Home Improvement Cities

by | Oct 9, 2024 | Blog Category : All About Flooring, Featured

The best locations to carry out home improvements in the UK

Home renovation is booming across the UK, with homeowners and renters keen to transform their spaces into the perfect sanctuary. From simple DIY upgrades to full-scale remodels the home improvement market has soared to over £14 billion in value, with the hashtag #UKHomeRenovation boasting over 28 million posts on TikTok. With so many people interested in updating their space, which areas are emerging as the UK’s top locations for renovation in 2024?

To identify the top home improvement hotspots, we’ve scored and ranked UK cities based on how easy it is to carry out a renovation project. To determine this, we’ve analysed factors including planning permission approval rates, tradespeople reviews, the number of hardware stores per 10,000 people, monthly renovation search demand, and the availability of waste disposal services.

Our research also pinpoints the UK areas where you’re most likely to secure home renovation permission. Plus, with expert insights, you’ll be ready to tackle your home upgrade with a range of handy renovation tips.

The top 20 locations in the UK for making home improvements

Rank Location Planning permission approval rate (%) Trades – people reviews

/10

Hardware stores (per 10k people) Average renovation searches (per 10k people) Waste disposal services (per 10k people) Home improvement score

/10

1 Preston 96 9.85 8.30 54 28.40 7.52
2 Portsmouth 90 9.88 12.49 67 11.05 6.94
3 Manchester 90 9.85 9.61 96 8.72 6.60
4 Brighton 89 9.89 12.63 54 6.50 6.48
5 Wolverhampton 93 9.86 7.96 72 7.21 6.15
6 Nottingham 93 9.79 8.65 53 7.11 5.59
7 Swindon 88 9.86 6.94 50 9.92 5.52
8 Plymouth 94 9.82 6.15 61 5.76 5.46
9 Oldham 88 9.84 6.75 55 8.01 5.31
10 Southampton 86 9.88 6.30 44 8.15 5.20
11 Bristol 81 9.83 8.88 69 6.12 5.12
12 Reading 89 9.80 5.66 47 10.06 4.96
13 Kingston upon Hull 91 9.82 6.05 45 3.82 4.87
14 London 79 9.80 0.93 173 2.41 4.75
15 Northampton 87 9.82 3.25 57 7.32 4.58
16 Luton 75 9.84 7.55 49 10.65 4.60
17 Derby 87 9.79 7.39 37 5.18 4.58
18 Coventry 83 9.85 4.34 55 6.08 4.54
19 Leicester 80 9.80 8.60 52 5.06 4.53
20 Milton Keynes 85 9.83 3.12 66 6.63 4.49

Preston is named the best UK city to renovate a property 

Preston takes the crown as the UK’s best location for home renovations in 2024. With an overall score of 7.52 out of 10, this city shines in several ways:

Homeowners in Preston experience a high planning permission approval rate of 96%, making it an ideal spot for those looking to carry out significant renovation projects. Additionally, Preston boasts an array of hardware stores, with 8.3 stores per 10,000 people, providing ample resources for DIY enthusiasts. The city also has a thriving tradesperson scene, scoring an impressive 9.85/10 in reviews, ensuring quality workmanship for home improvement projects.

Portsmouth ranks as the second-best city for home renovations 

Next on our list is Portsmouth, which ranks as second with an overall score of 6.94/10. It stands out for its number of hardware stores – 12.49 per 10,000 people – offering residents easy access to supplies for any renovation project.

The city also has a notable monthly room renovation search demand of 67 per 10,000 people, indicating a high level of interest in home improvement. Combined with a solid planning permission approval rate of 90% and top-notch tradespeople reviews (9.88/10), Portsmouth is well equipped for putting those looking to transform their living space at ease.

Manchester is the third-best destination for home renovations 

Manchester secures its place as the third-best location for home renovations in the UK, with an overall score of 6.60 out of 10. The city excels in terms of tradesperson quality, with an outstanding review score of 9.85 out of 10. Additionally, Manchester boasts a high number of waste disposal services, providing convenient options for clearing out waste during renovations. The city also has a high planning permission approval rate of 90%, making it easier for homeowners to pursue various home improvement projects.

The UK areas with the highest home renovation approval rate 

Understanding where planning permission is more easily granted can help homeowners navigate the process more efficiently. Planning permission is essential for making significant changes to a property, ensuring that developments meet local guidelines and regulations.

Take a closer look below at which areas in the UK Brits are most likely to have their planning applications approved.

Rank Location Planning permission approval rate 

(%)

1 Preston 96
2 Plymouth 94
3 Nottingham 93
Wolverhampton 93
5 Newcastle upon Tyne 92
6 Kingston upon Hull 91
7 Manchester 90
Portsmouth 90
9 Brighton 89
Reading 89
10 Sheffield 88
Swindon 88
Oldham 88

Preston leads as the location with the highest home renovation approval rate in the UK

Preston takes the top spot again, this time as the UK area most likely to approve home renovation plans, boasting a planning permission approval rate of 96%. This makes it an ideal location for homeowners eager to undertake significant upgrades without the worry of rejected applications.

