Wolverhampton stands out as the premier location for renovation projects in the UK. The city boasts a median house price of £193,707, which is below the national average, making it an attractive option for those looking to invest in property. Furthermore, Wolverhampton enjoys a planning approval rate of 93.7%, indicating a favourable environment for those seeking to make structural changes to their homes. With 42% of homes identified as having renovation potential and tradesperson ratings averaging 9.90, Wolverhampton offers a strong foundation for successful property transformations.
Other Top Locations
Close on Wolverhampton’s heels is Sandwell, another area in the West Midlands, which takes second place in the ranking. Sandwell has a median house price of £199,977, slightly higher than Wolverhampton, but still competitive. The area also boasts a planning approval rate of 92.9% and a higher percentage of homes with renovation potential at 43.7%.
County Durham secures the third spot, with a median house price of £127,727, the lowest among the top three. It also has a high planning approval rate of 95.8%, although only 22% of homes are deemed to have renovation potential. Despite this, County Durham’s affordability makes it an appealing choice for those looking to start a renovation project.
Burnley and Gateshead round out the top five, with Burnley offering the lowest median house price of £103,386. Gateshead, with a median house price of £160,990, has an impressive planning approval rate of 94.2% and a tradesperson score of 9.91, making it another strong contender for prospective renovators.
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 |
The Challenges in High-End Areas
While the study highlights regions with significant renovation potential, it also identifies areas where starting such projects is particularly challenging. Kensington and Chelsea, one of London’s most affluent boroughs, ranks lowest in the study. Despite its prestige, the area has a median house price of £1,154,639, a planning approval rate of 85.6%, and only 3.8% of homes identified as having renovation potential. The high cost of property and the limited availability of homes suitable for renovation make it the least favourable location for such projects.
Islington and Hackney, also in London, follow closely behind, with similarly high house prices and low renovation potential. The City of Westminster and Lambeth also feature among the bottom five, underscoring the difficulties of undertaking renovation projects in these high-end urban areas.
Expert Insights
Anthony Miller, CEO of Mr Sander, commented on the findings: “This latest study highlights the regions across the UK that are most conducive to successful renovation projects. By identifying areas with affordable house prices, high planning approval rates, and a wealth of homes with renovation potential, we aim to guide homeowners towards making informed decisions about where to invest their time and resources.”
As more people look to add value to their homes through renovation, understanding the regional dynamics that influence these projects is crucial. The study by Mr Sander provides valuable insights for those considering embarking on a renovation journey, ensuring they choose locations that offer the best chance of success.