Skip to content

The big you can do it sale has landed. Shop unmissable deals online & in store this spring

B&Q ClubCustomer supportSell on diy.com
You can do itYou can do itYou can do itYou can do it

The Way We Live Now: 2025

Our annual consumer insights report shows that people are staying in their homes for longer. Nearly half of people in the UK have lived in their home for at least 10 years, with over half aiming to stay put for at least another five. This is leading to homes evolving multiple times and it’s not just about a fresh coat of paint or new lighting fixtures. Homeowners are driving change with bold renovations, such as extensions or adding bathrooms. They’re choosing to love and not list their homes and turning them into lifelong havens.

It’s not just homeowners though. We have seen a change in attitudes amongst tenants. As the barriers to buying in the UK remain high, we are seeing renters ask more of their landlords, with many willing to chip in on major changes (72%). Currently two thirds of renters feel that they won’t ever be able to afford to buy a home, but this isn’t necessarily a negative. Contrary to commonly held opinions, 96% of tenants have an amicable relationship with their landlord, 88% think of their home as their sanctuary and 86% love their home, even if they don’t own it.

Last year we reported that Gen Z women are leading the charge in challenging gendered DIY stereotypes. This continues this year, with younger people willing to take on even complicated home improvement projects like knocking down internal walls. Almost two thirds of people (62%) now report that they would ‘have a go’ at a job, before calling in a tradesperson.

Part of this is driven by the fact that tradespeople are in high demand. So, this year we spoke to the next generation. We found that 46% of young people have not considered working in the trade. This is despite the fact that those who do join the trade find many of the benefits that young people are looking for from their working lives. Those in the trade report good pay (39%), the ability to start their own business (30%) and career progression (27%) as the best things about the job. This aligns strongly with the desires that young people hold.

Our report - The Way We Live Now: 2025 – is showing that people are focusing on making their home work for them, no matter what stage of life they are in. We’re also seeing that people increasingly have the confidence to make bold changes and take on exciting projects. Staying put does not mean staying still.

