Planning home improvements for 2025? You’re certainly not alone. A lot of people in the UK are looking at sprucing up their homes, with kitchens and interior decorating topping the list of what folks want to tackle. It’s pretty interesting to see what’s driving these decisions and, more importantly, whether people are rolling up their sleeves to do it themselves or bringing in the professionals.
The Big Picture: What Are UK Homeowners Planning?
So, what’s on the mind of UK homeowners when it comes to improving their living spaces? According to the Hillarys UK Home Renovation Trends & Statistics 2025 report, interior decorating projects were the most popular, with 29% of people planning them. Right behind that, with 23% of homeowners looking to get it done, is the ever-popular kitchen renovation. It’s easy to see why – a new kitchen can really transform a home.
When you look at the numbers, it seems like younger homeowners, those aged 18-34, are gearing up to spend more on DIY projects. A good chunk of them, about 36%, are planning to boost their DIY budgets for 2025. This is quite a bit higher than the 17% of homeowners aged 55 and over who are saying the same thing. It might suggest that the younger crowd is grabbing properties that need a bit more work or they’re just more inclined to get stuck in themselves. Interestingly, these younger homeowners are looking to spend around £4,000 more on average for their DIY efforts, according to the DIY Trends by Age Group in 2025 data.
DIY All the Way? The Reality of Home Improvement Projects
Painting is often the go-to DIY job, right? It’s usually seen as the most accessible part of home improvement. However, the statistics paint a different picture when it comes to full renovations. Only about 19% of UK homeowners actually managed to complete their renovations entirely on their own. This means the vast majority, a whopping 81%, ended up calling in professionals for at least some part of the work. It’s quite a common scenario, actually – people start with the best intentions for DIY.
Some keen DIYers have reported saving over £5,000 on their projects, which is a pretty significant chunk of change. This kind of saving is a big draw for tackling things yourself. However, for bigger jobs, the stats suggest that most people realise their limits. The Squared Money Home Improvement Index 2024-2025 highlights this by saying that 92% of homeowners planned to use professionals for at least part of their major projects, even with the appeal of saving money due to rising labour costs. It makes sense, when you think about it.
Why do so many people opt for professional help, even when a DIY approach could save money? Well, a big reason is a lack of skills and confidence. The same report indicates that 66% of homeowners simply don’t feel comfortable or skilled enough to take on more complex DIY tasks. For things like house extensions or electrical rewiring, most people would rather pay for expertise to ensure the job is done safely, correctly, and to a high standard. Getting these bigger jobs wrong can lead to much bigger, and more expensive, problems down the line.
The Rise of Professional Trades
Looking at the numbers from Houzz UK’s 2025 Renovation Trends Study, it’s clear that professionals are the preferred route for most homeowners. In 2024, an astonishing 94% of homeowners decided to work with professionals during their renovations. When it comes to the tradespeople they hired the most, electricians came out on top, with 59% of homeowners bringing them in. Plumbers were a very close second, hired by 56% of people. This really underscores the need for skilled trades for many home improvement projects.
The average spend on renovations has also seen a jump. The median spend in 2024 reached £21,440. With 51% of homeowners undertaking renovations, it’s a busy market, and this activity is expected to continue strongly into 2025. It’s not just about aesthetics; it seems people are investing in the core systems of their homes.
Digging a bit deeper into the market, the professional trades sector is actually outpacing DIY in terms of market share. The UK home improvement market as a whole is projected to grow significantly, from £11.3 billion in 2024 all the way up to £16.67 billion by 2033 according to MyJobQuote UK’s Investment Areas. Within that, the professional trades sector is valued at £8.82 billion, showing just how much homeowners are relying on skilled workers. On top of that, nearly 7 million homeowners are planning renovations by 2027, with an average projected spend of £14,000. That’s a lot of projects heading our way!
It’s fascinating to see which specific trades are seeing increased demand. On Houzz, for instance, the demand for cabinetry professionals actually rose by 8 percentage points, reaching 27%. Painters, roofers, and architects also saw increases, with demand up by 5 percentage points each, reaching 41%, 31%, and 25% respectively. This might tie into the fact that many renovators are planning to stay in their homes for the long haul – 61% are looking at staying for 11 years or more. When you’re planning to stay put, you tend to invest more in quality and make bigger improvements. And how are they funding these big projects? The majority, 83%, are relying on their savings.
What Kind of Renovations Are Happening?
Let’s look at the specifics of what homeowners are actually doing. The Houzz data for 2024 indicates that over half of all homeowners (51%) undertook some form of renovation. The median spend, as mentioned, was £21,440, which was a notable 26% increase year-on-year. When you break down the types of upgrades homeowners are making, heating systems are high on the list, with 43% of people upgrading them. Plumbing is also a major focus for 42% of renovators, and electrical work is being done by 39%. These are the essential, often unseen, upgrades that really improve a home’s comfort and safety.
