Home renovation spending in the UK has surged, with homeowners investing a median of £21,440 in 2024 – a 26% year-on-year increase, according to the newly released 2025 Houzz & Home Study. The annual report, based on responses from over 1,000 UK homeowners, was published by Houzz, the leading platform for home renovation and design.

This sharp rise is closely tied to the nation’s ageing housing stock, with 53% of renovators living in homes built before 1940. As a result, repairs and system upgrades continue to be a significant focus. In 2024, 39% carried out essential maintenance, while upgrades to heating systems (43%), plumbing systems (42%), and electrical systems (39%) were widespread.

“While rising costs for goods and services are influencing renovation spend, activity remains stable,” said Marine Sargsyan, Houzz staff economist. “With almost half of homeowners planning renovations, it suggests that the need to update ageing housing stock continues to fuel demand for home improvements.”

Renovation plans persist into 2025

Looking ahead, homeowners remain committed to improving their homes. Sixty per cent plan to decorate and 49% intend to renovate in 2025, consistent with last year’s figures.

The trend toward long-term homeownership continues, with 61% of renovators expecting to stay in their homes for over 11 years. Many cite pent-up demand and now having the time or financial means as key motivations (36% and 33%, respectively).

Pros are in high demand

The professional renovation market remains robust, with 94% of homeowners hiring specialists to undertake their projects. Electricians (59%) and plumbers (56%) topped the list, while demand for cabinetry pros rose to 27% — up eight percentage points on 2023. Hiring also grew for painters (41%), roofers (31%) and architects (25%).

Homeowners are turning to builders, interior designers, and design-build firms, many of whom use Houzz Pro for project management and client collaboration.

Funding renovations

Most homeowners continued to finance their projects with savings (83%), followed by proceeds from a home sale (20%) and credit cards (13%). The use of gifts or inheritance rose slightly (from 9% to 12% in 2023), while credit card use dropped from 18% to 13%.

Entrances and outdoor upgrades on the rise

Interest in entrances has grown, with 32% decorating their entryways, 24% upgrading them, and 7% extending them – all figures higher than those from 2023. Outdoor spaces were another key area of focus, with 50% of respondents improving their exteriors, including flower beds (29%), lighting (23%), sheds (17%), and security systems (16%).

Although still niche, built-in outdoor kitchens saw a slight increase in popularity, rising to 3% of outdoor projects.

The Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) has announced that BigCommerce (Nasdaq: BIGC), a global leader in open SaaS and composable ecommerce solutions, has joined the association as an affiliate member.

As a cutting-edge platform empowering brands and retailers of all sizes to grow their businesses online, BigCommerce delivers enterprise-grade functionality with simplicity and ease of use. With a client base spanning over 150 countries and including major names such as Harvey Nichols, MKM Building Supplies, and Uplift Desk, BigCommerce is poised to bring valuable insight and innovation to the bathroom manufacturing sector.

A welcome from the BMA

Tom Reynolds, Chief Executive of the BMA, welcomed the new partnership:

“We’re delighted to welcome BigCommerce as an affiliate member of the BMA. Their deep expertise in ecommerce technology and omnichannel retailing will be a real asset to our members as they seek to meet the demands of the modern customer. BigCommerce’s approach to creating seamless, engaging experiences across digital and physical retail aligns perfectly with the ambitions of our sector, where ecommerce is playing an increasingly vital role in driving growth and improving customer experience.”

BigCommerce’s perspective

BigCommerce shared their excitement at joining the BMA community and their vision for the collaboration:

“Joining the BMA is an exciting opportunity for us to connect with industry-leading bathroom manufacturers and support their ecommerce journeys. As customer expectations continue to evolve, manufacturers need to be able to meet buyers wherever they are — whether online, in showrooms, or across emerging digital channels. We look forward to helping BMA members harness the power of composable commerce to build future-proof, scalable solutions that foster stronger customer engagement and sustainable business growth.”

The growing importance of ecommerce in bathroom retail

The bathroom industry is experiencing a digital transformation as consumers increasingly engage with brands across multiple touchpoints—from websites and marketplaces to social media and AI-driven platforms. In a competitive marketplace, a strong ecommerce presence allows bathroom manufacturers to showcase their products effectively, personalise the customer journey, and integrate in-store experiences with digital tools.

By joining the BMA, BigCommerce offers manufacturers new opportunities to innovate, expand their digital footprint, and create more fluid and compelling buyer experiences, both online and offline.

Sister companies, Frontline Bathrooms and Smiths Briten have appointed Gareth Sterry as business development manager. Gareth, who previously worked at Huws Gray for 12 years as kitchen and bathroom category manager, has joined at a pivotal time as the companies look to super charge their growth trajectory. 

In his new role, Gareth will oversee the companies’ relationship with both retailers and merchants, working closely with the established area sales managers. He will also work closely with the senior leadership team, marketing and new product development to ensure the needs of customers are being met. 

