Renovations6 min read

What a full renovation actually costs in the UK

By PreOfferChecks Editorial · Published 9 April 2026

Key takeaways

London typically adds 20-40% to every figure listed here
A full kitchen replacement ranges from £8k (basic) to £60k+ (high-spec)
Loft conversions run £40k to £85k+ depending on type and specification
Budget a minimum 15-20% contingency — groundworks surprises are the norm, not the exception
Get three quotes minimum before committing to any single contractor

Numbers people find online are usually outdated, London-centric, or from the cheap end of the market. These are realistic ranges for 2025-26 based on current UK labour and material costs.

London adds 20-40% to most of these figures. Specification, existing condition, and how much you project manage yourself all affect the final number significantly.

Kitchen

Basic (flat-pack, standard appliances): £8,000 to £12,000
Mid-range (solid units, integrated appliances): £12,000 to £25,000
High-end (bespoke joinery, premium appliances): £25,000 to £60,000+

Bathroom

Basic: £4,000 to £7,000
Mid-range: £7,000 to £15,000
High-end: £15,000 to £30,000+
En-suite: add similar on top. Moving drainage adds cost.

Loft conversion

Dormer: £40,000 to £65,000
Hip-to-gable: £45,000 to £70,000
Mansard: £55,000 to £85,000+
Planning, building regs, and party wall agreements are additional costs.

Single-storey rear extension

Small (under 15m2): £25,000 to £40,000
Medium (15-30m2): £40,000 to £70,000
Large (30m2+): £70,000 to £120,000+
Shell only. Fit-out (kitchen, etc.) is additional.

Other common works

Full rewire: £6,000 to £12,000. Non-negotiable in older properties.
New boiler and heating: £2,000 to £4,500 installed.
Full internal replaster: £5,000 to £15,000 depending on size.
Windows, full house double glazing: £8,000 to £20,000.
Flooring throughout (mid-range): £5,000 to £12,000.

The gap between budget and actual spend almost always comes from groundworks and unforeseen structural issues. Budget a minimum 15-20% contingency on any serious renovation. It is not pessimism. It is just how buildings work.

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This article is general guidance only and does not constitute legal, surveying, or financial advice. Always instruct a qualified solicitor, surveyor, and mortgage adviser before proceeding with a property purchase. PreOfferChecks reports are decision-support tools, not professional reports.