Many homeowners are choosing to renovate rather than relocate as house prices surge at their fastest annual rate in two years. With a mini April heatwave set to sweep across Great Britain this weekend and spring cleaning in full swing, people are refreshing their homes and gardens ready for spring gatherings.
But where in the UK are the most house-proud homeowners?
Intrigued, experts at Locksmith Croydon analysed average monthly search volumes for all things home-related, including home decor, home inspiration, spring cleaning and room makeovers, alongside home renovation spending by region to find which UK. They also revealed five key spring cleaning mistakes homeowners should avoid that could devalue a property.
Key findings:
- Geordies are crowned the most house-proud thanks to high home renovation spending and an impressive 938 home-improvement-related searches per 100,000 residents.
- Scotland dominates the top three, with residents from Glasgow and Edinburgh showcasing strong home pride.
- Cambridge ranks as the least house-proud with one of the lowest home improvement search volumes and spending.
- Homeowners are warned about 5 common spring cleaning mistakes that could devalue their property.
10 most house-proud UK towns and cities revealed
| Rank | City | Region | Home-improvement related monthly search vol. per 100,000 residents | Average home renovation spending (£) | Favourite room to upgrade | Final house proud score /10 |
| 1 | Newcastle upon Tyne | North East | 938.24 | 4,859 | Living Room | 9.62 |
| 2 | Glasgow | Scotland | 616.78 | 4,234 | Living Room | 8.65 |
| 3 | Edinburgh | Scotland | 613.78 | 4,234 | Bedroom | 8.58 |
| 4 | Manchester | North West | 941.30 | 3,238 | Living Room | 8.49 |
| 5 | Bolton | North West | 924.78 | 3,238 | Living Room | 8.34 |
| 6 | Middlesbrough | North East | 564.09 | 4,859 | Bedroom | 8.32 |
| 7 | St Helens | North West | 880.50 | 3,238 | Living Room | 8.27 |
| 8 | Rochdale | North West | 870.32 | 3,238 | Garden | 8.19 |
| 9 | Oldham | North West | 772.08 | 3,238 | Living Room | 8.03 |
| 10 | London | London | 475.46 | 4,967 | Living Room | 7.89 |
For the complete data of all towns and cities analysed, please click here.
Newcastle residents have been crowned the most house-proud in the UK, boasting an impressive final home-loving score of 9.62/10. The North East city shines with the second highest renovation spending (£4,859) and also the second highest home-improvement-related search volume with 938 searches per 100,000 residents. Geordies care about their living rooms the most with 300 searches per month – around double the searches for kitchen upgrades (190 searches).
Scotland follows closely behind with both Glasgow (8.65/10) and Edinburgh (8.58/10) making it to the top three. Glasgow leads slightly, racking up about 616 monthly searches for home upgrade inspiration and spring cleaning tips, while Edinburgh has 613 searches per 100,000 residents. Scottish cities are strong contenders in home renovation spending, investing a remarkable £4,234 per year. Glasgow homeowners prioritise refreshing their living rooms the most, while Edinburgh residents search more for bedroom ideas.
Manchester homeowners rank as the fourth most house-proud with a final score of 8.49/10. Accumulating a staggering 941 searches for home improvement-related terms per 100,000 residents – highest of all cities analysed – Manchester residents are passionate about their homes.
Completing the top ten most house-proud is the British capital. With a solid score of 7.89/10, London homeowners invest the highest amount annually on home improvements (£4,967), while searches for home-related improvement terms total 475 per 100,000 residents.
10 least house-proud UK towns and cities revealed
| Rank | City | Region | Home-improvement related monthly search vol. per 100,000 residents | Home renovation spending (£) | Final house proud score /10 |
| 1 | Cambridge | East of England | 85.21 | 2,768 | 0.75 |
| 2 | Watford | East of England | 108.19 | 2,768 | 0.98 |
| 3 | Nottingham | East Midlands | 61.78 | 2,847 | 0.99 |
| 4 | Leicester | East Midlands | 166.43 | 2,847 | 1.67 |
| 5 | Southend-on-Sea | East of England | 223.83 | 2,768 | 1.74 |
| 6 | Basildon | East of England | 228.50 | 2,768 | 1.97 |
| 7 | Rotherham | Yorkshire & Humber | 130.08 | 3,175 | 2.04 |
| 8 | Newport | Wales | 40.41 | 3,254 | 2.10 |
| 9 | Grimsby | Yorkshire & Humber | 163.24 | 3,175 | 2.11 |
| 10 | Northampton | East Midlands | 224.58 | 2,847 | 2.20 |
For the complete data of all towns and cities analysed, please click here.
Cambridge residents have been named the least house-proud in the UK, scoring a notably low 0.75/10. The city lags behind in both home improvement searches and spending with just 85 searches per 100,000 residents for home inspiration and spring cleaning.
Watford trails behind (0.98/10) showing little enthusiasm for home upgrades. Like Cambridge, East of England cities record the lowest annual home improvement expenditures at just £2,768 per year.
Rounding out the bottom three is Nottingham with a house-proud score of 0.99/10. The East Midlands city sees a low level of interest in home upgrades with only 61 searches per 100,000 residents. Home renovation spending is also the second lowest across the UK, with residents investing an average of £2,847 annually – 42% less than London’s £4,967.
5 spring cleaning mistakes that could devalue your home, property experts reveal
- Overuse of harsh cleaning chemicals
Harsh chemicals can cause irreversible damage to materials in the home. Abrasive scrubbing on natural stone countertops (like granite or marble) can cause scratches or dullness, while strong chemical cleaners can discolour wooden floors, strip protective coatings from furniture, or weaken carpet fibres, leading to costly repairs.
Solution: Opt for gentler, non-abrasive cleaners such as pH-neutral stone cleaners, mild soapy water for wood, and natural alternatives like vinegar or baking soda. Always test a new cleaner on a small, hidden area first.
- Pressure wash everything
Pressure washing is effective for patios and driveways but can damage delicate surfaces. High pressure on brickwork, roof tiles, or wooden decking can erode mortar, strip coatings, and cause water intrusion, leading to mould and structural issues.
Solution: Use a soft wash method with a garden hose or low-pressure nozzle and gentle cleaning agents for delicate materials.
- Painting over problems
Painting over issues like damp spots or cracks is a short-term fix that can backfire. It may temporarily hide discolouration, but the moisture trapped beneath fresh paint can lead to peeling, bubbling, and an even bigger repair job later.
Solution: Identify and fix the root cause first – repair leaks, treat mold, and seal cracks before applying a new coat of paint.
- Over-cleaning carpets
Deep-cleaning carpets can be beneficial, but excessive scrubbing or oversaturating can lead to mould growth, unpleasant odours, and shrinkage of certain carpet types. Harsh brushing can also damage fibers, making carpets look worn and frayed.
Solution: Use a professional-grade steam cleaner or sprinkle baking soda on the carpet before vacuuming to refresh and lift odors. Ensure proper ventilation to allow it to dry completely.
- DIY repairs that mask underlying issues
While tackling minor repairs during spring cleaning can feel satisfying, homeowners should avoid covering up major problems. Repainting over water stains, hiding cracks in walls with filler or fixing broken tiles without addressing the root cause can lead to larger structural or plumbing issues over time.
Solution: Before cosmetic fixes, identify and resolve the underlying issue. Hidden damage will eventually be uncovered during professional inspections and can devalue the property.
