About 1.7 Million UK Homes Marked as Renovated as Owners Choose Refurbishment Over Moving
Freedom of Information data from the Valuation Office Agency and a Churchill survey show many homeowners are improving rather than selling amid higher costs and emotional ties to their communities.
About 1.7 million homes in England and Wales now carry official markers indicating they have had substantial improvements, reflecting a broader trend of homeowners opting to renovate rather than move, according to data seen by Churchill Home Insurance.
The figure, obtained by Churchill via a Freedom of Information request to the Valuation Office Agency in April, represents roughly one in 15 homes in England and Wales. The VOA uses “improvement indicators” to denote major structural changes such as extensions or loft conversions; it does not regard redecorating as a major change.
The VOA said it will not change a property’s council tax band as a result of improvements until the property is sold or until a general revaluation of domestic properties, a policy intended to avoid penalising homeowners for improving or maintaining their homes. The agency also notes that the improvement indicator appears on the property information when a postcode is searched online.
Churchill’s research included a separate survey of more than 2,000 people and found practical and emotional reasons are discouraging owners from moving. Forty percent of respondents cited the stress of moving — packing, managing property chains and hosting viewings — as a major deterrent. More than 30 percent pointed to a strong emotional connection to their home and neighbourhood.
Financial barriers also play a role. Estate agents, higher asking prices, stamp duty and elevated mortgage rates have made moving more expensive and complex, while removal and legal fees add to the cost. For many, renovating offers a way to gain space or modernise without the up-front costs and upheaval of a sale and purchase.
Sarah Khan, head of Churchill Home Insurance, said homeowners should check insurance cover and planning requirements before starting substantial works, particularly if the property will be unoccupied for extended periods. Some works, such as small extensions, loft conversions and garage conversions, may be allowed under permitted development rights, but rules vary by location and properties in conservation areas or listed status may face stricter controls. Homeowners uncertain about planning requirements can apply for a lawful development certificate to confirm whether permission is required.
Costs and supply-chain pressures are complicating many renovation projects. Data from the Office for National Statistics show the average cost of construction materials rose by more than one-third between the end of 2019 and recent years. Industry figures and tradespeople interviewed in related reporting also cite difficulties finding reliable builders and delays in completing work on schedule.
Broadcaster Clive Holland, who presents on trade-focused radio, said renovations enable households to adapt existing space to changing needs — for example, creating home offices, extending living areas or updating kitchens and bathrooms — while avoiding the disruption of moving. He added that careful planning, hiring reputable tradespeople and clear communication are key to completing projects efficiently and to a high standard.
Analysts and industry groups said the trend is likely to affect demand in related markets. Higher take-up of renovation work could sustain activity in the building and home-improvement sectors even if residential transactions slow. It may also influence long-term housing stock quality and local planning workloads, as councils process change-of-use applications, enforcement queries and permitted development classifications.
The VOA data do not indicate when the listed improvements took place or the total value of works. They do, however, provide a snapshot of the number of properties flagged for substantial change, against a backdrop of elevated housing costs and shifting household preferences.
Homeowners considering major works are advised to consult their local planning authority, check permitted development rules, notify their insurer and obtain written contracts and references for tradespeople. Those unsure about whether works require planning permission can seek a lawful development certificate from their local planning authority for formal confirmation.