1.7 Million Homeowners Opt for Renovation Over Relocation

4 min read
 
  • Homeowners choosing to improve their home rather than move
  • 1.7 million homes in England and Wales have an official Improvement Indicator recognising they have undergone significant home improvement, such as extensions or loft conversions
  • Stress and emotional ties to homes, the community and neighbourhoods are key factors why homeowners opt not to move

 

 Millions of homeowners are choosing to improve rather than move.  New research1 from Churchill home insurance reveals that one in 15 homes in England and Wales (1,740,402 homes) now carry official Improvement Indicators, following substantial home improvements, such as loft conversions and extensions.  

Additional research2 by Churchill, reveals the practical and emotional reasons that discourage homeowners from moving. For 40%, the sheer stress of moving including packing, dealing with property chains, and hosting viewings is a major deterrent. A strong emotional connection to their home (32%) and a deep attachment to their community and neighbourhood (31%) also play significant roles in discouraging people seeking out a new home.

Surprisingly, financial factors such as removal costs (24%), and legal fees including conveyancing (23%), rank lower than an emotional connection to a home. These pressures combined however, often make staying put and improving a home a more appealing and less disruptive option than moving.  In 2023/24 alone (the last full year data available), 103,043 homes were added to the Valuation Office Agency’s register following significant improvement work. 

Table 1: Top factors that would discourage homeowners from selling their home and moving

Rank Factors  Percentage
1  Stress associated with moving: e.g.: packing, chains, viewings 40%
2 Emotional connection to the home  32%
3 Leaving a community and neighbourhood you love 31% 
4 Removal cost 24%
5  Conveyancing/legal fees 23%
6 Uprooting, unsettling my children   15%
7 Schools and school catchment areas  10% 

Source: Churchill home insurance 2025

Anyone embarking on a home improvement project should always inform their home insurance provider, check the Government’s Planning Portal and consult their Local Planning Authority before commencing work. Some home improvements, such as small extensions, loft conversions, and garage conversions, may be allowed under permitted development, meaning that planning permission is not required if it is under a certain size and meets certain conditions. However, it is important to note that permissions and rules can vary depending on location; for example, a listed building or a property in a conservation area will likely be subject to different rules. If homeowners are unsure whether planning permission is required, they can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate to seek confirmation that the project doesn’t need planning permission. 

Sarah Khan, Head of Churchill Home Insurance, said: “Moving house can be one of life’s biggest decisions and upheavals, especially when your home holds years of memories. How many people have their children’s height as they grow marked on a doorframe, a cherished reminder they can’t pack with them? When you factor in the stress, fees, moving expenses, and leaving a neighbourhood and community you love, it’s no wonder so many homeowners choose to improve, rather than move.  

“If you are embarking on a major home improvement project, it’s important to let your home insurance provider know in case the works impact your insurance cover, particularly if your home will be unoccupied for extended periods.” 

ENDS

 Notes to Editors:

  1. Information obtained through a Freedom of Information request to the Valuation Office Agency in April 2025. 

(Due to an update to the Council Tax operating system, the most recent complete year of data available is for the financial year 2023/24.)

As of 31 March 2024, there are an estimated 26,182,600 households in England and Wales.  

1,740,402/26,182,600 = ~6.6% of homes (one in 15 homes) 

     2.  The research was conducted by Opinium among a nationally representative sample of 2,000 UK adults. The data was collected between 2nd May and 6th May 2025. Opinium abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles, and is a member of the British Polling Council. 

 

 

 For further information, please contact:

Unni Henry

Churchill PR Manager 

Email: unni.henry@directlinegroup.co.uk  

 

About Churchill

Founded in 1989, Churchill is now one of the UK's leading providers of general insurance, offering car, home and pet insurance cover over the phone or on-line and is part of the Aviva Group.  

Customers can find out more about Churchill products or get a quote by calling 0300 200 300 or visiting www.churchill.com