Read our report 'The Way We Live Now: 2025'
Infographic titled "Lifelong Lodgings" – A bar graph visualises how long people in the UK have lived in their current home. The bars show: 8% for less than a year, 10% for 1-2 years, 12% for 3-4 years, 21% for 5-10 years, and 49% for more than 10 years. Below the graph, text highlights that homeowners adapt their homes to suit different life stages. A callout box states that 68% of families have evolved their home to meet changing needs, while another reveals that 46% of families with older children have postponed downsizing to accommodate adult children still living at home.Infographic titled "Lifelong Lodgings" – A bar graph visualises how long people in the UK have lived in their current home. The bars show: 8% for less than a year, 10% for 1-2 years, 12% for 3-4 years, 21% for 5-10 years, and 49% for more than 10 years. Below the graph, text highlights that homeowners adapt their homes to suit different life stages. A callout box states that 68% of families have evolved their home to meet changing needs, while another reveals that 46% of families with older children have postponed downsizing to accommodate adult children still living at home.Infographic titled "Lifelong Lodgings" – A bar graph visualises how long people in the UK have lived in their current home. The bars show: 8% for less than a year, 10% for 1-2 years, 12% for 3-4 years, 21% for 5-10 years, and 49% for more than 10 years. Below the graph, text highlights that homeowners adapt their homes to suit different life stages. A callout box states that 68% of families have evolved their home to meet changing needs, while another reveals that 46% of families with older children have postponed downsizing to accommodate adult children still living at home.Infographic titled "Lifelong Lodgings" – A bar graph visualises how long people in the UK have lived in their current home. The bars show: 8% for less than a year, 10% for 1-2 years, 12% for 3-4 years, 21% for 5-10 years, and 49% for more than 10 years. Below the graph, text highlights that homeowners adapt their homes to suit different life stages. A callout box states that 68% of families have evolved their home to meet changing needs, while another reveals that 46% of families with older children have postponed downsizing to accommodate adult children still living at home.
Infographic titled "Rental Renovators" – A callout box highlights that 68% of renters don’t believe they will ever be able to afford to buy a home. Below, text explains that renters are no longer just tenants—they’re co-creators of their living spaces. Another callout box reveals that 72% of renters are willing to spend money improving their rental to make it feel more like home. Further details show that 54% of renters are decorating, including painting, tiling, and changing flooring, while 14% are undertaking minor building work, such as knocking through walls or installing a new kitchen or bathroom.Infographic titled "Rental Renovators" – A callout box highlights that 68% of renters don’t believe they will ever be able to afford to buy a home. Below, text explains that renters are no longer just tenants—they’re co-creators of their living spaces. Another callout box reveals that 72% of renters are willing to spend money improving their rental to make it feel more like home. Further details show that 54% of renters are decorating, including painting, tiling, and changing flooring, while 14% are undertaking minor building work, such as knocking through walls or installing a new kitchen or bathroom.Infographic titled "Rental Renovators" – A callout box highlights that 68% of renters don’t believe they will ever be able to afford to buy a home. Below, text explains that renters are no longer just tenants—they’re co-creators of their living spaces. Another callout box reveals that 72% of renters are willing to spend money improving their rental to make it feel more like home. Further details show that 54% of renters are decorating, including painting, tiling, and changing flooring, while 14% are undertaking minor building work, such as knocking through walls or installing a new kitchen or bathroom.Infographic titled "Rental Renovators" – A callout box highlights that 68% of renters don’t believe they will ever be able to afford to buy a home. Below, text explains that renters are no longer just tenants—they’re co-creators of their living spaces. Another callout box reveals that 72% of renters are willing to spend money improving their rental to make it feel more like home. Further details show that 54% of renters are decorating, including painting, tiling, and changing flooring, while 14% are undertaking minor building work, such as knocking through walls or installing a new kitchen or bathroom.
Infographic titled "Amateur Experts" – Two donut pie charts highlight growing DIY confidence. The first shows that 62% of people would rather ‘have a go’ at a DIY job than hire a tradesperson, while the second reveals that 73% consider themselves capable DIY-ers. Below, text explains that people are turning to the internet to learn more and share their achievements. A callout box on the left states that 50% have used social media to find DIY tutorials, while another on the right highlights that 41% of Gen Z film themselves doing DIY and share it online.Infographic titled "Amateur Experts" – Two donut pie charts highlight growing DIY confidence. The first shows that 62% of people would rather ‘have a go’ at a DIY job than hire a tradesperson, while the second reveals that 73% consider themselves capable DIY-ers. Below, text explains that people are turning to the internet to learn more and share their achievements. A callout box on the left states that 50% have used social media to find DIY tutorials, while another on the right highlights that 41% of Gen Z film themselves doing DIY and share it online.Infographic titled "Amateur Experts" – Two donut pie charts highlight growing DIY confidence. The first shows that 62% of people would rather ‘have a go’ at a DIY job than hire a tradesperson, while the second reveals that 73% consider themselves capable DIY-ers. Below, text explains that people are turning to the internet to learn more and share their achievements. A callout box on the left states that 50% have used social media to find DIY tutorials, while another on the right highlights that 41% of Gen Z film themselves doing DIY and share it online.Infographic titled "Amateur Experts" – Two donut pie charts highlight growing DIY confidence. The first shows that 62% of people would rather ‘have a go’ at a DIY job than hire a tradesperson, while the second reveals that 73% consider themselves capable DIY-ers. Below, text explains that people are turning to the internet to learn more and share their achievements. A callout box on the left states that 50% have used social media to find DIY tutorials, while another on the right highlights that 41% of Gen Z film themselves doing DIY and share it online.
Infographic titled "The Trade Gap" – A callout box reveals that 47% of 18-25 year olds have never considered a career in the construction trades, with the figure broken down into 36% of young men and 58% of young women. Below, text notes that those who do consider a trade career see the benefits. A donut pie chart highlights that 56% of young people agree with the statement, "I want to be super rich and will do whatever it takes to get there". Another callout box states that 30% of those choosing a trade career are motivated by the opportunity to start their own business.Infographic titled "The Trade Gap" – A callout box reveals that 47% of 18-25 year olds have never considered a career in the construction trades, with the figure broken down into 36% of young men and 58% of young women. Below, text notes that those who do consider a trade career see the benefits. A donut pie chart highlights that 56% of young people agree with the statement, "I want to be super rich and will do whatever it takes to get there". Another callout box states that 30% of those choosing a trade career are motivated by the opportunity to start their own business.Infographic titled "The Trade Gap" – A callout box reveals that 47% of 18-25 year olds have never considered a career in the construction trades, with the figure broken down into 36% of young men and 58% of young women. Below, text notes that those who do consider a trade career see the benefits. A donut pie chart highlights that 56% of young people agree with the statement, "I want to be super rich and will do whatever it takes to get there". Another callout box states that 30% of those choosing a trade career are motivated by the opportunity to start their own business.Infographic titled "The Trade Gap" – A callout box reveals that 47% of 18-25 year olds have never considered a career in the construction trades, with the figure broken down into 36% of young men and 58% of young women. Below, text notes that those who do consider a trade career see the benefits. A donut pie chart highlights that 56% of young people agree with the statement, "I want to be super rich and will do whatever it takes to get there". Another callout box states that 30% of those choosing a trade career are motivated by the opportunity to start their own business.
You can also read previous reports here:

