2026 Pricing Guide
Full House Renovation Costs UK 2026
Light refreshes to full strip-out refits — see what whole-property renovations really cost and get an instant estimate.
A full house renovation in the UK costs £18,000–£150,000+ in 2026 depending on property size and the depth of works. A light refresh (decor and flooring) costs £18,000–£35,000, a medium refurb (kitchen/bathroom plus decor) costs £40,000–£70,000, and a full strip-out and refit with structural changes costs £80,000–£150,000+. Renovations are typically priced per m² (£600–£2,500/m²), with structural work, kitchens and bathrooms driving the highest costs.
Full Renovation Prices
How Much Does Each Full Renovation Option Cost?
Prices below are indicative 2026 UK market rates and include labour and materials. Use our calculator for a personalised estimate.
Light Refresh (decor + flooring)
£18,000 – £35,000
Redecorate every room, new flooring, minor repairs. No kitchen/bathroom changes.
Medium Refurb (kitchen/bath + decor)
£40,000 – £70,000
New kitchen, new bathroom, decorate throughout, new flooring. Most popular scope.
Full Strip-Out & Refit
£80,000 – £130,000
Remove everything, rewire, re-plumb, re-plaster, new kitchen, bath, floors and decor.
Structural Renovation
£100,000 – £150,000
Above plus structural changes: extensions, knocking through, new layout, steels.
Cost per m² (light to full)
£600 – £2,500
Industry benchmark. Light refresh £600–£1,000/m², full strip-out £1,500–£2,500/m².
1–2 Bed Flat Renovation
£18,000 – £60,000
Light refresh to full refit. Flats cost less but access and leasehold rules can limit works.
* All prices are estimates. A site survey is required for an accurate quote. Use our calculator for a personalised estimate.
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The Full Renovation Process Step by Step
Survey & Design
Building survey identifies structure, services, damp and asbestos. Architect/designer draws the scheme and confirms planning/building regs needs.
Permissions & Quotes
Submit planning (8 weeks) and building regs. Get 3 quotes per trade or a main contractor's fixed quote. Agree scope and programme.
Strip-Out & Structure
Remove kitchens, bathrooms, floors, partitions. Carry out structural work (steels, extensions). Asbestos survey and removal if needed.
First Fix
Rewire, re-plumb, plaster, fit windows and doors. The unseen work that makes the finished renovation function.
Second Fix & Finish
Fit kitchen and bathroom, lay flooring, decorate, second-fix electrics and plumbing. Snag, hand over and move in.
Common Mistakes
4 Mistakes to Avoid
No Contingency Budget
Older properties hide damp, rotten timbers, asbestos and dodgy wiring. A 15–20% contingency isn't optional — without it, one surprise derails the whole project.
Underestimating Hidden Costs
Skip bins, scaffolding, party wall surveyors, building control fees, temporary kitchens and bathroom hire add £2,000–£10,000. These never appear in the headline quote.
Cheapest Quote Wins
The cheapest quote omits work — often structural steels, building regs, or proper prep. Compare specifications line-by-line, not totals. A cheap quote that misses a steel is £3,000 more expensive, not less.
No Project Manager
Coordinating 6–10 trades is a full-time job. If you can't project-manage, hire a main contractor (adds 15–20%) or a project manager (adds 8–12%). Mis-sequencing trades costs weeks and thousands.
FAQs
Full Renovation Cost FAQs
How much does a full house renovation cost in the UK in 2026?
A full house renovation costs £18,000–£150,000+ in 2026. A light refresh (decor and flooring) costs £18,000–£35,000, a medium refurb (kitchen, bathroom plus decor) £40,000–£70,000, and a full strip-out and refit with structural changes £80,000–£150,000+. Renovations cost £600–£2,500 per m².
How long does a full house renovation take?
A light refresh takes 4–8 weeks. A medium refurb takes 8–16 weeks. A full strip-out and refit takes 4–8 months. Structural renovations take 6–12 months. Allow 20% contingency for delays, especially in older properties.
What's the most expensive part of a renovation?
Kitchens (£4,500–£25,000), bathrooms (£2,000–£14,000), rewires (£2,500–£8,500) and structural work (£10,000–£50,000) are the biggest costs. Roofing, re-rendering and new windows also push budgets up. Decor and flooring are the cheapest line items.
Do I need planning permission for a renovation?
Most internal renovations don't need planning permission. You need it for extensions, structural changes (knocking through load-bearing walls), new windows at the front, and any work in a conservation area or on a listed building. All structural and electrical work needs building regulations approval.
How do I budget for a renovation?
Get 3 detailed quotes per trade, compare like-for-like, and add a 15–20% contingency for hidden problems (damp, asbestos, rotten joists). Break the budget into: structure, services (electrics, plumbing), kitchens and bathrooms, finishes. Don't spend more than 10–15% of the property value unless you'll stay long-term.
Should I live in the house during renovation?
For a light refresh, yes. For a medium refurb, you can stay but expect disruption. For a full strip-out or structural work, move out — dust, no kitchen or bathroom, and trades working 8am–6pm make it impractical. Budget £800–£1,500/month for alternative accommodation.
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