The Great Home Disconnect: Europeans Know What Makes a Healthy Home, They Just Aren’t Doing It

• More than a third of Europeans (40%) feel daylight impacts their physical or mental wellbeing, whilst almost half (46%) report cold homes in winter negatively does the same 

• More than a third of Europeans (39%) say poor ventilation and air quality impact their sleep 

• Yet, renovation decisions are still mostly driven by aesthetics: 43% say they renovated to make their home more beautiful 

  VELUX, the Danish roof window manufacturer, today launches its annual Future of Home Report, which reveals a striking disconnect between what Europeans say affects their health and wellbeing in the home and what they are actually doing about it. Most Europeans understand that factors like daylight, noise, temperature and air quality impacts how they feel in their homes. Yet, instead of improving and investing in their homes, most resort to quick fixes like closing curtains all day in the summer (52%) or keeping windows completely closed in winter to save energy (38%). This "comfort paradox” leaves far too many people with living conditions that undermine both their health and happiness. 

The Future of Home report, which surveyed 9,000 homeowners and renters across six European countries (UK, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark), explores how indoor climate, space, daylight and affordability shape what living well means today. 

 It reveals that throughout the year, Europeans are directly affected by the indoor climate of their homes: almost a third (30%) of Europeans feel poor air quality affects their productivity and focus and nearly half (46%) say that cold homes in winter negatively impact their physical wellbeing.  In summer, a quarter of Europeans (26%) struggle with heat which they say impacts their sleep (69%) and overall wellbeing (47%).  

Despite this, renovation decisions are mostly driven by aesthetics with almost half of people (43%) saying making their home more beautiful or aesthetics motivated them to renovate, and only 15% have considered renovating their house to address temperature regulation. Daylight also continues to be treated as an optional extra in home design and renovation with only 1 in 10 saying they would move to access more natural light (11%). 

At the same time, the report shows that home improvement has become the primary way Europeans adapt their living conditions ahead of relocation: almost half of respondents (49%) have renovated in the last five years, compared with 35% who have moved. 

Although Europeans know what makes their homes healthier, the research highlights that few are motivated or able to address the issues, with cost being a practical barrier for more than a third (39%). Perceived lack of time and knowledge to manage a property renovation and lack of available options to move were also cited as key barriers for over a fifth of Europeans (29% respectively). 

However, when it comes to prioritising wellbeing in the home, younger homeowners (18-29 years) seem to be taking the lead with a more solution-focused approach. They are more daylight conscious than other age groups – with more than 1 in 5 (27% vs 22% across all age groups) saying they have renovated specifically for improved daylight access. 1 in 5 (20%) have added an extension to their property and they are the most likely age group to have recently a4dded or replaced vertical windows, dormers or glazed doors in their home (31% vs 27% across all age groups). When looking at future renovation plans, young adults are more likely to be considering natural daylight as a renovation project (27% vs 22% across all age groups).  

The Future of Homes report addresses crucial conversations happening in the home. It’s also a reminder that this isn't about luxury renovations, it's about thoughtful and long-term design choices that invite daylight in, ensure fresh air and thermal solutions that maintain comfort year-round.  Mads Jul Hansen, Insights Manager for VELUX says: "Our research shows a clear comfort paradox: people know daylight, fresh air and the right temperature are vital for their wellbeing, yet their homes often work against them. Rethinking how we design and renovate homes is one of the most powerful ways to support healthier, more comfortable everyday living.” 

Discover the full VELUX Future of Home report with detailed findings here.

ABOUT THE RESEARCH 

 The VELUX Future of Home report is a comprehensive quantitative study conducted in December 2025 with an online survey of 9,000 homeowners and renters (ages 18-80) across six European markets: the UK, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, and Denmark. The research explores emerging living trends, comfort priorities, renovation behaviours, and their impact on wellbeing and future home design decisions.