Two days of self-build and renovation advice, 220+ exhibitors and free expert consultations at Farnborough International, 16-17 January 2027.
Dates
16–17 Jan 2027
City / country
Farnborough, United Kingdom
Venue
Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre
Time
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Event overview
The South East Homebuilding & Renovating Show returns to Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre on 16-17 January 2027 for two days of practical advice, product discovery and project planning. More than 220 exhibitors cover kitchens, bathrooms, extensions, self-build, energy efficiency and interiors, while two theatres host over 30 seminars and masterclasses.
Visitors can book free 15-minute one-to-one consultations at the Advice Centre, compare thousands of products and leave with a clearer budget, plan and supplier shortlist. It is a practical, advice-first day rather than a trade-only expo.
TL;DR
Come if you have a live project or a serious plan: compare hundreds of products in person, sit in on practical seminars, and book a free 15-minute consultation with a planner, architect, builder or energy expert. It is the quickest way to test a budget and a shortlist before committing.
Exhibit to meet homeowners and self-builders who are actively specifying, not just browsing. The two-day format and the Advice Centre create repeated, high-intent conversations, and the South East catchment supports premium products, retrofit systems and build services.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, Trenchard Way, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 6TQ, United Kingdom
Entrances & gates
Gate F
Vehicle and visitor arrival gate named by the organiser, with what3words remind.clap.decreased.
On-site parking at the exhibition centre, reached via Gate F; check the show guide for the current daily charge.
Food options
Exhibition centre catering
On-site diningParking: Drive to Gate F off Aerospace Boulevard and follow event signage; on-site parking is provided at the exhibition centre. Allow extra time at opening on Saturday.
Gate: Arrive at Gate F. The venue is just off the A325, accessible from the M3 junction 4 and the A31. Ignore sat-nav once the brown Exhibition Centre signs appear and follow Gate F instead.
Attend
Event days & opening times
Advance visitor registration
Two free tickets are offered online until 3pm the day before the show; children aged 16 and under enter free.
Standard one-day ticket
Standard full-price ticket for regional shows; the door price can be higher.
Ticket info
Badge collection
Tickets arrive by email from 27registration@eventdata.uk; show the email on your phone or print it and present it at Gate F. Children under 16 do not need a ticket but must be accompanied.
Ticket notes
Entry is free with advance online registration; a standard full-price ticket is £12 and the on-the-door price can be higher. The offer closes at 3pm the day before the show.
Registration deadline
2027-01-15T15:00:00
What's on
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2026
Visitors: 10,500
Exhibitors: 220
This edition
2027
Visitors: 11,000
Exhibitors: 230
Next edition
Not announced yet
Impact
The South East edition is the circuit's January opener and its most affordable stop for London-adjacent buyers. In 2026 it drew over 10,500 visitors and more than 220 exhibitors, a 25% year-on-year rise. For a supplier, two days at Farnborough reach homeowners from Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire and south-west London who are actively specifying, at a fraction of the cost of a national show.
Audience quality
The audience is consumer-led but project-driven: self-builders with plots, renovators with budgets and homeowners appointing contractors. The Advice Centre and seminar programme filter for people who arrive with drawings, timelines and technical questions, so exhibitors should staff the stand with people who can qualify a project rather than hand out brochures.
Exhibitor outcomes
A 9 sqm shell stand is the low-risk entry point; brands with a specification-led product should budget for 18 sqm and a demo. Lead quality, not footfall, drives ROI here: pre-booked consultations and seminar slots create the best conversations. Consumer impulse purchases convert less well than build systems, glazing, kitchens, insulation and retrofit services.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Farnborough draws project-ready homeowners from Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire and south-west London, one of the UK's strongest renovation and self-build catchments. The show's advice-led format suits buyers who are comparing specifications rather than browsing, and it gives suppliers a concentrated two-day window before the spring build season.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Retrofit and home energy efficiency
Rising energy costs and updated energy-performance expectations are pushing homeowners to insulate, replace glazing and consider heat pumps before cosmetic work.
What it changes: Suppliers with verified performance data and installer networks can win specification early in the project.
