2026
9
UK Consumer Trends, Attitudes and Spending Habits for the Home Report 2026
2026-01-30T08:01:38+00:00
REPA3E2BFD2_CE11_4257_A2BF_D2CE119257C7
2195
190782
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Report
en_GB
Household spending has dipped following the post-pandemic boom. Combined with recent economic uncertainty, market growth remains modest; nearly a third of consumers have cut back on home spending over the…
UK
Home Retailing
Consumer Habits
simple

UK Consumer Trends, Attitudes and Spending Habits for the Home Report 2026

"A surge in house sales in early 2025 boosted interest in functional upgrades and renovations, while decorating saw a dip in demand. Looking ahead, consumers will continue to seek value, focusing on both price and quality."

Bridget McCusker, Research Analyst

Bridget McCusker, Research Analyst

Market Intelligence ReportsHome RetailingConsumer HabitsUK

UK Home Retail Market – Consumer Trends and Insights

  • Household spending has dipped following the post-pandemic boom. Combined with recent economic uncertainty, market growth remains modest; nearly a third of consumers have cut back on home spending over the past year. Interior decorating has been hit hardest, dropping nine percentage points since 2023. Conversely, investment in more practical home improvements saw a slight uptick, encouraged by changes to Stamp Duty in early 2025.
  • Broad economic pressures continue to dampen consumer confidence. Although this affects the home sector, many people still intend to spend, as items bought during the pandemic reach the end of their lifespan and require replacing. When making these purchases, consumers are increasingly prioritising price, quality and long-term product guarantees.
  • Social media is now a vital part of the buying journey, particularly for younger shoppers. Most 16-24s admit their home decor choices are influenced by social platforms. Given this age group’s comfort with social commerce, brands like Primark and DFS are capitalising on the trend through targeted campaigns and exclusive ranges on Pinterest.

This Report Looks at the Following Areas:

  • The size of the UK market for consumer spending on the home and key opportunities in the sector
  • How much consumers have spent and are expected to spend on their homes, including the items they have invested in over the past 12 months
  • Changing shopping behaviours for home spending, as shoppers focus on price and quality over the next year
  • The key drivers behind home spending, from replacing old items and boosting property value to reflecting personal style
  • Consumer attitudes towards home spending, including the emotional value of the home and the influence of social media on purchasing behaviours

Report Scope

This report looks at consumer attitudes towards spending on the home. This Report is an overview and looks at consumer priorities of buying for their homes and delves into the triggers for purchase. Broadly it will take in: furniture, carpets, decorating, the garden, energy (savings), security, home extensions, and smart home developments.

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  1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

    • What you need to know
    • Outlook for consumer spending on the home
    • Opportunities
    • Leverage social commerce to inspire and drive purchases for the home
    • Cultivating the home as a sanctuary for wellness
    • Resale is the future of the home sector

  2. THE MARKET

    • Snapshot – market size and forecast
    • Market factors
    • UK housing market adjusts amid stamp duty changes
    • Graph 1: number of property transactions with a value over £40,000 completed in the UK, 2019-25
    • Autumn Budget pressures high earners’ spending
    • Consumers remain discerning as home inflation eases
    • Graph 2: annual rate of inflation, 2024-25
    • Modest growth expected for spending on the home
    • Consumer spending is projected to rise by 13% between 2025 and 2030
    • Graph 3: consumer spending on the home, 2019-2030

  3. THE CONSUMER

    • Spending on the home
    • Higher earners more inclined to spend on the home in the future
    • Consumers are spending less on the home
    • Home shoppers look to prioritise function
    • Renters are spending under £500 on the home
    • Graph 4: amount spent on the home, by living situation, 2025
    • Shifting home shopping behaviours
    • Value and quality take centre stage
    • Homeware brands tap into style-conscious shoppers
    • Younger consumers want flexibility and convenience
    • Sustainability is not front of mind for consumers, but is a growing concern
    • Home as space for wellbeing
    • The home is seen as a sanctuary
    • A tidy home boosts productivity for women
    • Tidiness is key for families
    • Women see their homes as a haven
    • Social media’s influence on the home
    • Age shapes enjoyment of entertaining at home
    • Younger consumers like to entertain at home
    • Higher earners seek to impress guests
    • Home retailers are teaming up with Pinterest
    • Graph 5: reasons to invest in the home, by social media app usage, 2025
    • Social media is a key driver to home purchasing
    • Cost-conscious choices for the home
    • Renters seek out second-hand items for the home
    • Digital product passports can ensure proof of quality
    • Family dynamics influence spending
    • Graph 6: triggers to purchase for spending on the home, by lifestage, 2025

  4. INNOVATION AND MARKETING

    • How retailers are connecting with home shoppers
    • The home can help better support sleep health
    • IKEA focuses on accessibility with smaller stores
    • Zara turns flagships into lifestyle destinations with new ‘Apartamento’ concept
    • JW Anderson continues its transformation as a lifestyle brand
    • Amanda Holden teams up with DFS for exclusive sofa collection
    • Convenience when it comes to home shopping is key
    • Pottery Barn launches debut UK pop-up in West Elm’s Tottenham Court Road store

  5. APPENDIX

    • Market definition
    • The market
    • Forecast methodology
    • Forecast methodology – fan chart
    • Market size and forecast of consumer spending on the home
    • Market forecast and prediction intervals
    • Market segmentation
    • The consumer
    • Consumer research questions
    • Consumer research methodology – EMEA
    • Repertoire analysis methodology
    • Abbreviations and terms

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  • Stay ahead with actionable intelligence on market trends and consumer behaviour: By combining fresh research with long-term market monitoring, our reports help businesses anticipate changes and adapt strategically. So you’re prepared to make informed decisions and drive growth.

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