New research from Compare the Market reveals how social media is changing the way we renovate our homes in 2026. The average renovation now costs £27,408. Homeowners are increasingly trading open-plan living for “zoned purpose layouts” and high-aesthetic features designed to look good on social media.
But while our homes are becoming more photogenic, they may be becoming less protected. 43% of homeowners have failed to have their property revalued after major works, and over a third (37%) haven’t checked their insurance cover. If your renovation project has significantly increased the value of your home, this could leave your home underinsured, meaning your policy may not fully cover the cost of repairs or rebuilding if something goes wrong.
The rise of the “TikTok Effect”
Today’s home renovators are looking to their feeds for inspiration, with 1 in 5 (20%) homeowners turning to TikTok for inspiration. For homeowners aged between 25-34, almost half (47%) head to TikTok looking for tips, inspiration and trends.
This “TikTok Effect” has given rise to specific viral trends that are dominating search volumes:
· The evolution of open-plan: “Pocket Door Seclusion” is the top trend, as homeowners look for ways to shut off rooms for privacy.
· Statement staircases: Homeowners are spending medium-range budgets on dramatic staircase lighting and runners to create a “wow” factor the moment someone walks in.
· Analog retreats: In a digital world, basement cinemas and soundproof home libraries are becoming the ultimate luxury escape.
Viral Trends vs Real Value
When it comes to renovations that genuinely add value, structural changes tend to have the biggest impact. Robin Edwards, Property Buying Agent at Curetons, explains that “a well-executed loft conversion can add around 10 to 20% to a home’s value because it creates extra usable space. It’s one of the most reliable upgrades as it increases the overall square footage of the property.”
The same can be true for extensions. “A high-quality glass extension that adds practical living space can also increase value by around 10 to 20%, particularly if it’s well insulated and meets planning requirements.”
However, not every popular design trend delivers the same return. “Features like textured wall finishes tend to be more about style than value,” Robin says. “They can make a home look more appealing and may help it sell faster, but they don’t usually add much in terms of valuation.”
He also notes that social media trends can sometimes work against homeowners. “The ‘TikTok effect’ has made some very niche styles popular, like bold textures or highly specific finishes. The risk is that these can limit buyer appeal. If a design feels too dominant or difficult to change, it can quietly cap the property’s value, especially outside prime central markets.”
The revaluation gap
Despite 13% of homeowners investing £50,000 to £100,000 in their properties, many are skipping the final, most important step: the revaluation.
Amy Rootham, home insurance expert at Compare the Market explains: “Homeowners who don’t update their home’s value with the insurer after major improvements could find themselves underinsured. Additions like a high-end loft conversion or a ‘smart outbuilding’ can push up rebuild costs, which means your current policy may not cover the full amount.”
2026 renovation and property trends
The trend for “indoor-outdoor continuity” remains a top-three priority for 2026. High-spec porcelain patios and outdoor kitchens are becoming the essential extensions of the home’s square footage.
“Five years ago, patios and outdoor kitchens were seen as lifestyle extras,” Robin explains. “Now valuers are starting to treat well-designed outdoor areas as a natural extension of the home, particularly in cities like London where indoor space can be limited. It’s not valued in the same way as internal square footage, but it definitely carries more weight than it used to.”
Robin also believes that open-plan living isn’t disappearing, but it is evolving. “Buyers still love light and open spaces, but they also want flexibility. Zoned layouts with features like internal glazing or pocket doors are becoming more popular than huge, completely open rooms. Homes that can switch between sociable spaces and quieter areas tend to attract stronger interest.”
Protecting your investment
Amy Rootham, home insurance expert at Compare the Market says: “It’s encouraging to see homeowners investing so much passion into their homes but if you’re evolving your property with new features and upgrades, it’s worth making sure insurance and valuations are updated to reflect those changes as well.
“A ‘Renovation Review’ should be a standard part of any project. Whether you’re adding a glass extension or just updating your layout with internal partitions, factoring in the updated rebuild cost early means you won’t be surprised if you ever need to make a claim. Your home is likely your biggest asset; so, it’s worth protecting it for what it’s actually worth today, not what it was worth before you started the work.”
