March 28th, 2025
There is a distinct shortage of bungalows in the UK, and the average price has tripled in the last 25 years, which is further exacerbated by a lack of new builds. In 1996, for example, 7% of new-build properties were bungalows, according to the National House Building Council; today, that figure has slowed to just 1%.
That drop can be largely attributed due to a shift in planning policy—there is a much greater focus on sustainability by making the best use of sites and reducing footprint (often through building larger dwellings and more storeys). However, while many developers focus on large-scale projects, building a bungalow remains an attractive option for self-builders or individual projects.
So, how much does it cost to build a bungalow?
Naturally, building costs vary by size, type, and complexity, so in this article, we’ll cover the cost of building a bungalow across various regions in the UK.
To give you an accurate view, we’ll compare the cost of building three different types of bungalows:
- Two-bedroom bungalow (90m2)
- Three-bedroom bungalow (100m2)
- Three-bedroom bungalow with garage and driveway (125m2)
We’ll delve into the cost breakdown for each bungalow by region. We’ll also review the average costs per sq metre, to ensure your project is accurately costed and to minimise overspend.
How Bungalow Construction Has Evolved In The UK
Historically, bungalows in the UK were often built as affordable homes using simple timber frame construction and trussed rafter roofs. This allowed for quick, low-cost builds.
However, with bungalows now in high demand—especially among downsizers and those seeking future-proof homes—developers are turning to more robust materials and modern construction techniques, such as insulated concrete formwork (ICF), structural insulated panels (SIPs), or high-spec masonry builds.
These methods improve energy efficiency, longevity, and design flexibility, but they can also push up the cost per square metre, meaning today’s bungalows are often anything but cheap.
Building A Bungalow Construction Cost Calculations
In terms of build specification, BuildPartner gives you three broad options to choose from:
- Low spec is a basic finish; e.g., Leyland, Everest, Wickes.
- Standard spec is a standard finish; e.g., Dulux, Hamilton, Slim Line.
- Premium spec is a high-spec finish; e.g., Farrow & Ball, Fine Line, Siemens.
To keep this comparison simple, we have chosen standard spec in all our cost estimations. In addition to this, we have also provided three different benchmarks to show the range you can expect amongst different contractors. These are:
- Low benchmark – smaller companies are generally lower cost but less specialised and with low project management function; good for low/mid-spec projects and tight budgets.
- Mid benchmark – medium-sized companies offer a balanced mix of cost-effectiveness and specialisation; good for mid-range projects for effective execution within moderate budgets.
- High benchmark – larger companies generally have a higher cost base but can handle a wide variety of specialist tasks; good for mid/high-spec projects and project management.
Cost Of Building A Two-Bed Bungalow (90m2)
Below is a table showing the average cost of building a two-bedroom bungalow (90m2) in the UK, comprising the following rooms:
- Two bedrooms
- Lounge
- Kitchen-diner
- Bathroom
- Cloakroom
- Pantry
Two-bed bungalow (90m2) | Total Average Build Cost | Average Cost Per Sq Metre | ||||
Low Benchmark | Mid Benchmark | High Benchmark | Low Benchmark | Mid Benchmark | High Benchmark | |
East Anglia | £167,924 | £187,769 | £206,088 | £1,866 | £2,086 | £2,290 |
Greater London | £179,420 | £201,153 | £223,788 | £1,994 | £2,235 | £2,487 |
Inner London | £183,517 | £204,999 | £213,678 | £2,039 | £2,278 | £2,374 |
Midlands | £163,372 | £182,679 | £200,502 | £1,815 | £2,030 | £2,228 |
North England | £160,384 | £179,338 | £196,834 | £1,782 | £1,993 | £2,187 |
Northern Ireland | £165,666 | £179,736 | £202,203 | £1,831 | £1,997 | £2,247 |
Scotland | £166,574 | £186,261 | £204,433 | £1,851 | £2,070 | £2,271 |
South East | £162,780 | £182,017 | £201,946 | £1,966 | £2,198 | £2,413 |
South West | £164,992 | £189,182 | £207,678 | £1,880 | £2,102 | £2,308 |
Wales | £160,764 | £179,764 | £192,907 | £1,786 | £1,997 | £2,143 |
Average | £167,539 | £187,290 | £205,006 | £1,881 | £2,099 | £2,295 |
All costs exclude VAT.
Here’s what the data shows for the cost of building a two-bed bungalow (90m2):
- It costs 8% more to build a bungalow in Inner London than in other parts of the country.
- The minimum cost is £160,384, and the maximum cost is £223,788.
- The total average cost is £186,612, or £2,091 per square metre.
Start your free trial with BuildPartner today to get the most accurate estimate of your construction project.
Cost Of Building A Three-Bed Bungalow (100m2)
Below is a table showing the average cost of building a three-bedroom bungalow (100m2) in the UK, comprising the following rooms:
-
- Three bedrooms
- Lounge
- Kitchen-diner
- Bathroom
- Cloakroom
- Pantry
- Separate WC
Three-bed bungalow (100m2) | Total Average Build Cost | Average Cost Per Sq Metre | ||||
Low Benchmark | Mid Benchmark | High Benchmark | Low Benchmark | Mid Benchmark | High Benchmark | |
East Anglia | £173,880 | £194,429 | £213,398 | £1,739 | £1,944 | £2,134 |
Greater London | £185,807 | £208,312 | £231,980 | £1,858 | £2,083 | £2,320 |
Inner London | £190,091 | £212,335 | £221,406 | £1,901 | £2,123 | £2,214 |
Midlands | £169,139 | £189,128 | £207,580 | £1,691 | £1,891 | £2,076 |
North England | £166,059 | £185,684 | £203,799 | £1,661 | £1,857 | £2,038 |
Northern Ireland | £171,525 | £186,071 | £209,329 | £1,706 | £1,861 | £2,093 |
Scotland | £172,484 | £192,869 | £211,686 | £1,725 | £1,929 | £2,117 |
South East | £168,621 | £188,548 | £206,943 | £1,833 | £2,049 | £2,249 |
South West | £170,846 | £195,891 | £215,044 | £1,752 | £1,959 | £2,150 |
Wales | £166,470 | £186,144 | £199,780 | £1,665 | £1,861 | £1,998 |
Average | £173,492 | £193,941 | £212,094 | £1,753 | £1,956 | £2,139 |
All costs exclude VAT.
