Almost half of Irish consumers plan major home improvements 

Surge in oil prices may have prompted Irish consumers to consider energy upgrades

Almost half of Irish consumers (45%) now planning to undertake a substantial home improvement spend in the next two years, according to new research. Picture: iStock/PA

A surge in oil prices may have caused many Irish consumers to consider energy upgrades, with almost half of Irish consumers (45%) now planning to undertake a substantial home improvement spend in the next two years, according to new research. 

The March 2026 Credit Union Consumer Sentiment Survey found planned spending on home improvements has continued to edge up in 2026 from previous surveys.

The researchers found that two in five consumers (39%) say difficulty moving is a significant factor in their planned home improvement spend in their current property. Some 13% of consumers say difficulties in moving to another property have influenced their spending on home improvements ‘a great deal’ and a further 26% say it exerted ‘a fair amount’ of influence.  "The sentiment survey sheds further light on continuing problems in Ireland’s housing market," said economist Austin Hughes.

Most consumers surveyed plan some home improvement in the next two years, with 45% of respondents planning significant home improvement spending and a further 27% planning a ‘refresh’ such as painting and decorating. 

The age groups reporting the highest incidence of significant home improvement spend were those aged between 25 and 44. "Difficulties in moving onto and up the fabled ‘property ladder’ may be leading younger consumers to spend on alterations to make their present accommodation more suitable to their current and future needs," the researchers said.

The survey found that just one in four consumers say they will borrow to finance their home improvement spend, while 45% will fund improvements from savings.

The report suggests the prospect of sharply increased energy costs may be causing some consumers to consider or accelerate measures to make their homes more energy efficient. "The early 2026 announcement on increased SEAI grant support for energy upgrades may also be having some positive influence in this regard. We estimate that about 3% of Irish consumers used an SEAI grant in 2025 and the sentiment survey suggests this figure could be somewhat higher in the next two years."

The March 2026 Credit Union Consumer Sentiment Survey questioned 1,000 respondents and was carried out in partnership with Core Research.