- The average size of homes in the U.K. is 76 square meters, smaller than other countries like the US, with an average size of 140 sqm.
- House prices have doubled since 2008, making it difficult for individuals to purchase larger homes.
- Limited land availability and stricter building regulations contribute to smaller homes.
- Growing trends like city living contribute to the preference for smaller homes.
- Developers often prefer building smaller units due to cost and maximization of profits per square footage.
The U.K. is widely renowned for its compact and space-saving properties. So much so that smaller homes are virtually accepted among British homeowners, this trend has steadily increased since the early 2000s, and there is no change in sight. Smaller homes have become prevalent in the U.K. mainly due to several factors that are often challenging for potential homeowners to navigate.
The Average Size of Homes in The U.K.
The U.K. has some of the smallest homes in the world. It’s estimated that homes in the U.K. are only about 76 square meters big. This is compared to other countries, such as the United States, which has an average home size of 140 square meters. This drastic difference in size is likely due to various factors, including limited land availability and stricter building regulations.
The Cost of Home Ownership in The U.K.
Additionally, owning a home in the U.K. can be extremely expensive. Property prices have been rising for many years, and there is no indication that this trend will slow down anytime soon. This makes it difficult for potential homeowners to find an affordable living place. This also makes purchasing a home in the country less worth it. Here are some growing reasons why homes in the U.K. are growing smaller.
Spiraling House Prices
As stated earlier, in the past decade, house prices in the U.K. have skyrocketed beyond the reach of most citizens. According to research, the average home price has doubled since 2008, and this trend shows no sign of slowing down. Spiraling house prices make it increasingly difficult for individuals to buy larger homes, which leaves smaller ones as the only alternative.
Limitations in Land Space
The U.K.’s land space is limited and is expected to run out of land in 2030. Additionally, the high housing demand resulted in smaller homes. The difficulty in acquiring land to build bigger houses oftentimes leads to a focus on packing as many homes as possible into limited land. Hence smaller homes become the norm.
Government Regulations
Government regulations on building standards and green energy are often costly, especially for those who intend to build bigger homes. As a result, home builders tend to aim for small homes since the regulations would not be too costly to apply.
Changing Lifestyles
Changing lifestyles of the British people have also played a role in the increased popularity of smaller homes. Many U.K. residents focus on city living, where space is at a premium, hence the popularity of small apartments and flats.
Developer’s Preference
Developers, who aim to increase their profits, are also well known for building smaller units to maximize their profits. Not only is it cheaper to build smaller units, but they also yield more significant revenues per square footage.
Renovation Options For a Bigger Home
Thankfully, there are some ways homeowners can make their homes look bigger without actually having to buy a larger property. Here are some of those ways:
Expand Outside
If you still have room in your backyard or front lawn, it might be possible to build an extension. This can give you some extra space that would look like part of your home. One of the best and most affordable options is a patio.
You’ll need various materials to build one. First, you’ll need pavers. Consider contacting your local paving supply for this. They can deliver the items you need for a patio and install it properly. Next, you’ll need outdoor furniture like a couch, a couple of chairs, and maybe even an outdoor dining table.
Declutter Your Home
If building an extension isn’t an option for you, then your best bet is to declutter your house as much as possible. The more stuff you have in your home, the smaller it will feel. So focus on getting rid of items you don’t need. You can donate those to charity or even sell them online.
Open Plan
Removing bulky walls can help create more of an open space in your home. This is especially effective if you plan to merge two rooms into one. You could also opt for pocket doors instead of regular doors, as they don’t take up much space when opened.
Go Vertical
Vertical storage systems are ideal for adding additional storage without removing any extra floor space. Tall shelving units can make a room look bigger while providing ample storage options. The same principle applies to utilizing wall-mounted décors like pictures or mirrors to draw the eye upwards and make the room appear larger than it is.
A smaller home does not have to mean a cramped space. Utilizing some tips above, you can make your small home look spacious and inviting. It’s essential to keep in mind that investing in your current property could be just as rewarding as buying a larger one. So if you’re looking for ways to maximize your living space without breaking the bank, these tips will help.