Here’s what the data shows for the cost of building a three-bed bungalow:
- The minimum cost is £166,059, and the maximum cost is £231,980.
- The total average cost is £193,176, or £1,949 per square metre.
Cost Of Building A Three-Bed Bungalow With Garage & Driveway (125m2)
Below is a table showing the average cost of building a three-bedroom bungalow (125m2) with a garage and driveway, comprising the following rooms:
- Three bedrooms
- Lounge
- Kitchen-diner
- Bathroom
- Cloakroom
- Pantry
- Separate WC
- Garage with a pitched roof
- Driveway
Three-bed bungalow w. garage/driveway (125m2) | Total Average Build Cost | Average Cost Per Sq Metre | ||||
Low Benchmark | Mid Benchmark | High Benchmark | Low Benchmark | Mid Benchmark | High Benchmark | |
East Anglia | £210,536 | £235,418 | £258,386 | £1,684 | £1,883 | £2,067 |
Greater London | £224,699 | £252,438 | £279,803 | £1,798 | £2,020 | £2,238 |
Inner London | £229,538 | £257,061 | £267,309 | £1,836 | £2,056 | £2,138 |
Midlands | £204,775 | £228,976 | £251,315 | £1,638 | £1,832 | £2,011 |
North England | £200,723 | £224,445 | £246,342 | £1,606 | £1,796 | £1,971 |
Northern Ireland | £196,708 | £219,956 | £241,415 | £1,574 | £1,760 | £1,931 |
Scotland | £207,615 | £232,152 | £254,801 | £1,661 | £1,857 | £2,038 |
South East | £203,831 | £227,920 | £252,875 | £1,631 | £1,823 | £2,023 |
South West | £206,747 | £237,528 | £260,748 | £1,654 | £1,900 | £2,086 |
Wales | £201,032 | £224,790 | £241,241 | £1,608 | £1,798 | £1,930 |
Average | £208,621 | £234,068 | £255,424 | £1,669 | £1,873 | £2,043 |
All costs exclude VAT.
Here’s what the data shows for the cost of building a three-bed bungalow with a garage and driveway (125m2):
- The minimum cost is £196,708, and the maximum cost is £279,803.
- The total average cost is £232,704, or £1,862 per square metre.
Summary Of The Average Cost To Build A Bungalow
So, how much does it cost to build a bungalow in the UK? That depends largely on where you are building. If you’re building a bungalow in London, it will cost you an average of 13% more.
Based on the three types of bungalows covered in this article, you can expect building a bungalow to cost on average (when using a mid-benchmark contractor):
- Two-bed bungalow (90m2) – £187,290, or £2,099 per square metre.
- Three-bed bungalow (100m2) – £193,941, or £1,956 per square metre.
- Three-bed bungalow w. garage/driveway (125m2) – £234,068, or £1,873 per square metre.
Please remember that all costs exclude VAT.
Start your free trial with BuildPartner to get an accurate estimate of your construction project within minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Building A Bungalow
Here are some frequently asked questions about building a bungalow.
How long does it take to build a bungalow?
Building a three-bed bungalow (with a garage) takes an average of 26.85 weeks with an average of two tradespeople carrying out the work. The process begins with preliminaries, demolitions, and foundation work in the first six weeks, followed by the construction of structural elements, including steel supports, external walls, and roofing, which continues until approximately week 10.
By weeks 9 to 16, windows, doors, drainage, heating, and electrical systems are installed. In the final stages, from weeks 16 to 27, work on joinery, decoration, fixtures, and external elements takes place.
What is the ideal size for a bungalow?
A typical two-bedroom bungalow is around 60–80m², while a three-bedroom design ranges from 90–120m². Adding a single garage typically increases the size by 15–20m², while a double garage adds approximately 30–40m², providing enough space for two cars and extra storage.
Do bungalows hold their value?
Demand to downsize is increasing, and many bungalows that are put on the market are snapped up quickly. Regency Living found that bungalows currently account for just one in 10 homes listed for sale. Regional data shows the varying availability of bungalows:
- London: 2%
- South West: 13%
- Yorkshire: 12%
Despite their relatively small share of the housing market, the demand for bungalows remains high. The average price soared for three consecutive years but declined slightly in the most recent calendar year, as reported by Statista, and since the year 2000, bungalow prices have tripled.

February 28th, 2025
Building a porch is a great way to enhance your home’s kerb appeal, add extra storage, and improve insulation (heat loss through windows and doors accounts for 20–30% of the whole heat loss of house). A porch also improves home security by adding an extra layer of protection.
But costs can vary widely depending on size, materials, and whether the structure is enclosed or open. In this guide, we’ll break down the key factors affecting porch costs in the UK, comparing four different types of porches:
- Brick porch – constructed with bricks.
- Rendered porch – built with blocks and a rendered finish.
- Timber porch (enclosed) – made primarily from wood.
- Open porch – without enclosed walls, and offering an external shelter.
Here's a breakdown of the costs for different types of porches, so you can determine which option best suits your project.
Building A Porch Construction Cost Calculations
Our cost comparisons are based on a gross external floor area (GEFA) of 3m². The only exception is the open porch, which is based on a GEFA of 2m2. Since an open porch is primarily an aesthetic shelter, a smaller size better reflects its typical usage.
In terms of build specification BuildPartner pricing tool gives you three broad options (which can be revised by item at a later point):
- Low spec is a basic finish; e.g. Leyland, Everest, Wickes.
