The South East Homebuilding & Renovating Show has opened the 2026 season with record-breaking momentum, welcoming over 10,500 visitors across two days (17–18 January) at the Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre – a 25% year-on-year increase that points to renewed confidence and momentum across the industry.
This level of attendance sets a robust benchmark for the seven further shows scheduled nationwide, underlining the continued importance of live, face-to-face engagement between trade suppliers and homeowners actively progressing their projects.
The show also attracted a high concentration of project-ready homeowners, many attending with defined budgets, timelines and technical questions. Organisers report particularly strong interest in planning, sustainability, energy efficiency and future-proofing, reflecting shifting priorities within the market as homeowners look to maximise long-term value and performance.
Advice centres, seminars and masterclasses attracted consistently high volumes of attendees, with experts noting that visitors were seeking detailed, actionable guidance as well as general inspiration. The breadth and depth of expertise available – with one of the largest expert line-ups assembled under one roof – reinforced the show’s role as a critical knowledge exchange for the sector.
More than 220 exhibitors, including manufacturers, suppliers, designers and specialist contractors, took part. Many reported a strong pipeline of qualified, near-term leads, driven by in-depth conversations with homeowners actively comparing solutions and preparing to appoint suppliers.
Nick Noble, commercial & events director, Future PLC, says, “The quality of attendance throughout the weekend was particularly encouraging. Visitors arrived informed, engaged and ready to make decisions, which translated into meaningful conversations and tangible commercial opportunities for exhibitors.
“This performance clearly demonstrates the show’s strength as a results-driven platform for trade suppliers looking to connect directly with serious homeowners at a critical stage in their projects. With such a strong start to the year, we are confident about the scale and impact of the 2026 programme.”
The Homebuilding & Renovating Shows continue to deliver measurable value for the trade, combining high footfall with an audience actively specifying products, appointing contractors and moving projects forward.
