Topping the list are pavers, with an average of 135,000 Google searches per month. This is unsurprising, as well-laid paving is essential for gardens and driveways as homeowners look to improve outdoor spaces.

Plumbers follow with 74,000 searches, likely driven by the urgent nature of leaks and blockage issues that can quickly get worse. Here are the top five occupations most searched for online:

1. Paver
2. Plumber
3. Locksmith
4. Electrician
5. Carpenter

The research shows substantial regional differences in demand for handymen. In coastal and rural towns such as Bexhill on Sea and Hambledon, searches for pavers are particularly high, likely due to the popularity of garden and driveway projects.

Medium-sized towns like Melksham and Bridlington show increased interest in locksmiths, possibly reflecting security concerns in residential areas.

Greener regions, including Royal Tunbridge Wells and Great Bookham, see more searches for gardeners, as larger outdoor spaces require regular upkeep.

Roofers are especially in demand in places like Carlisle, where weather conditions may lead to more roof damage.

Search terms like “plumber near me” and “locksmith near me” are typed into Google over 110,000 times a month. These high numbers indicate the urgent need for services that solve immediate household problems.

In contrast, trades like paving and bricklaying are typically booked in advance, with lower “near me” search volumes.