Renovate or Move? How Do You Know? 

We know it can be a big decision to weigh up. 

You might love where you live. The neighbours are great, the school run works and you know the area inside out. But sometimes, the house itself just isn’t fulfilling the needs of your life anymore. 

Maybe you need another bedroom or a bigger garden, or maybe you’ve simply outgrown your current property.

So, the BIG question is, do you renovate or move? 

Could You Make Your Current Property Work? 

If you love the location and space is the main problem, renovating could be the answer. 

It’s worth pricing it properly first.  

In 2026, Checkatrade estimates a single-storey extension can cost anywhere from £30,000 to £140,000, with a typical 20m² extension around £40,000 to £56,000. 

Depending on the work needed, some extensions in England can be completed under permitted development rights without a full planning application, although there are limits and conditions. 

Moving Isn’t Free Either 

Moving house is expensive. That’s no secret. 

Reallymoving estimates that someone buying and selling a home in England faces around £17,831 in upfront moving costs, including Stamp Duty, estate agent fees, conveyancing, a survey, removals and an EPC. 

So it isn’t always as simple as saying renovating is cheaper than moving. 

Ask Yourself This... 

If you renovated your home exactly how you wanted it, would you still want to live there in five years? 

If the answer is yes, renovating might make complete sense.  

If you’re thinking, “Probably not…”, it might be worth seeing what else is out there. 

The average UK property was worth around £272,000 in June 2026, according to the latest ONS figures, so understanding what your own home is worth can be a really useful first step. 

You might have more options than you think. Book a free market appraisal of your property today. What's stopping you from knowing what your property could be worth?