Housebuilder explores what’s driving demand among Staffordshire homeowners in 2026
As we look ahead to 2026, the motivations of Staffordshire homeowners are evolving – shaped by economic pressures, the rise of multigenerational living and ever-increasing focus on sustainability.
For Walton Homes, Staffordshire luxury housebuilder, these trends are not only influencing buyer behaviour but redefining what aspirational living looks like across the county.
Amy Summerton, Director at Walton Homes, explains: “Perhaps the biggest single driver of consumer behaviour when it comes to the property market has been a consistent increase in house prices countywide. Parts of Staffordshire, including Stafford and the Moorlands, have seen house price growth consistently outperform national averages across 2025. While this undoubtedly strengthens homeowner confidence and long-term asset value, we have also seen it sharpen expectations. Buyers increasingly want homes that work harder for them, both financially and functionally.
“The buoyant housing market has precipitated a prevailing market factor for 2026 – the rise of multigenerational living. Nationwide, nearly half of all households now contain adults of more than one generation, with cost-of-living pressures, childcare support and an ageing population all driving families to live closer together. Importantly, research suggests that the majority of homeowners would consider adapting or purchasing a home to accommodate relatives if needed.
“In Staffordshire, where space and lifestyle remain key draws, this has translated into growing demand for larger, flexible homes, such as properties with additional bedrooms, adaptable living spaces or layouts that allow independence without separation. For luxury buyers in particular, multigenerational living is less about compromise and more about future-proofing: investing in homes that can easily be adapted to meet evolving family needs.
“Alongside this, sustainability has moved firmly into the mainstream. While once a relatively niche concern, eco-friendly living is now seen as a ‘must-have’ for many buyers – a shift that has been driven by distinctly practical considerations.
“Manageable energy bills, enhanced comfort and long-term running costs now rank ahead of purely environmental motivations for many homeowners. Nationally, over two-thirds of homeowners plan to make sustainable improvements to their homes within the next decade, with a significant proportion intending to act within the next 12 months.
“Staffordshire reflects this picture closely. Fuel poverty remains a concern in parts of the county, while local uptake of energy-efficiency schemes highlights strong appetite for better-insulated, lower-carbon homes. Buyers are actively seeking properties with modern heating systems, high insulation standards and energy-efficient design, all of which are features that deliver immediate cost savings while supporting long-term environmental goals.
“Crucially, sustainability and luxury are no longer seen as opposing concepts. Today’s premium buyers expect high-quality design paired with responsible construction, recognising that energy efficiency, durability and thoughtful materials enhance both comfort and value.
“These shifts are also influencing how homeowners approach renovation versus relocation. While millions of UK homeowners plan to invest in home improvements, rising build costs and disruption mean many are opting instead for new-build homes that already meet modern expectations, particularly when those homes offer flexibility, space and strong environmental credentials from day one.
“For Walton Homes, these trends reinforce a clear direction of travel. Staffordshire buyers in 2026 will be increasingly seeking homes that support family life across generations, reduce energy costs, and stand the test of time, without having to compromise on design or quality.”