- Mid spec is a standard finish; e.g. Dulux, Hamilton, Slim Line.
- High spec is a high-spec finish; e.g. Farrow & Ball, Fine Line, Siemens.
To keep this comparison simple, we have chosen mid spec in all our cost estimations. In addition to this, we have also provided three different benchmarks to show the range you can expect amongst different contractors. These are:
- Low benchmark – smaller companies are generally lower cost but less specialised and with low project management function; good for low/mid-spec projects and tight budgets.
- Mid benchmark – medium-sized companies offer a balanced mix of cost-effectiveness and specialisation; good for mid-range projects for effective execution within moderate budgets.
- High benchmark – larger companies generally have a higher cost base but can handle a wide variety of specialist tasks; good for mid/high-spec projects and project management.
Cost Of Building A Brick Porch
Here’s a table showing the average cost of building a 3m2 brick porch in the UK:
Brick Porch | Total Average Build Cost | Average Cost Per Sq Metre | ||||
Low Benchmark | Mid Benchmark | High Benchmark | Low Benchmark | Mid Benchmark | High Benchmark | |
East Anglia | £7,582 | £8,276 | £8,961 | £2,527 | £2,759 | £2,987 |
Greater London | £8,170 | £9,427 | £9,553 | £2,723 | £3,142 | £3,184 |
Inner London | £8,176 | £9,275 | £9,988 | £2,725 | £3,092 | £3,329 |
Midlands | £7,377 | £8,048 | £8,719 | £2,459 | £2,683 | £2,906 |
North England | £7,182 | £7,857 | £8,488 | £2,394 | £2,619 | £2,829 |
Northern Ireland | £7,465 | £8,179 | £8,860 | £2,499 | £2,726 | £2,953 |
Scotland | £7,432 | £8,108 | £8,784 | £2,477 | £2,703 | £2,928 |
South East | £7,284 | £8,145 | £9,037 | £2,639 | £2,951 | £3,239 |
South West | £7,421 | £8,560 | £9,395 | £2,552 | £2,853 | £3,132 |
Wales | £7,187 | £8,036 | £8,616 | £2,396 | £2,679 | £2,872 |
Average | £7,528 | £8,391 | £9,040 | £2,539 | £2,821 | £3,036 |
All costs exclude VAT.
Here’s what the data shows for the cost of building a brick porch:
- It costs 13% more to build a porch in London than in other regions.
- The minimum cost is £7,182, and the maximum cost is £9,988.
- The total average cost is £8,320, or £2,799 per square metre.
Start your free trial with BuildPartner today to get the most accurate estimate of your construction project.
Cost Of Building A Timber Porch
Here’s a table showing the average cost of building a 3m2 timber porch in the UK:
Timber Porch (Enclosed) | Total Average Build Cost | Average Cost Per Sq Metre | ||||
Low Benchmark | Mid Benchmark | High Benchmark | Low Benchmark | Mid Benchmark | High Benchmark | |
East Anglia | £6,268 | £6,842 | £7,407 | £2,089 | £2,281 | £2,469 |
Greater London | £6,702 | £7,609 | £8,042 | £2,234 | £2,536 | £2,681 |
Inner London | £6,812 | £7,653 | £8,319 | £2,271 | £2,551 | £2,773 |
Midlands | £6,140 | £6,698 | £7,257 | £2,047 | £2,233 | £2,419 |
North England | £6,038 | £6,588 | £7,136 | £2,013 | £2,196 | £2,379 |
Northern Ireland | £6,233 | £6,773 | £7,338 | £2,070 | £2,258 | £2,446 |
Scotland | £6,257 | £6,825 | £7,394 | £2,086 | £2,275 | £2,465 |
South East | £6,037 | £6,750 | £7,409 | £2,187 | £2,446 | £2,684 |
South West | £6,171 | £7,069 | £7,759 | £2,107 | £2,356 | £2,586 |
Wales | £6,019 | £6,730 | £7,206 | £2,006 | £2,243 | £2,402 |
Average | £6,268 | £6,954 | £7,527 | £2,111 | £2,338 | £2,530 |
All costs exclude VAT.
Here’s what the data shows for the cost of building a timber porch:
- The minimum cost is £6,019, and the maximum cost is £8,319.
- The total average cost is £6,916, or £2,326 per square metre.
Cost Of Building A Rendered Porch
Here’s a table showing the average cost of building a 3m2 rendered porch in the UK:
Rendered Porch | Total Average Build Cost | Average Cost Per Sq Metre | ||||
Low Benchmark | Mid Benchmark | High Benchmark | Low Benchmark | Mid Benchmark | High Benchmark | |
East Anglia | £5,298 | £5,784 | £6,261 | £1,766 | £1,928 | £2,087 |
Greater London | £5,747 | £6,428 | £6,713 | £1,916 | £2,143 | £2,238 |
Inner London | £5,738 | £6,465 | £7,010 | £1,913 | £2,155 | £2,337 |
Midlands | £5,160 | £5,629 | £6,098 | £1,720 | £1,876 | £2,033 |
North England | £5,025 | £5,494 | £5,938 | £1,675 | £1,831 | £1,979 |
Northern Ireland | £4,924 | £5,384 | £5,820 | £1,641 | £1,795 | £1,940 |
Scotland | £5,209 | £5,683 | £6,157 | £1,736 | £1,894 | £2,052 |
South East | £5,111 | £5,715 | £6,341 | £1,704 | £1,905 | £2,114 |
South West | £5,185 | £5,975 | £6,558 | £1,728 | £1,992 | £2,186 |
Wales | £5,027 | £5,621 | £6,030 | £1,676 | £1,874 | £2,010 |
Average | £5,242 | £5,818 | £6,293 | £1,747 | £1,939 | £2,098 |
All costs exclude VAT.
Here’s what the data shows for the cost of building a rendered porch:
- The minimum cost is £4,924, and the maximum cost is £7,010.