Just some of the ways B&Q can help you

stores made easier

Stores

We have over 300 stores open 7 days a week.

click and collect made easier

Free 1 hour Click + Collect

Free Click + Collect in one hour from over 300 stores.

delivery made easier

Home delivery

 From the bulky to the dinky, we deliver over 40,000 products.

installation made easier

Installations

Home improvement made easier with a bit of help from our range of specialist services.

Home hacks to help you along the way

How to paint your wall like a pro.

How to paint your wall like a pro

Refreshing your walls might feel like a tough job. But we’re here to show you how with our guide to painting walls.

Read now
How to plant bedding plants in beds & borders.How to plant bedding plants in beds & borders.How to plant bedding plants in beds & borders.How to plant bedding plants in beds & borders.

How to plant bedding plants in beds & borders

From recovering your backyard after a mighty storm to adding colour when you’re anything but green-fingered, we’re here to help grow and nurture your garden from spring through to winter.

Read now
How to start a decorating project.

How to start a decorating project

Do you feel like your home needs a refresh? We'll help you work out what you’d like to gain from your decorating project and show you how and where to find inspiration.

Read now

Little tips for those big life moments

45 living room ideas for every style.45 living room ideas for every style.45 living room ideas for every style.45 living room ideas for every style.

45 living room ideas for every style

The living room is the beating heart of the home – a place to gather as a family, entertain friends, unwind in front of the TV, or curl up with a good book. Explore these living room ideas for tips on styling and making the most of your space.

Read now
5 design tips to create a calming baby-friendly space.

5 design tips to create a calming baby-friendly space

If you’re looking for a helping hand before your little bundle of joy arrives, follow our handy design guide to ensure it's as stress-free as possible!

Read now
Children's bedroom theme ideas.Children's bedroom theme ideas.Children's bedroom theme ideas.Children's bedroom theme ideas.

Children's bedroom theme ideas

When it comes to your children’s imaginations, anything is possible. Their bedroom could be an enchanted forest, an undiscovered galaxy in outer space, or deep under the sea.
Read now

    

Shop our most popular categories

  • Garden furniture sets.Garden furniture sets.Garden furniture sets.Garden furniture sets.
  • BBQs.BBQs.BBQs.BBQs.
  • Paint.
  • Furniture.
  • Wallpaper.
  • Furnishings.