Self-build and custom-build pipelines
Demand for plots and controlled build routes remains strong in the South East, with timber frame and modern methods attracting buyers who want cost certainty.
What it changes: Build systems and package suppliers can meet buyers at the point where the construction route is being chosen.
Advice-led, experience-first retail
Homeowners increasingly want impartial guidance and tactile product comparison before committing, not another online catalogue.
What it changes: A show with free expert consultations converts research into appointments and qualified leads.
The South East edition is the first stop of an eight-show UK circuit, so buyers and exhibitors can follow the series across the year.
The South East Homebuilding & Renovating Show
Farnborough, United Kingdom
The listing event.
websiteThe Homebuilding & Renovating Show - NEC
Birmingham, United Kingdom
Four-day national show and the largest stop on the circuit.
websiteThe Homebuilding & Renovating Show - Glasgow
Glasgow, United Kingdom
Two-day show at SEC Glasgow.
websiteThe Homebuilding & Renovating Show - London
London, United Kingdom
Three-day show at ExCeL London.
websiteSpring build season
Farnborough opens the year; Birmingham follows in March.
Dates from the organiser's published 2026-27 circuit page.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
London Heathrow
Largest long-haul gateway; take the M4/M25 then M3 to junction 4.
about 25 miles
to venue
35-50 minutes
by car
London Gatwick
Useful for European and leisure routes; M23/M25 then M3.
about 45 miles
to venue
55-75 minutes
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 85–115 / night
Simple rooms 10-15 minutes from Gate F; book early because the January show coincides with a busy midweek.
USD 125–170 / night
Larger rooms and on-site parking; 10-20 minutes by car.
USD 200–280 / night
Best for hosting clients and evening meetings; the Aviator is closest to the venue.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Rail
35-45 minutes; then a short taxi or local bus to Gate F.
Taxi / ride-hail
Metered taxis at the station rank; ride-hail availability is thinner at peak times.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Visitor visa | Visitors whose nationality does not qualify for visa-free entry | — | Typically around three weeks |
Many EU, US, Canadian, Australian and Japanese passport holders can visit for short business trips without a visa; confirm your own status.
Exhibitors temporarily importing goods should confirm the carnet route with their freight forwarder.
Official visa pageWeather
January in Hampshire is cold and often damp: daytime highs of 7-9C, nights near 2-3C, and a realistic chance of rain. Wear layers and waterproof shoes for the walk from the car parks.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Mobile coverage is good across the venue. Exhibition Wi-Fi is usually shared and slow at peak times; bring a personal hotspot for live demos.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Queue and service etiquette
Brits queue quietly and expect please and thank you; at a busy show, wait your turn at the Advice Centre rather than hovering.
Cashless venue
The show FAQ notes there are no cash points on site, so carry a card or phone wallet for food, parking and incidentals.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: London Heathrow (LHR)
Book into Heathrow if you can; Gatwick is a viable alternative for European routes. Allow 90 minutes from landing to the venue by car.
Visa-free short business visits are common for EU, US and many Commonwealth passports, but check GOV.UK for your nationality before booking.
Estimated cost: Standard Visitor visa fee varies by nationality; check GOV.UK
Processing: Around three weeks
The organiser does not provide invitation letters for overseas visitors.
OfficialGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Heathrow to Farnborough by car is 35-50 minutes via the M4, M25 and M3; rail via Woking takes about 90 minutes.
Hotel → venue: Local hotels are 10-20 minutes by taxi; the Aviator is walkable to Gate F.
Ride-hail: Uber and local firms operate from Farnborough station; expect surge pricing at show close.
Public transit: Farnborough Main has direct trains to London Waterloo; local buses serve the town centre, not the gate, so finish by taxi.
Parking: On-site parking at the venue via Gate F; arrive before 10:00 for the closest spaces.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: January
Temperature: 2-9C
Seasonality: Cold, damp and changeable; rain is likely and daylight is short.