- The total average cost is £5,784, or £1,928 per square metre.
Cost Of Building An Open Porch
Here’s a table showing the average cost of building a 2m2 open porch:
Open Porch | Total Average Build Cost | Average Cost Per Sq Metre | ||||
Low Benchmark | Mid Benchmark | High Benchmark | Low Benchmark | Mid Benchmark | High Benchmark | |
East Anglia | £3,439 | £3,751 | £4,064 | £1,719 | £1,876 | £2,032 |
Greater London | £3,741 | £4,254 | £4,344 | £1,871 | £2,127 | £2,172 |
Inner London | £3,755 | £4,312 | £4,552 | £1,877 | £2,156 | £2,276 |
Midlands | £3,325 | £3,628 | £3,930 | £1,663 | £1,814 | £1,965 |
North England | £3,254 | £3,550 | £3,846 | £1,627 | £1,775 | £1,923 |
Northern Ireland | £3,358 | £3,705 | £4,013 | £1,698 | £1,852 | £2,007 |
Scotland | £3,321 | £3,623 | £3,924 | £1,660 | £1,811 | £1,962 |
South East | £3,327 | £3,721 | £4,128 | £1,808 | £2,022 | £2,219 |
South West | £3,367 | £3,918 | £4,301 | £1,752 | £1,959 | £2,150 |
Wales | £3,295 | £3,612 | £3,880 | £1,615 | £1,806 | £1,940 |
Average | £3,418 | £3,807 | £4,098 | £1,729 | £1,920 | £2,065 |
All costs exclude VAT.
Here’s what the data shows for the cost of building an open porch:
- The minimum cost is £3,254, and the maximum cost is £4,552.
- The total average cost is £3,755, or £1,905 per square metre.
Summary Of The Average Cost To Build A Porch
So, how much does it cost to build a new porch in the UK? That depends largely on where you are building. If you’re building a porch in London, it will cost you an average of 13% more.
Based on the four different types of porches covered in this article, you can expect building a porch to cost on average (when using a mid-benchmark contractor):
- Brick porch – £8,391, or £2,821 per square metre
- Timber porch – £6,954, or £2,338 per square metre
- Rendered porch – £5,818, or £1,939 per square metre
- Open porch – £3,807, or £1,920 per square metre
Please remember that all costs exclude VAT.
Start your free trial with BuildPartner today to get the most accurate estimate of your construction project.
Frequently Asked Questions About Building A Porch
Here are some frequently asked questions about building a porch.
Can a porch prevent heat loss in my home?
Building a porch improves energy efficiency by creating an air buffer that traps cold air before it reaches your main entrance. It also acts as a thermal barrier, providing an additional layer of protection against the elements.
The most energy-efficient porches are made from brick and timber, which benefit from greater thermal mass to regulate temperature. uPVC is less efficient without high-quality glazing and seals.
Does adding a porch increase security and reduce the risk of burglary?
If you keep your existing front door, the porch effectively provides double security—a potential intruder would have to get past both the porch and your door to gain entry. This added barrier can significantly deter burglars.
Is a porch good for storage?
A porch is great for storage because it can act as a cloakroom or boot room, providing space for coats, boots, bags, and outdoor gear. No more coats draped over chairs or shoes scattered around the hallway—it's a purposeful space for your outdoor items.
What are the downsides of getting a uPVC porch?
uPVC porches are generally less energy-efficient and can allow more heat to escape. Additionally, while uPVC porches can last 20 to 30 years, they can become brittle, yellow, or fade with age, especially when exposed to harsh weather conditions. They aren’t as visually appealing as natural materials like brick or timber.

The cost of building a garage continues to be influenced by rising material prices, labour rates, and regional variations across the UK. Whether you’re looking to build a small single garage or a spacious double garage, understanding the costs involved is essential to avoid cost overruns.
In this guide, we’ll provide a detailed comparison of four popular garage types: single garage with a flat roof, single garage with a pitched roof, double garage with a flat roof, and double garage with a pitched roof. This guide also includes regional rate comparisons across the UK, along with building costs per square metre.
Building A Garage Construction Cost Calculations
In our calculations, we applied a consistent methodology across different regions. The cost comparisons assume the garage is an extension to an existing dwelling, not a new detached structure. These cost excludes the installation of appliances and EV chargers.
The typical sizes of garages in the UK are:
- Single – 10 x 18 feet (3m × 5.5m, with a gross external area of 16.5m2)
- Double – 18 x 18 feet (5.5m × 6m, with a gross external area of 33m2)
We have used both of these measurements to calculate the costs in this article.
In terms of build specification when using our BuildPartner pricing tool, our pricing calculator gives you three broad options (which can be revised by item at a later point):
- Low spec is a basic finish; e.g. Leyland, Everest, Wickes.
- Standard spec is a standard finish; e.g. Dulux, Hamilton, Slim Line.
- Premium spec is a high-spec finish; e.g. Farrow & Ball, Fine Line, Siemens.
To keep this comparison simple, we have chosen standard spec in all our cost estimations.
In addition to this, we have also provided three different benchmarks to show the range you can expect amongst different contractors. These are:
- Low benchmark – smaller companies are generally lower cost but less specialised and with low project management function; good for low/mid-spec projects and tight budgets.
- Mid benchmark – medium-sized companies offer a balanced mix of cost-effectiveness and specialisation; good for mid-range projects for effective execution within moderate budgets.
- High benchmark – larger companies generally have a higher cost base but can handle a wide variety of specialist tasks; good for mid/high-spec projects and project management.
In short, contractor pricing varies due to factors such as expertise, location, and project intricacies.
How Much Does It Cost To Build A Single Garage With A Flat Roof?
