Despite the sustained market downturn, recent research from the Federation of Master Builders State of the Trade report highlights that the three most common projects its members are undertaking are renovations (70%), home improvements (70%) and major works (65%).
In addition, according to the latest Homebuilding & Renovating Show survey, homeowners are willing to invest an average project spend of £151,000 in their properties rather than moving, and renovation projects are dominating the workloads of builders and their trades. Indeed, this six-figure average project spend can be seen as a signal of the sustained “appetite for major hoe upgrades.”
As a partner to the London Homebuilding & Renovating Show, which takes place at Excel London from 18-20 September 2026, the FMB maintains that the combination of a six-figure average project spend and high levels of renovation activity paints a picture of homeowners taking a long-term approach to their properties.
It contends that householders are investing in the creation of additional spaces, ranging from living rooms and offices to gyms and bedrooms, modernising layouts, no matter the age of the property and future-proofing homes through refurbishment programmes or the installation of sustainable technology such as HVAC systems and heat pumps.
Indeed, the three most common types of projects undertaken by FMB members highlight that the market is focused on transformational work, rather than cosmetic improvements. For builders, tradespeople, manufacturers, suppliers and merchants, these figures represent encouraging news because high-value projects typically generate demand across multiple trades and product categories, which, in turn, lead to opportunities throughout the supply chain.
Nick Noble, Commercial & Events Director, Future PLC, commented: “UK homeowners’ appetite for renovation shows no sign of slowing as we are seeing that the average project value is £151,000, and this significant investment in their properties creates a strong demand across the construction sector.”
Click here for more on the latest FMB State of Trade survey.
