Date Published 11 August 2021
Home Improvements Soar in the UK Following Lockdown
Considering converting your loft into another bedroom or adding an extension to create more space in your home?
A new report, published by Barbour ABI, has revealed the most popular home improvements in the UK in 2020. It appears that a large proportion of homeowners chose to focus on renovations due to lockdown, when compared to previous years.
The study showed that there was a 25% leap in the amount of planning applications which were submitted to local authorities for home improvements in 2020, compared with a five-year average. It took around 55 days to receive a decision on a planning application last year and more than 85% of all applications filed were approved.
Interestingly, there were some regional differences when it came to applications being approved - London had the lowest levels of approval in the UK, perhaps due to higher housing density and increasing housing prices, whereas here in the North West, we had the most applications for extensions and conservatories.
So which home improvements were undertaken the most?
When it came to making additions to their properties, UK homeowners focused on planning extensions, garage conversions, loft conversions, conservatories and basement conversions - a rise fuelled by multiple lockdowns across the country forcing people to stay at home.
When it came to the most popular type of home improvement, extensions took the top spot and accounted for over 80% of all planning applications across the UK.
Extensions are a popular option for those who don't want to move home completely but need some extra space and want to add value to their existing property.
The biggest growth for extensions was for homes here across the North West, with 13% of all applications coming from the region last year.
There was a big increase in garage conversions too, amounting to over 25% of all planning applications. This was an area of home improvement which had previously been in decline, so could indicate that some homeowners were looking to turn their garages into a more permanent working from home space.
With access to outdoor space becoming an all-important premium during 2020's lockdowns, conservatories and garden buildings were also highly sought-after in the North West, accounting for the most applications again at over 15%.
Many took the opportunity of the good weather and extra time at home to landscape their outdoor space, but the figures also prove that many saw the opportunity to expand their home too. Typically, these were most popular with retirees and those with larger gardens who had the capacity to extend their existing property's footprint.
Which home improvements were declining in 2020?
Loft conversions declined to around just 3% of applications overall, although most demand was seen from London and the South East - perhaps a reflection of the lack of outdoor space to extend into.
Demand for basement renovations also fell as they had done for the last four years. Previously, this was an area of growth in London between 2013 and 2016 due to high land prices, but applications dropped again in 2020, especially outside the capital.
Are you hoping to improve your property or find a new home to love?
Making home improvements to your existing property is certainly a great option, but sometimes you just know that your current home is no longer working for you.
If you're looking to move onto a new property this year, Marshall Property can help you find the perfect place to call home.
We are one of the leading independent estate agents in Liverpool and have over 30 years' experience in the property market, so can help you to decide what's the best option for you and your family.
Contact us today to see how we can help you with your property needs.