Here’s a table showing the average building costs of a single garage with a flat roof for a standard-spec project in the UK:
Single Garage With Flat Roof | Total Average Build Cost | Average Cost Per Sq Metre | ||||
Low Benchmark | Mid Benchmark | High Benchmark | Low Benchmark | Mid Benchmark | High Benchmark | |
East Anglia | £34,642 | £37,791 | £40,941 | £2,100 | £2,290 | £2,481 |
Greater London | £36,188 | £40,465 | £45,089 | £2,193 | £2,452 | £2,733 |
Inner London | £37,152 | £41,431 | £45,381 | £2,252 | £2,511 | £2,750 |
Midlands | £33,738 | £36,805 | £39,872 | £2,045 | £2,231 | £2,416 |
North England | £32,837 | £35,822 | £38,808 | £1,990 | £2,171 | £2,352 |
Northern Ireland | £33,418 | £36,522 | £39,566 | £2,029 | £2,213 | £2,398 |
Scotland | £33,357 | £36,390 | £39,422 | £2,022 | £2,205 | £2,389 |
South East | £36,025 | £40,282 | £44,212 | £2,183 | £2,441 | £2,680 |
South West | £33,961 | £39,293 | £43,126 | £2,130 | £2,381 | £2,614 |
Wales | £32,782 | £36,656 | £39,285 | £1,987 | £2,222 | £2,381 |
Average | £34,410 | £38,146 | £41,570 | £2,093 | £2,312 | £2,519 |
All costs exclude VAT.
Here’s what the data shows for the cost of building a single garage with a flat roof:
- It costs 11% more to build a garage in London than in other regions.
- The minimum cost is £32,782, and the maximum cost is £45,381.
- The total average cost is £38,042, or £2,308 per square metre.
How Much Does It Cost To Build A Single Garage With A Pitched Roof?
Here’s a table showing the average building costs of a single garage with a pitched roof for a standard-spec project in the UK:
Single Garage With Pitched Roof | Total Average Build Cost | Average Cost Per Sq Metre | ||||
Low Benchmark | Mid Benchmark | High Benchmark | Low Benchmark | Mid Benchmark | High Benchmark | |
East Anglia | £41,399 | £45,163 | £48,927 | £2,509 | £2,737 | £2,965 |
Greater London | £43,858 | £49,041 | £54,502 | £2,658 | £2,972 | £3,303 |
Inner London | £44,837 | £50,017 | £54,799 | £2,717 | £3,031 | £3,321 |
Midlands | £40,239 | £43,898 | £47,556 | £2,439 | £2,660 | £2,882 |
North England | £39,233 | £42,800 | £46,367 | £2,378 | £2,594 | £2,810 |
Northern Ireland | £39,568 | £43,082 | £46,673 | £2,393 | £2,611 | £2,829 |
Scotland | £39,644 | £43,248 | £46,851 | £2,403 | £2,621 | £2,839 |
South East | £43,495 | £48,635 | £53,380 | £2,636 | £2,948 | £3,235 |
South West | £40,587 | £47,114 | £51,711 | £2,554 | £2,855 | £3,134 |
Wales | £39,040 | £43,654 | £46,910 | £2,366 | £2,646 | £2,843 |
Average | £41,190 | £45,665 | £49,767 | £2,505 | £2,768 | £3,016 |
All costs exclude VAT.
Here’s what the data shows for the cost of building a single garage with a pitched roof:
- The minimum cost is £39,040, and the maximum cost is £54,799.
- The total average cost is £45,451, or £2,763 per square metre.
How Much Does It Cost To Build A Double Garage With A Flat Roof?
Here’s a table showing the average building costs of a double garage with a flat roof for a standard-spec project in the UK:
Double Garage With Flat Roof | Total Average Build Cost | Average Cost Per Sq Metre | ||||
Low Benchmark | Mid Benchmark | High Benchmark | Low Benchmark | Mid Benchmark | High Benchmark | |
East Anglia | £47,969 | £52,330 | £56,690 | £1,454 | £1,586 | £1,718 |
Greater London | £48,484 | £54,214 | £60,139 | £1,469 | £1,643 | £1,822 |
Inner London | £50,304 | £56,249 | £62,413 | £1,524 | £1,705 | £1,891 |
Midlands | £46,603 | £50,839 | £55,076 | £1,412 | £1,541 | £1,669 |
North England | £45,307 | £49,426 | £53,544 | £1,373 | £1,498 | £1,623 |
Northern Ireland | £46,036 | £50,338 | £54,533 | £1,395 | £1,525 | £1,653 |
Scotland | £45,930 | £50,105 | £54,280 | £1,392 | £1,518 | £1,645 |
South East | £50,094 | £56,014 | £61,479 | £1,518 | £1,697 | £1,863 |
South West | £46,968 | £54,549 | £59,871 | £1,423 | £1,653 | £1,814 |
Wales | £45,153 | £50,489 | £54,183 | £1,368 | £1,530 | £1,642 |
Average | £47,285 | £52,455 | £57,221 | £1,433 | £1,590 | £1,734 |
All costs exclude VAT.
Here’s what the data shows for the cost of building a double garage with a flat roof:
- The minimum cost is £45,153, and the maximum cost is £62,413.
- The total average cost is £52,530, or £1,585 per square metre.
How Much Does It Cost To Build A Double Garage With A Pitched Roof?
Here’s a table showing the average building costs of a double garage with a pitched roof for a standard-spec project in the UK:
Double Garage With Pitched Roof | Total Average Build Cost | Average Cost Per Sq Metre | ||||
Low Benchmark | Mid Benchmark | High Benchmark | Low Benchmark | Mid Benchmark | High Benchmark | |
East Anglia | £58,327 | £63,630 | £68,932 | £1,767 | £1,928 | £2,089 |
Greater London | £62,074 | £69,410 | £76,858 | £1,881 | £2,103 | £2,329 |
Inner London | £63,422 | £70,761 | £77,536 | £1,922 | £2,144 | £2,350 |
Midlands | £56,574 | £61,717 | £66,860 | £1,714 | £1,870 | £2,026 |
North England | £55,123 | £60,135 | £65,146 | £1,670 | £1,822 | £1,974 |
Northern Ireland | £55,523 | £60,456 | £65,494 | £1,679 | £1,832 | £1,985 |
Scotland | £55,628 | £60,685 | £65,742 | £1,686 | £1,839 | £1,992 |
South East | £61,551 | £68,825 | £75,540 | £1,865 | £2,086 | £2,289 |
South West | £57,132 | £66,529 | £73,020 | £1,803 | £2,016 | £2,213 |
Wales | £54,766 | £61,238 | £65,894 | £1,660 | £1,856 | £1,997 |
Average | £58,012 | £64,339 | £70,102 | £1,765 | £1,950 | £2,124 |
All costs exclude VAT.
