How Much Are Homeowners Budgeting for Home Improvements in 2026?
How much homeowners are budgeting for home improvements in 2026 varies enormously by project type and region – but understanding the typical figures helps tradespeople pitch their services correctly and avoid underquoting for customers who have budget for quality work.
Average UK Home Improvement Budgets in 2026
Research from Checkatrade’s consumer spending reports and Rated People’s annual home improvement survey indicates:
| Project type | Typical customer budget | Typical mid-market spend |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom renovation | £3,500-£8,000 | £5,500 |
| Kitchen extension | £18,000-£40,000 | £28,000 |
| Loft conversion | £25,000-£55,000 | £38,000 |
| Rewire (3-bed house) | £2,500-£5,000 | £3,800 |
| New boiler | £1,500-£3,500 | £2,500 |
| Solar panel installation | £4,500-£9,000 | £6,500 |
| EV charger installation | £400-£1,200 | £750 |
| Rear extension | £35,000-£80,000 | £52,000 |
| Garden project (hard landscaping) | £2,000-£8,000 | £4,500 |
Regional Variation in Home Improvement Budgets
London and South East homeowners typically budget 20-35% more than national averages for the same projects, reflecting:
– Higher property values (improvements must maintain proportionality)
– Higher labour expectations
– Higher cost of living generally
Northern England and Wales tend to run 10-20% below national averages for comparable work.
This has direct implications for tradespeople: the same quality of work justifies higher rates in high-value areas. Don’t price a London bathroom install at Midlands rates.
What Drives Budget Decisions
Property value: Homeowners instinctively benchmark improvement spend against property value. A £5,000 bathroom renovation in a £300,000 house is considered good value. The same spend in a £150,000 house may feel disproportionate.
Financing: More homeowners are financing home improvements via personal loans, home improvement credit, or equity release. Those with financing in place are less price-sensitive at the quoting stage.
Previous experience: Homeowners who have had bad experiences with cheap tradespeople are willing to pay more for credentialed, reviewed professionals. This is the customer segment most worth targeting.
Conclusion
The trades industry rewards those who combine excellent work with professional business practices. The guidance above covers the practical fundamentals – applying it consistently is what separates the tradespeople who stay busy and profitable from those who struggle with feast-and-famine cycles. For further guidance, visit Statista: UK home improvement.
Free calculator by CoreQuote — the quoting app for trades
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I tell customers my budget range when quoting?
No. Quote the job accurately and present your price with confidence. Customers who are asked their budget often quote lower than they actually have available. Do your job survey, build your quote accurately, and present it professionally. A customer with a £6,000 bathroom budget who receives a well-presented £5,800 quote has no reason to negotiate.
How do I compete on quality rather than price?
Display credentials (NICEIC, Gas Safe, MCS, trade body memberships), share photos of past work, quote promptly and professionally, and be specific about what’s included and why. See our guide on what homeowners really want from a tradesperson for more detail.
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