Russians Turn Holidays into Home Upgrade Bonanza

More than half of Russian households intend to spend the 2026 New Year holidays on home improvements, marking a notable rise in planned consumer activity over the winter break. Analysts at the Leman.Pro hypermarket told RIA Novosti that 54 percent of those surveyed expect to carry out some form of renovation during the holidays, up from 39 percent a year earlier.

Why Russian holiday renovations are on the rise

Analysts attribute the jump to longer official holidays in 2026, which give families more time to tackle projects that would be hard to complete during regular working weeks. The longer break appears to have encouraged households to plan and execute projects that range from minor repairs to single-room remodelling.

Scope of planned work and consumer choices

The survey offers insight into the types of work households expect to undertake. Small repairs and decorative updates are the most common plans, cited by 36 percent and 18 percent of respondents respectively. Nineteen percent said they would focus on remodelling a single room, while just 8 percent planned full-scale construction work from scratch.

These figures suggest a strong market for do-it-yourself supplies, decorating materials and small renovation services. Retailers specialising in building materials, tools and furnishings may see a spike in demand across the holiday period.

Economic implications

Holiday renovation activity can have broader economic benefits. Increased spending on materials and services supports retail sales and may boost short-term employment for tradespeople and installers. For smaller suppliers and local trades, a concentrated surge in demand during the holidays can help smooth seasonal cash flow.

At the same time, most consumers appear to prefer modest upgrades over expensive structural changes. That trend points to discretionary spending that is significant for retail and services but unlikely to prompt a rapid rise in large-scale construction projects.

Value-adding tips and market advice

Experts previously advised homeowners on which renovation choices add value to apartments. Simple layouts and straightforward rectangular rooms often maintain market appeal better than elaborate designs with slanted walls or unconventional shapes. Thoughtful planning and practical updates can preserve an apartment’s resale value, which matters for owners who view renovations as an investment.

As Russians prepare for an extended holiday season, the rise in planned renovations underscores how calendar changes and available leisure time can shape consumer behaviour. Retailers and service providers will be watching closely as households turn downtime into opportunities to refresh and improve their living spaces.