Here’s what the data shows for the cost of building a single garage with a pitched roof:
- The minimum cost is £54,766, and the maximum cost is £77,536.
- The total average cost is £64,151, or £1,964 per square metre.
How Long Does It Take To Build A Garage?
Based on a typical timeline, it would take approximately 4.5 weeks to build a garage with an average of two tradespeople, with an estimated breakdown by project stage of:
- Demolitions: 0.5 days
- Foundations and substructure: 6.5 days
- Steel and structural supports: 0.2 days
- External wall structure and lining: 9.1 days
- Roof structure and coverings: 1.4 days
- External windows and doors: 1.5 days
- Drainage and pipework: 1 day
- Wiring and fuseboards: 0.3 days
- Wired appliances: 0.5 days
- Ceiling preparation and finishes: 0.5 days
- Wall preparation and finishes: 1.2 days
Summary Of The Average Cost To Build A Garage
So, how much does it cost to build a new garage in the UK? That depends largely on where you are building. If you’re building a garage in London, it will cost you an average of 11% more. Based on the four different types of garages covered in this article, you can expect building a garage to cost on average (when using a mid-benchmark contractor):
- Single with flat roof – £38,146, or £2,312 per square metre
- Single with pitched roof – £45,655, or £2,768 per square metre
- Double with flat roof – £52,455, or £1,590 per square metre
- Double with pitched roof – £64,339, or £1,950 per square metre
Please remember that all costs exclude VAT.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Cost To Build A Garage
Here are answers to common questions about the cost of building a garage.
What additional costs should I budget for when building a garage?
When building a garage, consider the costs of adding an electric vehicle (EV) charger, which typically ranges from £800–£1,500. Upgrading or paving the driveway to provide smooth access can cost anywhere between £1,000–£5,000, depending on the materials used. Additionally, if you need to adjust access to a public road, installing a dropped kerb can cost £1,000–£2,500.
Do I need planning permission to build a garage in the UK?
In the UK, garages under 30 square metres often fall under permitted development and require no planning permission if they meet specific criteria (e.g., height limits, no sleeping accommodation).
Boundary rules (e.g., Party Wall Act) may apply if the garage is built close to property lines. Additionally, restrictions for conservation areas or listed properties may require further permissions. Always check with your local planning authority for specific requirements.
For more information, see our related article which covers planning permission.
Will building a garage affect council tax band?
While adding a garage doesn’t automatically increase your council tax, your local council or the VOA (Valuation Office Agency in England and Wales, or the Scottish Assessors in Scotland) might reassess your property after the addition—although this is extremely rare.
What is the average daily rate for builders in the UK?
Builders typically charge £150 to £300 per day, while specialist trades (electricians, plumbers) may charge £200 to £400 per day. Check out our latest article on our blog for more information about the rates of different trades by region.

January 30th, 2025
Building an extension is an excellent way to increase living space and add value to your home, particularly when the alternative—moving house—is so expensive. However, costs vary significantly depending on factors such as the type of extension, location, materials used, and the complexity of the project.
In this guide, we break down the average costs of building a ground-floor and double-storey extension to help you understand what to expect when planning your construction project. We provide the average costs by region and also a breakdown of breakdown by project stage and room type.
Building An Extension In The UK
In our calculations, the costs of building an extension are based on the following:
- The roof of the extension is pitched, not flat.
- The extension is constructed out of brick/block, not a timber frame.
Also, the rooms in the calculation for the extension comprise:
- 20m² single-storey rear extension: dining room, utility room, WC.
- 40m² double-storey rear extension: dining room, utility room, WC, two bedrooms, an en-suite bathroom, storage room, small landing.
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Which rooms you choose ultimately affects the overall cost of the extension. For instance, if we were adding a kitchen instead of a dining room, we would need to factor in the cost of fitting a kitchen and the appliances.
Calculations reflect the cost of fitting out the new rooms only. They do not include the remodelling of existing rooms or changes to the layout.
In terms of build specification, our pricing calculator has three options:
- Low spec is a basic finish; e.g. Leyland, Everest, Wickes.
- Mid spec is a standard finish; e.g. Dulux, Hamilton, Slim Line.
- High spec is a high-spec finish; e.g. Farrow & Ball, Fine Line, Siemens.
For the purposes of these extensions, we reviewed the costs for standard specification. Then, for each specification, we’ve provided a range of prices to reflect the varying types of contractors:
- Low benchmark – smaller companies are generally lower cost but less specialised and with low project management function; good for low/mid-spec projects and tight budgets.
- Mid benchmark – medium-sized companies offer a balanced mix of cost-effectiveness and specialisation; good for mid-range projects for effective execution within moderate budgets.
- High benchmark – larger companies generally have a higher cost base but can handle a wide variety of specialist tasks; good for mid/high-spec projects and project management.
