New report finds UK homeowners traded holidays and special events for lasting home upgrades in 2025 – with Brighton homeowners being among the most likely to do so.
A new study of UK homeowners reveals a growing trend: more people are choosing to invest in their homes and gardens rather than spending on holidays abroad or special events. Brighton homeowners are among the most likely to prioritise spending in this way, sitting just behind Manchester which is the most likely to do so.
Last year, the average homeowner in Brighton spent £3,405 on home and garden updates: this is £1,434 more than they spent on holidays abroad (£1,971). With around a quarter (24%) of Brighton homeowners having postponed or toned down a holiday this year to fund home or garden improvements.
The survey of 1,000 UK homeowners, conducted by Platinum Spas, leading hot tub specialists, highlights the shift in consumer priorities and the growing appeal of investing in spaces that can be enjoyed every day.
UK cities where homeowners spend more on the home and garden than on holidays (pergcentage who admit this)
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Manchester: 51%
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Brighton: 48%
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Liverpool: 45%
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Belfast: 44%
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Cardiff: 44%
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London: 44%
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Edinburgh: 43%
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Glasgow: 40%
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Southampton: 40%
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Nottingham: 39%
Discussing this trend in prioritising homes over holidays, Sarah Watkins, home and gardens expert at Platinum Spas said,
“The home has taken on new importance since the pandemic, the nation has come to value the comfort, functionality, and enjoyment it brings. People are increasingly investing in creating spaces they love and homes that they don’t need a break or a holiday from. This is reflected in trends like ‘enjoying my mortgage’ on social media, where homeowners spend time enjoying their living spaces instead of leaving the house on a weekend.
“These choices are particularly prevalent among younger homeowners. For those aged 25-34, nearly half (43%) postponed or limited holidays, while over a third (39%) missed weddings or birthday celebrations to fund their own home and garden improvements.”
