Britain’s entrepreneurs are increasingly choosing to run businesses from home as rising commercial costs, greater flexibility and changing attitudes towards work reshape the country’s small business landscape.
New research from Dunster House, garden building specialists, found that almost half (46%) of home business owners now rely on their venture as their primary source of income, while a further 28% say it provides a significant financial contribution to their household finances.
The findings suggest that home businesses have evolved far beyond side hustles, with many entrepreneurs deliberately building long-term businesses from spare bedrooms, garages, garden rooms, and other home workspaces.
When asked what motivated them to start a home-based business, respondents overwhelmingly cited lifestyle benefits over financial necessity, with nearly half saying that a better work-life balance was their top motivator.
Why are Brits choosing to run businesses from home?
|
Motivation |
% of respondents |
|
Better work-life balance |
47% |
|
Wanted to work remotely or from home |
36% |
|
Wanted more flexibility |
36% |
|
Turned a hobby or passion into a business |
32% |
|
Wanted to leave their job |
31% |
|
Wanted to spend more time with family |
29% |
|
Started a side hustle to earn additional income |
22% |
|
Renting commercial space was too expensive |
14% |
|
COVID-19 prompted a change in direction |
12% |
Although the data shows that quality-of-life factors dominate, cost remains an important consideration. Commercial property rents in the UK have risen by an average of 3.1% annually as of mid-2026, according to the Carter Jonas Commercial Market Outlook and with this rise, many entrepreneurs are choosing to invest in their own properties rather than commit to expensive premises.
Christopher Murphy MBE, founder of Dunster House, said: “For many entrepreneurs, running a business from home removes one of the biggest barriers to getting started, the cost of commercial premises. As rents and operating costs continue to rise, more people are realising they don’t need a high street unit or office lease to build a successful business. Home working has made entrepreneurship more accessible, allowing people to invest in growing their business rather than covering overheads.”
55% regularly work evenings and weekends as home businesses blur work-life boundaries
Despite the flexibility and freedom, there are some payoffs that are being experienced by those who do business out of their home. Many entrepreneurs admit that separating work and home life can be difficult.
More than half (55%) say they regularly work evenings and weekends, while almost half (48%) have experienced loneliness or isolation because of running a business from home.
Meanwhile, one in three (33%) have had customers unexpectedly turn up at their home, highlighting the difficulties many face in maintaining professional boundaries.
The findings also reveal the growing pressure that businesses can place on domestic spaces, with 58% saying their enterprise has taken over parts of their personal living environment.
To address these challenges, many entrepreneurs are investing heavily in dedicated workspaces. Nearly two-thirds (62%) have already spent money improving their workspace, with respondents investing an average of £5,170 into creating environments better suited to running a business.
When asked what improvements they would make if budget were no obstacle, better broadband and Wi-Fi (34%), improved heating and air conditioning (34%), and a fully insulated garden office (32%) topped the list.