Cost of Building A Ground-Floor Extension – Standard Spec
Here’s a table showing the average costs of building a single-storey rear extension for a standard-spec project in the UK:
Single-Storey Rear Extension | Total Average Build Cost | Average Cost Per Sq Metre | ||||
Low Benchmark | Mid Benchmark | High Benchmark | Low Benchmark | Mid Benchmark | High Benchmark | |
East Anglia | £79,067 | £86,255 | £93,443 | £2,636 | £2,875 | £3,115 |
London | £83,258 | £93,492 | £103,834 | £2,775 | £3,116 | £3,461 |
Midlands | £76,740 | £83,716 | £90,693 | £2,558 | £2,791 | £3,023 |
North England | £74,934 | £81,746 | £88,558 | £2,498 | £2,725 | £2,952 |
Northern Ireland | £77,293 | £84,275 | £91,298 | £2,575 | £2,809 | £3,043 |
Scotland | £77,334 | £84,364 | £91,395 | £2,578 | £2,812 | £3,046 |
South East | £83,142 | £92,968 | £102,038 | £2,771 | £3,099 | £3,401 |
South West | £77,518 | £89,564 | £98,302 | £2,670 | £2,985 | £3,277 |
Wales | £74,938 | £83,795 | £89,986 | £2,498 | £2,793 | £3,000 |
Average | £78,247 | £86,686 | £94,394 | £2,618 | £2,890 | £3,146 |
All costs exclude VAT.
Here’s what the data shows for the cost of building a single-storey rear extension to a standard spec:
- It costs 9% more to build an extension in London than in other regions.
- The minimum cost is £74,934, and the maximum cost is £103,834.
- The total average cost is £86,443, or £2,885 per square metre.
Housebuilding Cost Breakdown By Project Stage – London
Here’s an example of the associated costs for the different stages of building an extension for a standard-spec project – when using a mid-benchmark contractor in London:
Total | £93,492 | 100.0% |
External wall structure and lining | £14,024 | 15.0% |
Foundations and substructure | £13,159 | 14.1% |
Roof structure and coverings | £11,540 | 12.3% |
Steel and structural supports | £8,133 | 8.7% |
Floor preparation and finishes | £5,966 | 6.4% |
Units, worktops and kitchen appliances | £4,457 | 4.8% |
Heating and cooling | £4,198 | 4.5% |
External windows and doors | £3,984 | 4.3% |
Decoration | £3,927 | 4.2% |
Preliminaries | £3,564 | 3.8% |
Floor structure and lining | £3,555 | 3.8% |
Wired appliances | £3,239 | 3.5% |
Internal wall structure and lining | £2,711 | 2.9% |
Drainage and pipework | £2,427 | 2.6% |
Wall preparation and finishes | £2,163 | 2.3% |
Internal doors and frames | £1,517 | 1.6% |
Plumbed appliances | £1,373 | 1.5% |
Demolitions | £1,346 | 1.4% |
Wiring and fuseboards | £634 | 0.7% |
Ceiling structure and lining | £581 | 0.6% |
Ceiling preparation and finishes | £567 | 0.6% |
Fixtures and fittings | £426 | 0.5% |
Cost Breakdown By Room – London
Here’s a breakdown of the associated costs by room for building a standard-spec extension – when using a mid-benchmark contractor in London:
Total | £93,492 | 100% |
Ground Floor Rear Extension with pitched roof | £60,362 | 64.6% |
Utility | £13,821 | 14.8% |
Dining room | £10,902 | 11.7% |
WC | £7,912 | 8.5% |
P | Preliminaries | £496 | 0.5% |
Cost of Building A Double-Storey Extension – Standard Spec
Here’s a table showing the average costs of building a double-storey extension for a standard-spec project in the UK:
Double-Storey Rear Extension (Pitched Roof) | Total Average Build Cost | Average Cost Per Sq Metre | ||||
Low Benchmark | Mid Benchmark | High Benchmark | Low Benchmark | Mid Benchmark | High Benchmark | |
East Anglia | £131,357 | £143,298 | £155,240 | £2,189 | £2,388 | £2,587 |
London | £138,434 | £155,344 | £173,574 | £2,307 | £2,589 | £2,893 |
Midlands | £127,393 | £138,974 | £150,555 | £2,123 | £2,316 | £2,509 |
North England | £124,191 | £135,481 | £146,771 | £2,070 | £2,258 | £2,446 |
Northern Ireland | £128,347 | £139,658 | £151,296 | £2,134 | £2,328 | £2,522 |
Scotland | £128,673 | £140,371 | £152,069 | £2,145 | £2,340 | £2,534 |
South East | £138,130 | £154,455 | £169,524 | £2,302 | £2,574 | £2,825 |
South West | £128,668 | £148,454 | £162,937 | £2,213 | £2,474 | £2,716 |
Wales | £124,572 | £139,295 | £149,616 | £2,076 | £2,322 | £2,494 |
Average | £129,974 | £143,926 | £156,842 | £2,173 | £2,399 | £2,614 |
All costs exclude VAT.
Here’s what the data shows for the cost of building a double-storey extension to a standard spec:
- The minimum cost is £124,191, and the maximum cost is £173,574.
- The total average cost is £143,581, or £2,395 per square metre.
Average Cost To Build An Extension In 2025
So, how much does it cost to build an extension in the UK? Based on building to a standard specification, you can expect building an extension to cost on average (when using a mid-benchmark contractor):
- Ground-floor rear extension– £86,686, or £2,890 per square metre.
- Double-storey rear extension– £143,926, or £2,399 per square metre.
Please remember that these costs do not include VAT, and there may be other additional costs, such as obtaining planning permission, conducting structural surveys, making unexpected repairs, and completing custom finishes.
Start your free trial with BuildPartner today to get the most accurate estimate of building an extension based on your own dimensions and specifications.
FAQs About Building An Extension In The UK
Here are some frequently asked questions about building extensions in the UK.
What are the different types of extensions?
Common ground-floor extensions include rear, side, double-storey, and wraparound. A rear extension expands the back, while a side extension adds space to the side of the property. A double-storey extension increases space both upstairs and downstairs, and a wraparound extension combines rear and side extensions for a larger, open-plan space.
Do I need planning permission for an extension?
