The rise of 'space stretching': Why British homeowners are staying put
Three quarters (75%) of homeowners have thought about reimagining their home to make better use of their space
Only one in five (22%) say they would now prefer to move house rather than adapt their existing property due to factors like moving costs and sentimental attachments
● On average, space stretchers have invested around £11,000 in their space, yet believe they have saved over £22,000 by updating rather than uprooting
● 40% have also integrated energy-saving measures into renovations to future-proof their homes, from fitting loft insulation (68%) to smaller steps like getting a smart meter installed (77%)
● Smart Energy GB has partnered with TV interior designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen to explore how families are “stretching” their homes
Watch as Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen meets ‘space stretchers’, the households who have adapted their homes in inventive ways to match their changing needs HERE.
10 June 2026 - People across Britain are staying put and reshaping their homes instead of packing up and moving on, as new research reveals high costs and family ties are keeping homeowners rooted.
With the average UK house price rising by around 30% over the past 10 years*, many homeowners have turned to ‘space stretching’ rather than moving house - adapting existing spaces in their home to grow with their evolving household needs.
According to a new study of 2,000 homeowners commissioned by Smart Energy GB, three quarters (75%) have considered reimagining their home to make better use of every square foot. From multi-purpose living to multi-generational layouts, Brits are getting creative with their space.
One in two homeowners (48%) say the main reason they are choosing to renovate rather than relocate is the cost of moving itself. With fees, taxes and other expenses quickly adding up, more than half (58%) believe upgrading their existing home is far more cost-effective than starting afresh somewhere new.
With the average homeowner staying put for 17 years**, attitudes clearly favour renovation rather than relocation, as only one in five (22%) say they would now prefer to move house rather than adapt their existing space.
For those staying put, popular renovations include creating a multi-purpose guest room and office (35%), converting a loft into additional living space (21%), adapting a garage into a workspace (17%) and adding a creative space for hobbies (11%). Almost half (48%) of those who have already reconfigured rooms since buying their home say they would do it again.
Those who choose to stretch their space believe their changes will add an extra five years to the time they plan to stay in their home. And while motivations may vary, the financial benefits are clear. On average, space adaptors have invested more than £11,000 (£11,843) into maximising their space, yet believe they have saved over £22,000 by updating rather than uprooting.
And it’s not just equity people have tied up in their homes - emotional ties matter too. Over a quarter (27%) of homeowners who have already adapted their space say sentimental attachment influenced their decision to stay put, driven by memories of children growing up there (52%), memories of important life milestones from marriages to birthdays (52%) or simply wanting to stay near friendly neighbours (44%).
While for many renovators (48%) the primary focus of space stretching was to create more usable space, four in ten (40%) also decided to implement energy-saving measures to help future-proof their homes.
The most popular simple swap for those who have made eco upgrades was getting a smart meter installed (77%). Three in five (59%) homeowners with a smart meter say it helps them better understand and manage their energy use in their newly adapted spaces.
Smart meters can also help households take advantage of energy reward schemes, which incentivise using energy more flexibly; especially handy for those who have increased time at home due to a newly-converted office space.
Other upgrades include fitting loft insulation (68%), LED lighting (67%) and solar panels (28%). The vast majority (85%) of those who have made these changes said the decision was driven by a desire to save money on bills, as well as future proof their home (33%) and reduce their carbon footprint (27%).
TV interior designer and self-confessed ‘space stretcher’ Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen said: “Having split my own home into three separate living spaces, my family set-up has taught us a lot about squeezing every inch out of our space and finding imaginative ways to make it work for everyone. People often see it as an unconventional approach, but it’s actually how most families functioned before the 20th century. I’m inspired to see so many people re-discovering this way of living.
What becomes clear very quickly is that having multiple generations under one roof affects more than just space, it changes how you use energy too. I’ve found that a smart meter is a brilliant way to see how those patterns shift, helping everyone make small, mindful changes that bring greater peace of mind.”
Victoria Bacon, Director at Smart Energy GB, said: “Adapting your home can be a helpful alternative to avoid higher moving costs, while adding long-term value and future-proofing it. But when your living space changes, the way you use energy can change too. Smart meters give households a simple way to keep track of their energy usage as their home evolves. Most homes in Britain now have a smart meter and they’re available from your energy supplier at no extra cost.”
To explore the space stretching trend in more detail, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen met with two households who have adapted their space in innovative ways in a new piece of content from Smart Energy GB. See more here.
For more information about smart meters and how they can help households stay in control of their energy use throughout every iteration of their home, search ‘Get a smart meter’.
ENDS
Research Methodology
Research conducted for Smart Energy GB by OnePoll across 2,000 UK homeowners, 13th-19th May 2026
* 2016 figures from ONS UK House Price index: “The average UK house price was £209,000 in April 2016”
2026 figures from Land Registry UK House Price Index: “As of March 2026, the average house price in the UK is £268,132”
Price increase from £209,000 to £268,000 = 28%
**applies to homeowners in England, data according to GOV UK, 2024-2025, published December 2025.