This trend of using professionals for these kinds of jobs is set to continue into 2025, mirroring the high rates seen in 2024. It’s a clear signal that homeowners value expertise for these critical systems.
Regional Differences in Renovation Spending
It’s not surprising that spending on home improvements isn’t uniform across the UK. The Regional Home Improvement Spend Data shows that homeowners in the South East are leading the charge when it comes to spending. They’re forking out about £58.80 per week on average, which is a significant 2.5 times more than what homeowners in Northern Ireland are spending. This kind of disparity really highlights how essential skilled trades are in these high-spending areas, and perhaps suggests that pure DIY might not be the most practical or desired route for many there.
This high level of investment in areas like the South East further fuels the demand for professional services, reinforcing the idea that for major projects, homeowners are willing to pay for quality and expertise rather than risk a DIY mishap.
The Cost Factor: DIY Savings vs. Professional Investment
The temptation to save money through DIY is strong, especially with rising labour costs. However, when you look at the overall picture, the investment in professional help seems to be paying off for many. The FinancialContent UK Projects Report for 2024-2025 notes that nearly all renovating homeowners (93%) have hired professionals in previous years. This indicates a historical reliance and trust in skilled trades.
The report also mentions that the median spend has been increasing, with the top 10% of spenders actually investing around £169,000 in 2024. That’s a substantial amount, and it usually covers much larger, more complex renovation projects where professional oversight is almost always required.
While a DIY approach might save money on labour for smaller tasks, for larger, more intricate renovations, the cost savings from doing it yourself might be less significant when weighed against the potential risks, time investment, and the quality of the final result. For many, hiring professionals isn’t just about convenience; it’s about ensuring the job is done right, adds real value to their property, and meets safety standards. Some folks might see it differently, preferring the satisfaction of a self-done project, but the data consistently points towards professional services being the dominant force in UK home renovations.
Considering Your Home Renovation Options
When you’re thinking about renovating, it’s all about weighing up the pros and cons. Do you have the time, the skills, and the patience to take on a project yourself? Or is it better to bring in the experts to ensure it’s done efficiently and to a high standard? For some, the satisfaction of a DIY job is worth the effort, and they can indeed see significant savings, as we’ve seen with experienced DIYers.
However, for major renovations, particularly those involving structural changes, plumbing, or electrical work, the majority of UK homeowners are opting for professional help. This isn’t just a trend; it’s a reflection of the complexity involved and the desire for a safe, high-quality finish. The substantial investment in home improvements, with substantial sums being spent annually, shows that people are serious about their homes and often trust professionals to achieve their desired outcomes.
It’s also worth noting that many of these renovations are being funded by savings, suggesting homeowners are making a conscious financial commitment to their properties, planning for the long term. People are not just renovating for a quick sale; they are investing in their homes for years to come. This long-term view often aligns with professional-quality work.
Ultimately, the decision between DIY and professional services depends on the project’s scale, your personal capabilities, and your budget. But the evidence strongly suggests that professional trades are fundamental to the UK home improvement landscape, and this reliance is likely to continue for the foreseeable future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular home improvement projects planned in the UK for 2025?
Interior decorating and new kitchens are the most common home improvement projects planned by UK homeowners for 2025.
Are younger homeowners more inclined to do DIY renovations?
Yes, just over a third of homeowners aged 18-34 plan to increase their DIY budget in 2025, compared to about a sixth of those aged 55 and above.
What percentage of UK homeowners do full DIY renovations?
Only 19% of UK homeowners fully DIY their renovations; the majority bring in professionals for at least part of the work.
Why do homeowners choose professionals for major renovations?
Many homeowners (66%) lack the skills or confidence for serious DIY and prefer professionals for complex work like extensions or rewiring to ensure quality and value.
Which trades are most frequently hired by homeowners?
Electricians and plumbers are the most frequently hired professionals for home renovations.
What is the projected growth of the UK home improvement market?
The market is projected to grow from £11.3 billion in 2024 to £16.67 billion by 2033.
How are most homeowners funding their renovations?
The majority of renovators (83%) fund their projects using their savings.
Which region in the UK spends the most on home improvements?
Homeowners in the South East lead spending at an average of £58.80 weekly.
Thinking About Your Next Project?
When it comes to your own home improvements, it’s always good to weigh up your options. Whether you’re leaning towards a hands-on DIY approach for a smaller job or considering bringing in the experts for something bigger, understanding the trends and what most people are doing can be super helpful. Perhaps you’ve got some unique renovation plans or have found some real hidden gems when improving property. You can always find more insights on property investment decisions, understanding different home styles like Victorian vs New Build, and exploring general UK Property Investment Trends. For those looking for potential in apartments, there’s also advice on Hidden Gem Apartments Renovation Potential, and you can even follow along for more renovation insights on platforms like BritWealth on Twitter. Thinking about property as an investment? There’s a handy Property Investment Decision Guide that might give you some ideas too. What are your thoughts on tackling home improvements yourself versus hiring pros?