Packing: Waterproof coat, warm layers and comfortable shoes for concrete floors and outdoor car parks.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Saturday 16 January 2027
Saturday has the longest opening hours (10:00-17:00) and the full seminar programme; Sunday closes at 16:30 and some exhibitors start packing down late in the day.
Register for free tickets and book travel — The free offer closes at 3pm the day before the show.
Shortlist exhibitors and seminars — Check the what's-on page and pick two theatre sessions.
Prepare a project file — Bring plans, photos, measurements and your budget range.
Confirm hotel and parking — Gate F is the arrival point; allow extra time on Saturday.
Print or download tickets — Tickets arrive from 27registration@eventdata.uk.
Arrive at Gate F, collect badge and show guide
Gate F entranceWalk the halls and shortlist suppliers
Main exhibition hallsAttend a self-build or planning seminar
Seminar theatreFree one-to-one consultation at the Advice Centre
Advice CentreWinchester
Historic City
35 minutes by car
Cathedral, compact medieval centre and good restaurants for a pre-show evening.
Windsor
Castle and Riverside
45 minutes by car
Easy add-on for international visitors flying into Heathrow.
The Aviator bar
Hotel bar
Closest premium hotel to the venue; useful for supplier dinners.
Farnborough town centre
Casual pubs and restaurants
10 minutes by taxi; wider choice for larger groups.
Consumer shows generate a short window of intent: homeowners are ready to decide in the weeks after the event, so speed and specificity matter more than volume.
Budget
Shell scheme
GBP 400–600 / m²
Raw space
GBP 350–500 / m²
Standard booth
9 m²
No 2027 tariff was published; bands reflect comparable UK regional consumer shows.
sourceAdjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
Booth
exhibitor · 9 sqm shell
GBP 4000–4500 / per stand
Hotel
both · mid
GBP 125–170 / per room per night
Flight
visitor · economy
USD 180–700 / return
Per diem
both · standard
GBP 60–85 / per day
Insurance
exhibitor · public liability
GBP 120–250 / per event
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Booth | exhibitor | 9 sqm shell | GBP 4000–4500 / per stand | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| Hotel | both | mid | GBP 125–170 / per room per night | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| Flight | visitor | economy | USD 180–700 / return | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| Per diem | both | standard | GBP 60–85 / per day | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| Insurance | exhibitor | public liability | GBP 120–250 / per event | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
Decision
Six quick questions to decide whether to visit, exhibit or skip.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
Where are you in your project?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You are researching products or need expert input before committing.
Best for
Self-builders and renovators with a live project
Timeline
1 day
Risks
Seminar seats fill early
Advice slots are first-come
exhibit
You have a specification-led product and can staff a qualification-focused stand.
Best for
Suppliers and build-service firms selling into the South East
Min. budget
$4,000.00
Timeline
3-6 months
Risks
Consumer footfall is not guaranteed
Lead quality varies by stand
skip
You have no project in the next year and no relevant supplier need.
Best for
Buyers with no active project or irrelevant category
Timeline
None
Risks
Missing future dates
Travel cost
Book with
Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre
The purpose-built exhibition and conference centre that hosts the South East edition.
Venue named on the official show page; not a commercial partner of this listing.
British Airways
Heathrow-based carrier with the widest choice of connections into London.
Useful travel resource, not an official show sponsor.
Hampshire Chamber of Commerce
Regional business network for suppliers and contractors working in Hampshire.
Regional resource, not an official show partner.
Federation of Master Builders
UK trade body for builders, with stand standards and contractor directories.
Industry resource; the FMB has appeared in the show's masterclass programme but is not confirmed as a 2027 partner.
Recommended providers
Official nationality-by-nationality guidance.
Filter Farnborough GU14 and check cancellation terms.
Compare Heathrow routes; book 8-10 weeks ahead for January.
Event freight and customs brokerage; book at least four weeks ahead.
Public-liability and travel cover; confirm exhibition wording.
Local itineraries for Winchester, Windsor and the surrounding area.
Badge-scanning and lead-capture provider used at UK consumer shows.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
6 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
5
References
2
Publishers
5
Date checked
Future Publishing Limited
Construction Intelligence
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