Darren Allison, Senior managing director at Frontline and Smiths, says: “Gareth has done a fantastic job at his previous employer, and when he applied for this role, I knew he had the skills and expertise to make a real impact. 

“We have a huge amount of work to do to double our turnover by 2029, but hires such as Gareth are crucial to us hitting this target.”

Gareth adds: “Having worked at Huws Gray for over 12 years, I’ve got a strong working knowledge of both Frontline and Smiths already. Once it was announced that Darren was returning to the industry, as well as his plans for the business moving forward, it felt like an opportunity I couldn’t miss. 

“There are so many exciting things happening at the business and I’m excited to get stuck in and help drive the plans forward with the rest of the team.”

Smiths Briten and Frontline Bathrooms operate as sister brands, each with its own distinct offer yet closely connected through shared leadership and aligned values. With the same Managing Director overseeing both businesses, there is a strong synergy in their approach to product innovation, customer service, and market support. This connection allows them to collaborate seamlessly behind the scenes, ensuring consistency, expertise, and a comprehensive offering across the bathroom and plumbing sectors, while maintaining the individuality that makes each brand unique.

Bathroom and kitchen brand Abode is welcoming Malcolm Ash as a Merchandiser on a secondment from Johannesburg, South Africa.

Malcolm joined Abode on 31^st March 2025, and is based at the company’s solar-powered headquarters in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. His work placement entails a 12-month secondment and as Merchandiser, Malcolm will ensure the Abode brand is represented as expected in all partners stores across the UK. He actively visits key customers nationwide, enhancing and preserving product displays following volume footfall, as well as liaising with and supporting their staff as needed. Malcolm is a key member of the sales team within the groups South African business so brings with him a wealth of experience. Malcolm has settled in as a member of the Abode family and has enjoyed taking in the beautiful sights Yorkshire has to offer.

Matthew Pitt, managing director at Abode says, “Forming connections is central to Norcros and the careers of our people can benefit greatly from the international dimension of our operations. Transferring skills between the different businesses like this introduces new perspectives that can really strengthen our business, making it more than the sum of its parts.”

To help Malcolm quickly feel like one of the family, the Marketing Team caught up with him to find out more about his previous experience, professional goals, and career aspirations following his time at Abode:

What is your experience up to now? I bring with me over 15 years of experience in my role from South Africa. Every day presents a new learning curve and fresh challenges, which continues to push me to grow and adapt. Throughout my journey, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for teamwork and support, knowing I can always rely on my colleagues when needed. I approach each day with an open mind, always eager to learn, develop, and exceed customer expectations.

What does your workday look like? Besides travelling and admiring the beauty of the country, my workday is all about careful planning and building strong connections. Before the week starts, I carefully plan my routes to optimize efficiency and make the most of my time on the road. I visit stores to offer my assistance from a merchandising point of view, ensuring everything looks its best and meets our standards. Most importantly, I focus on forging strong relationships with store teams, putting a friendly, approachable face to the Abode brand.

What do you hope to gain from Abode? I hope to gain opportunities for continued growth and development, both personally and professionally. I’m excited to expand my skills, learn new approaches, and contribute to a team that values innovation and customer satisfaction. So far, my key takeaways are that every day brings new opportunities to learn and grow, especially when working alongside talented and supportive colleagues. I’ve realized the importance of staying adaptable and open-minded to meet challenges head-on and consistently exceed customer expectations.

What is your favourite aspect of British design/manufacture? My favourite aspect of British design and manufacture is the vintage finishes of Abode products. They give me the impression that we are trendsetters combining timeless style with quality craftsmanship. It’s a unique blend that stands out in the market and really resonates with customers who appreciate both elegance and durability.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? My biggest career hope is to continue growing into a leadership role where I can mentor others and help shape the future of the industry in South Africa. I aspire to be someone who not only delivers results but also inspires and supports my colleagues to reach their full potential. I envision myself continuing to learn and adapt, staying at the forefront of industry trends while making a meaningful impact on both the business and the customers we serve.

Established in 2002, Abode is an award-winning designer and distributor of market leading kitchen taps, sinks, boiling water taps, and bathroom solutions. With core values centred on passion, design innovation and assurance, Abode is dedicated to bringing UK homeowners best-in-class designs with unique features, special finishes and the latest technology.

Norcros, is the UK’s number one bathroom brand, with operations largely in the UK, supported by their South Africa operations. Based in the UK, Norcros is headquartered in Wilmslow, Cheshire and operates under six brands, which includes Abode, Triton Showers, Vado, Croydex, Merlyn Showering, and Grant Westfield.

For further information on Abode products, please contact: t 01226 283 434 | e info@abodedesigns.co.uk | w www.abodedesigns.co.uk