More homeowners are investing in improving their homes rather than moving, according to the mortgage broker Loans Warehouse.
Secured loans for home improvements increased by 14% in the second quarter of 2026, reflecting a trend towards homeowners modernising, extending or renovating their existing homes rather than moving to a better house.
As people work from home, families grow or elderly relatives move in, households face a tough decision to either move to a bigger home or extend their existing one.
Homeowners can build up a large amount of equity in their homes, which can be used to secure loans for major home improvements, with repayments spreading the cost of major home renovation projects over a long period.
The housing market was flat during the first half of 2026, and if this continues, many households will choose to enhance their current home rather than engage with an uncertain property market. The high cost of moving has also put some off. Legal fees, surveys, removal services, stamp duty and other costs have risen significantly recently.
This home improvement trend is good news for the self-storage industry, as it may drive further demand for temporary storage space from those who need to store furniture and belongings removed from areas of their home that are being renovated.
Of course, some still prefer to move to a better or larger home rather than renovate or modernise. For those who need a Liverpool removal company to transport their belongings to a new home, talk to us at Merseyside Movers & Storage about our comprehensive removals service.
