The Home Improvement Index 2024
Regional Profiles: West Midlands
The West Midlands was among the more resilient regions between 2019 to 2023 for home improvement applications. In 2023 Stratford-on-Avon topped the regional rankings, despite falling numbers of applications. Meanwhile, Birmingham, enjoying a big rise in applications between 2019 and 2023, jumped into the top 10.
West Midlands - Change in applications by type 2022 & 2023
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Overall applications fell broadly in line with national trends, down 12% in 2023, leaving the level 4% down since 2019. Regional house price growth was among the strongest and, while economic growth has been weak, earnings growth has been above the national average over the past four years.
Following the national trend, the region saw applications for extensions fall. They fell to 9% below the level seen in 2019. The story for lofts was more favourable. Applications were down in 2023 but were 12% higher than in 2019. Applications for garden works and buildings nudged down slightly in 2023 but remained solidly above the 2019 level.
West Midlands - Regional Home improvement apps per 1k private homes
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On energy-saving measures the West Midlands was among the weakest in terms of growth and the number of applications per 1,000 private homes. The level of applications mentioning insulation was down in 2023 compared with 2019. And the surge in applications for solar panels was significantly weaker than in most regions and started from a relatively low base.
West Midlands - Average House price at Dec 2023 & annual change
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West Midlands - Top 10 Districts for home improvement
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*The rankings are based on the number of home improvement applications, as defined by Barbour ABI (see methodology), per 1,000 private homes. Given the impacts of the pandemic, 2023 is compared with 2019 as benchmark.
West Midlands - Share of regional applications involving key types in 2023
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*Note: A single application may include any number of the above key types
West Midlands - Regional spending on alterations and improvement to homes over 2021 and 2022
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Source: ONS Family Expenditure Survey.
Caveat: The data can vary significantly year to year given sample the sizes. This is partially smoothed in our use of the data by taking an average over two years.