Plymouth follows closely in second place, with a strong approval rate of 94%. Nottingham and Wolverhampton are tied for third, each securing a 93% approval rate. Newcastle upon Tyne rounds out the top five with an impressive 92% approval rate, showing a welcoming attitude toward home improvements.

Our experts reveal the top tips all people should know when taking on renovations at home 

Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or simply looking to save on professional costs, expert advice can be a game-changer for home renovations. From steering clear of common pitfalls to mastering the art of flooring installation, [EXPERT] shares everything you need to know before diving into your next project:

Things to consider before renovating your home 

  • Planning phase: “Many homeowners rush into renovations without a clear plan, leading to unforeseen issues and added costs. Take the time to draft a detailed plan, including a budget, timeline, and a list of necessary materials.”
  • Renovation permits: “Overlooking necessary permits can lead to costly fines and delays. Always check local building codes and obtain the required permits before starting any major renovation. You can check our rankings to see how well you fare in obtaining approval in your town or city.” 
  • Underestimating hidden costs: It’s easy to underestimate the total cost of a renovation, especially when unexpected issues arise. Set aside a contingency fund of at least 10-20% of your budget to cover unforeseen expenses, such as discovering plumbing issues behind walls or needing to update electrical systems to meet current codes. Other hidden costs can include permits, inspection fees, and the potential for price increases in materials as the project progresses .”
  • Choosing the wrong materials: “Selecting materials that don’t meet the specific needs of your space can lead to premature wear and costly replacements. It’s essential to research and choose durable and appropriate materials for each room’s function and style. For instance, while carpet may seem cosy in high-traffic areas, it wears out quickly and is susceptible to stains. Instead, consider durable, moisture-resistant options like tile or vinyl.”
  • Ignoring professional advice: “Sometimes, expert advice can save you from costly mistakes. Don’t hesitate to consult with professionals when dealing with complex tasks or when you’re unsure about certain aspects of your renovation. Their insights can be invaluable in ensuring a successful outcome.”

Common flooring renovation mistakes to avoid

“Among the various aspects of home renovations, flooring can be particularly challenging to get right. The complexity of selecting, installing, and maintaining flooring often requires a keen eye for detail and expertise. Mistakes in flooring installation can lead to significant issues, both aesthetically and functionally. Here are some of the most common mistakes you should be aware of: 

  • Incorrect subfloor preparation: “Failing to properly prepare the subfloor can lead to uneven surfaces and premature wear. Ensure the subfloor is clean, dry, and level before installing new flooring. This step is crucial for a smooth and durable finish. Neglecting this could result in repair costs exceeding £2,000.”
  • Ignoring acclimation: “Many types of flooring need to acclimate to the room’s temperature and humidity before installation. Whether it is LVT flooring or wooden flooring, Follow manufacturer guidelines for acclimation times; improper acclimation could devalue your home by up to £5,000 if the flooring needs replacement sooner than expected.”
  • Miscalculating material needs: “Buying too little or too much material can lead to delays or wasted resources. Measure your space carefully and account for any patterns or cuts required. It’s wise to purchase a little extra to cover any mistakes or future repairs. For more information, check out our guide on how to measure carpets.”
  • Failing to follow installation instructions: “Different flooring types have specific installation requirements. Not following these instructions can compromise the flooring’s performance and appearance. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, and consider professional help if needed; overlooking these could lead to repairs costing £3,000 or more.”
  • Overlooking proper sealing and maintenance: “For certain flooring types, proper sealing is essential to protect against stains and moisture. Regular maintenance, including cleaning and resealing as needed, prolongs the life of your flooring and keeps it looking its best.”
  • Removing Original Flooring Features: “Many homeowners may be tempted to pull up original flooring in favour of cheaper alternatives, but this can devalue your home. Original features not only add character but also significant value. Trends on TikTok have highlighted the importance of preserving such elements, which can appreciate your property by up to 20%.”

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure a successful and satisfying home renovation project. For more detailed guidance on flooring and other renovation tips, you can visit our blog.”

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Methodology

To reveal the best locations to renovate a property, we created an index analysing over 30 UK towns and cities on the following metrics:

  • Planning permission approval rate (%)
  • Average tradespeople reviews
  • Number of hardware stores (per 10,000 people)
  • Monthly number of renovation searches (per 10,000 people)
  • Number of waste disposal services (per 10,000 people)

All data was collected in September 2024.

Author

  • Paul Brewster

    CEO of Flooring Hut in the UK. Paul has an exceptional track record in the areas of marketing and advertising in the carpet and flooring industry. Paul and his fellow directors have taken Flooring Hut from a standing start to becoming one of the leading, established online retailers of flooring, to both retail and trade sectors in the UK.

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