- Wolverhampton is named the best area in the UK for a renovation project, with Sandwell and County Durham following closely behind in second and third place.
- The study uses data from GOV UK, Rightmove, and Checkatrade to determine where holds the best potential for a renovation project.
- In contrast, Kensington and Chelsea is identified as the area where it is hardest to start a renovation project .
In a new study conducted by flooring specialists Mr Sander, Wolverhampton is identified as the best place to start a renovation project in the UK.
Using data sourced from GOV.UK, Rightmove, and Checkatrade, this study identifies the best regions in the UK for initiating a renovation project. The analysis is based on four key factors: median house price, planning approval rate, tradesperson reviews, and the percentage of homes deemed to have renovation potential.
An increasing number of individuals are opting to purchase properties in need of renovation, aiming to save costs and infuse their distinct style into their new homes. This study seeks to pinpoint the regions where this trend is most feasible.
Wolverhampton emerges as the UK’s top renovation hotspot, boasting a median house price below the national average at £193,707, a planning approval rating of 93.7%, 42% of homes with renovation potential, and a tradesperson score of 9.90.
In second place is Sandwell, another West Midlands area, where the median house price is £199,977, the planning approval rate is 92.9% and a percentage of 43.7% houses that hold potential.
County Durham ranks third with an overall score of 75.35. The median house price is £127,727, with a high planning approval rate of 95.8% and 22% of homes showing renovation potential.
Burnley claims fourth place with a score of 74.16. The median house price is £103,386- significantly below the national average- with a planning approval rate of 87.9% and 27.9% of homes presenting renovation potential.
Taking fifth place is Gateshead, with a median house price of £160,990, a high planning approval rate of 94.2%, 24.3% of homes with renovation potential, and an impressive tradesperson score of 9.91.
The top ten renovation spots in the UK
| Location | Median House Price (£) | Planning Approval Rating (%) | Percentage of houses with ‘potential’ | Tradesperson Score | Overall Score (/100) |
| Wolverhampton | £193,707 | 93.7 | 42 | 9.90 | 81.50 |
| Sandwell | £199,977 | 92.9 | 43.7 | 9.90 | 81.49 |
| County Durham | £127,727 | 95.8 | 22 | 9.89 | 75.35 |
| Burnley | £103,386 | 87.9 | 27.9 | 9.88 | 74.16 |
| Gateshead | £160,990 | 94.2 | 24.3 | 9.91 | 74.11 |
| Darlington | £157,386 | 95.1 | 19.7 | 9.93 | 73.93 |
| South Tyneside | £156,901 | 95 | 18 | 9.92 | 72.12 |
| City of Plymouth | £223,469 | 92.7 | 28 | 9.92 | 71.97 |
| St Helen’s | £181,134 | 94.5 | 20.9 | 9.92 | 71.68 |
| Amber Valley | £236,935 | 93.3 | 36.6 | 9.85 | 71.49 |
Kensington and Chelsea ranks lowest with a median house price of £1,154,639, a planning approval rate of 85.6%, 3.8% of homes with renovation potential, and a tradesperson score of 9.90, resulting in an overall score of 29.71.
Islington precedes this ranking as the second lowest. The median house price here is £645,134, accompanied by a planning approval rate of 80.3% and 4.7% of homes with renovation potential.
Ranking third from the bottom is Hackney, with a median house price of £589,517, a planning approval rate of 79.2%, approximately 4.8% of homes showing renovation potential, and an impressive tradesperson score of 9.90- an overall score of 33.26.
Another London area, The City of Westminster, ranks fourth lowest in the ranking. The median house price here is £927,909, with a planning approval rate of 87.8% and 2.9% of homes holding renovation potential.
Lambeth holds the fifth lowest position in the ranking, with a median house price of £501,094, a planning approval rate of 72.4%, and 8.4% of homes for sale showing renovation potential.
The ten worst spots for renovation projects
| Location | Median House Price (£) | Planning Approval Rate (%) | Percentage of houses with ‘potential’ | Tradesperson Score (/10) | Overall Score (/100) |
| Kensington and Chelsea | £1,154,639 | 85.6 | 3.8 | 9.90 | 29.71 |
| Islington | £645,134 | 80.3 | 4.7 | 9.90 | 33.02 |
| Hackney | £589,517 | 79.2 | 4.8 | 9.90 | 33.26 |
| The City of Westminster | £927,909 | 97.8 | 2.9 | 9.90 | 33.65 |
| Lambeth | £501,094 | 72.4 | 8.4 | 9.91 | 34.28 |
| Brent | £521,609 | 72.4 | 14.6 | 9.89 | 34.36 |
| Harrow | £521,416 | 70 | 20.1 | 9.89 | 35.76 |
| Barnet | £583,647 | 78.7 | 11 | 9.89 | 36.03 |
| Greenwich | £458,920 | 73.5 | 12.1 | 9.90 | 36.03 |
| Newham | £396,662 | 71.9 | 11.3 | 9.90 | 36.08 |
Anthony Miller, CEO of Mr Sander commented on the findings: “This latest study reveals the prime locations in the UK ideal for initiating renovation projects highlighting the regions with significant renovation potential and shedding light on the key factors that inform successful property transformations.
