Should you move or improve in 2026?

Move or improve? Making the Right Choice for Your Home in 2026

As we move into 2026, more and more homeowners are finding it harder to balance the books. Inflation, fluctuating interest rates, higher build costs, increased stamp duty thresholds, and updated council tax rules have all made property decisions more complex than they once were.

What used to be a fairly simple question — should we move or improve? — now requires a bit more careful thought.

A good place to start is with one simple question: Is there enough space, or could we do with a little more room?
If the answer is a resounding yes, your two main options are to move house or extend your existing home. But how do you decide which route is right for you?

MOVE

If you’re looking at a large double-storey extension, or even multiple extensions, the costs can quickly escalate. With £100,000+ projects now more common than ever, moving house can sometimes feel like the more appealing option — even with a competitive housing market.

Moving gives you a fresh start in a new neighbourhood and the opportunity to relocate closer to work, family, or a preferred school catchment area. Many buyers are drawn to new-build homes, which offer a blank canvas along with modern insulation, efficient heating systems, and fewer immediate maintenance concerns.

Older properties can also be appealing, but it’s worth remembering that a “fixer-upper” rarely stops at cosmetic updates. Renovation work often begins the moment you move in, bringing additional costs and disruption.

On top of the purchase price, moving comes with significant extra expenses: stamp duty, solicitor and surveyor fees, estate agent costs, and the price of physically moving your belongings. These can add up quickly and should always be factored into your decision.

And of course, if you love your current home or neighbourhood, leaving it behind can be a difficult choice.

IMPROVE

If you’re happy where you are, extending or reconfiguring your home can be a smart long-term investment. A well-designed extension allows you to create the space you need while adding value and putting your own stamp on the property.

Single-storey extensions — whether under permitted development or with planning permission — often cost significantly less than buying a new home, especially once moving costs are considered.

It’s also worth looking at how you can unlock unused or underutilised space. Lofts and garages are two of the biggest opportunities. Converting these areas into liveable rooms can deliver the same benefits as an extension, often at a lower cost and with fewer planning hurdles. In many cases, these projects fall under permitted development.

That said, larger projects such as double-storey or multiple extensions do come with challenges. Costs can build up quickly, planning approval may be more complex, and construction work can take several months. Living through a major build requires patience — and good communication with neighbours doesn’t hurt either.

Demand for skilled builders and trades remains high in 2026, so securing the right team can take time. This makes early planning and professional guidance more important than ever.

Our Advice

Whether you’re moving or improving, start by setting a realistic budget — and always include a contingency. Work with an experienced architectural designer and reputable builder to create a practical, well-thought-out design that suits both your lifestyle and your finances.

With the right professionals on board, home renovation doesn’t need to be stressful. Done well, it can be an exciting way to future-proof your home, improve energy efficiency, and create space that works for how you live now.

If you’re based in the East Midlands and want to explore renovation or extension ideas for your home, contact our Leicester, Derby or Nottingham team to book a free, no-obligation design consultation. We’re always happy to talk through your options and advise on the best ways to maximise space, add value, and get the most out of your home.

📞 Call us on 07743686654 — or email us Hello@practicaplanningco.co.uk