a modest increase, rising to 12 per cent from 9 per cent in 2023, while the use of credit cards fell 5 percentage points (18 per cent in 2023).

Entrances in the Spotlight
Upgrades to entrances saw a slight increase year on year. Nearly a third decorated their existing entrance or mudroom (32 per cent), nearly a quarter renovated or upgraded (24 per cent), and 7 per cent added or extended their entrance (compared to 29 per cent, 20 per cent, and 4 per cent respectively in 2023).

Outdoor Projects Offer Aesthetic and Functional Improvements
Half of renovating homeowners enhanced their outdoor spaces in 2024 (50 per cent). While aesthetic improvements are common, many homeowners are also making functional upgrades. The most frequently tackled projects include work on beds and borders (29 per cent), lighting systems (23 per cent) and security systems (16 per cent). Additionally, renovating homeowners are investing in hardscape and structural features, with sheds and workshops the most common outdoor structure project (17 per cent), followed by gazebos or pergolas (11 per cent) and decks (9 per cent). Although built-in outdoor kitchens remain a niche feature (3 per cent), their popularity has shown a slight uptick from 2 per cent in 2023.

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

The Houzz & Home Study

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 2024, 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 2025. The 2025 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 2025 UK Houzz & Home survey was sent to registered users of Houzz and fielded in March – April 2025.

The full report is available here.