Renovating your UK home can totally change how you live and really boost your property’s value. Whether you’re looking at a loft conversion, an extension, or a full renovation, it’s key to know what you might spend for proper planning and budgeting.
The typical cost of renovating a house in the UK sits between £1,200 and £2,800 per square metre. Popular projects like loft conversions average around £45,000, while extensions usually cost between £26,000 and £34,000.
These numbers shift a lot depending on where you live, how tricky the work is, and what kind of materials you pick. Recent changes to UK building regulations in December 2024 have made it easier for homeowners to add loft extensions and extra storeys.
That opens up new ways to increase your home’s value and maybe skip the headache of moving altogether.
Key Takeaways
- Loft conversions usually cost about £45,000 and can increase property value by 20-25%.
- House extensions range from £26,000 to £34,000 for a standard 4m x 6m addition.
- Full house renovations cost between £1,200 and £2,800 per square metre, depending on your choices and location.
Hillarys’ 2025 Data Lists Typical Costs For Loft Conversions (£45k), House Extensions (£26k–£34k), New Roofs (£4.5k–£12k) And New Kitchens (From £10k)
Hillarys gathered data for 2025 showing what you might pay for big home renovation projects. Their research gives UK homeowners a decent starting point for planning major improvements.
Loft conversions top the list at £45,000 for a standard project. This figure covers most typical jobs, but your price can change depending on your property’s structure and the conversion type.
If you go for a dormer or velux loft conversion, that £45,000 is a good ballpark. More complicated jobs needing structural changes will push the cost up.
| Renovation Project | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Loft conversion | £45,000 |
| House extension | £26,000 – £34,000 |
| New roof | £4,500 – £12,000 |
| New kitchen | £10,000+ |
House extensions generally fall between £26,000 and £34,000. Your final bill depends on the size and complexity of your build.
New roofs range from £4,500 to £12,000. This depends on roof size and the materials you pick out.
New kitchens start at £10,000. If you want premium appliances, fancy units, or a bigger kitchen, your costs will climb fast.
These numbers should help you budget for big home improvements. Still, actual costs can swing depending on your area, the details of your property, and your contractor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Home renovation costs vary a lot based on what you’re doing, where you live, and how big the job is. Loft conversions can run from £27,500 up to £75,000, and extensions can end up costing even more if they’re large or complex.
What is the typical budget range for loft conversions in the UK?
Loft conversion costs in the UK usually fall between £27,500 and £75,000 for a standard 30m² space. The exact price depends on the conversion type you pick.
A Velux loft conversion is the cheapest, at about £27,500. This just means adding roof windows and not changing the roof shape.
Dormer conversions average around £50,000. They give you extra headroom and floor space by extending the roof out.
Mansard conversions are among the priciest, at about £65,000. They involve big changes to the roof to maximise space.
Hip-to-gable conversions come in at about £60,000 and work well for semi-detached or end-of-terrace homes.
Bungalow conversions can hit £75,000 because of their larger footprint. On the flip side, they usually give you the most extra space.
How much can I expect to spend on a house extension in different regions of the UK?
Where you live makes a big difference to extension costs. London and the South East are the most expensive for both materials and labour.
Expect to pay 20-30% more for an extension in London compared to the North. Labour is a big chunk of that extra cost.
Material prices also shift depending on the region, mostly due to transport and what local suppliers charge. Urban projects almost always cost more than rural ones.
Fees for architects and structural engineers follow a similar pattern. Strangely enough, planning permission costs stay pretty steady across the country.
What are the primary factors that influence the cost of a home renovation project?
The size of your project has a huge impact on the total bill. Bigger spaces need more materials, more labour, and take longer to finish.
Complex designs cost more—simple layouts are cheaper than complicated, multi-room projects. Your choices for fixtures and fittings also matter a lot.
High-end materials and unusual features will push your costs up quickly. Structural work can add even more, especially in older homes that might need extra support.
Getting to your property easily makes a difference, too. If access is tricky, workers take longer and costs go up.
How much value does a well-executed loft conversion or extension add to a property?
A loft conversion can boost your property value by up to 20%. Often, the value added is more than what you spent, so it’s a solid investment in most cases.
The local market and how well the work’s done both matter. Professional work tends to pay off better in the long run.
Extensions usually add more value than they cost, if done right. Kitchens and bathrooms seem to deliver the best returns.
Location is key, though. High-demand areas see bigger jumps in value.
The function of your new space also matters. Bedrooms and home offices usually add more value than just extra storage.
What are the financial implications of undertaking structural versus cosmetic renovations?
Structural renovations cost a lot more upfront than cosmetic ones, but they tend to give you better value over time.
You’ll need professional contractors and building regs approval for structural work. That means higher costs and longer timelines.
Cosmetic changes, like painting or new flooring, are faster and cheaper. They give you a quick visual upgrade.
Structural work, like a loft conversion, adds real living space. That kind of improvement usually justifies the higher spend because it bumps up your property value.
Insurance and warranties also differ. Structural jobs often come with longer warranty needs.
Can you provide a breakdown of potential hidden costs in major home renovation projects?
Building regulations approval might tack on an extra £1,000-£3,000 to your project. Some contractors leave this out of their initial quotes, which can throw off your budget.
Scaffolding for a loft conversion? That usually runs about £4,750. It’s a safety must-have, but people often forget to factor it in at the start.
Party Wall Agreements can sneak up on you if your work affects shared walls. You could be looking at another £1,500-£3,000 in legal fees.
Structural engineer fees land somewhere between £1,500 and £5,000. If your renovation is complex, expect to pay for detailed calculations and site visits.
Utility diversions or upgrades are another wild card. Shifting gas, electric, or water lines? That almost always costs more than you’d guess.
It’s smart to set aside a contingency fund—maybe 10% of your total budget. That way, when the unexpected pops up (and it always does), your project won’t grind to a halt.