There are many variables to assess to determine if planning permission is needed when building an extension. For example, you need planning permission if your single-storey rear extension is higher than four metres or extends beyond the rear of the “original house” by more than six metres.
In many cases, extensions fall under permitted development rights. Find out more about planning permission in our guide here.
Do I need a Party Wall Agreement?
If your extension affects a shared wall or boundary with a neighbour, the Party Wall Act 1996 requires you to serve notice and potentially obtain their consent.

January 30th, 2025
As the UK grapples with a cost-of-living crisis and a volatile housing market, building a home in 2025 presents significant challenges. Construction costs per square metre are at historic highs, driven by inflation, material shortages, and changing regulations.
This guide not only explores average costs by region—including East Anglia, London, the Midlands, and more—but also provides a breakdown of expenses by project stage and room type, offering a detailed understanding of where your budget is likely to go.
Building A House In The UK
House-building costs vary significantly depending on many factors. Sources like Checkatrade offer a general estimate of £1,750 to £2,750 per square metre, while Purple Bricks suggests a lower average of £1,200 to £1,500 per square metre. However, these figures lack context regarding specification or regional variations, offering only a basic rule of thumb.
So, in our calculations, we applied a consistent methodology across different regions, focusing on a three-bedroom detached house. The average number of bedrooms in the UK is 2.95, so we rounded it up to 3 in our estimations. The floorplan was based on the average total floor area of a dwelling in the UK, which is 94m2.
Rooms included in this build are three bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen, a living room, a dining room, a cloakroom, the hallway and landing, and a dedicated boiler and storage cupboard.
A garage was excluded from our calculations since only a third of UK homes have one.
In terms of build specification, our pricing calculator has three options:
- Low spec is a basic finish; e.g. Leyland, Everest, Wickes.
- Mid spec is a standard finish; e.g. Dulux, Hamilton, Slim Line.
- High spec is a high-spec finish; e.g. Farrow & Ball, Fine Line, Siemens.
For the purposes of this comparison of build costs per square metre, we have reviewed the costs for all three specifications.
In addition, for each specification, we’ve provided a range of prices to reflect the varying types of contractors:
- Low benchmark – smaller companies are generally lower cost but less specialised and with low project management function; good for low/mid-spec projects and tight budgets.
- Mid benchmark – medium-sized companies offer a balanced mix of cost-effectiveness and specialisation; good for mid-range projects for effective execution within moderate budgets.
- High benchmark – larger companies generally have a higher cost base but can handle a wide variety of specialist tasks; good for mid/high-spec projects and project management.
Cost of Building A 3-Bedroom UK House – Basic Spec
Here’s a table showing the average costs of building a 3-bed house for a basic-spec project in the UK:
3-Bedroom Detached House (Basic) |
Total Average Build Cost |
Average Cost Per Sq Metre |
||||
Low Benchmark |
Mid Benchmark |
High Benchmark |
Low Benchmark |
Mid Benchmark |
High Benchmark |
|
East Anglia |
£259,469 |
£283,057 |
£306,645 |
£2,760 |
£3,011 |
£3,262 |
London |
£275,482 |
£308,910 |
£342,655 |
£2,931 |
£3,286 |
£3,645 |
Midlands |
£251,343 |
£274,193 |
£297,042 |
£2,674 |
£2,917 |
£3,160 |
North England |
£244,562 |
£266,794 |
£289,027 |
£2,602 |
£2,838 |
£3,075 |
Northern Ireland |
£253,082 |
£275,473 |
£298,429 |
£2,686 |
£2,931 |
£3,175 |
Scotland |
£253,646 |
£276,705 |
£299,764 |
£2,698 |
£2,944 |
£3,189 |
South East |
£274,096 |
£306,489 |
£336,390 |
£2,916 |
£3,261 |
£3,579 |
South West |
£253,757 |
£293,829 |
£322,495 |
£2,795 |
£3,126 |
£3,431 |
Wales |
£244,740 |
£273,664 |
£294,366 |
£2,604 |
£2,911 |
£3,132 |
Average |
£256,686 |
£284,346 |
£309,646 |
£2,741 |
£3,025 |
£3,294 |
All costs exclude VAT.
Here’s what the data shows for the cost of building a 3-bed house to a basic spec:
- It costs 10% more to build a 3-bed house in London than in other regions.
- The minimum cost is £244,562, and the maximum cost is £342,655.
- The total average cost is £283,559, or £3,020 per square metre.
Housebuilding Cost Breakdown By Project Stage – London
Here’s an example of the associated costs for the different stages of building a house for a basic-spec project – when using a mid-benchmark contractor in London:
Total |
£308,910 |
100.0% |
External wall structure and lining |
£60,267 |
19.5% |
Foundations and substructure |
£35,960 |
11.6% |
Roof structure and coverings |
£35,449 |
11.5% |
Preliminaries |
£21,126 |
6.8% |
Floor structure and lining |
£20,470 |
6.6% |
External windows and doors |
£16,160 |
5.2% |
Steel and structural supports |
£13,625 |
4.4% |
Internal wall structure and lining |
£12,730 |
4.1% |
Decoration |
£11,536 |
3.7% |
Floor preparation and finishes |
£11,042 |
3.6% |
Heating and cooling |
£10,860 |
3.5% |
Units, worktops and kitchen appliances |
£10,650 |
3.4% |
Wall preparation and finishes |
£9,044 |
2.9% |
Wired appliances |
£8,787 |
2.8% |
Drainage and pipework |
£8,357 |
2.7% |
Plumbed appliances |
£5,226 |
1.7% |
Ceiling structure and lining |
£3,875 |
1.3% |
Internal doors and frames |
£3,650 |
1.2% |
Stairs, balustrades and lifts |
£2,910 |
0.9% |
Wiring and fuseboards |
£2,764 |
0.9% |
Ceiling preparation and finishes |
£1,726 |
0.6% |
Demolitions |
£1,385 |
0.4% |
Fixtures and fittings |
£ 763 |
0.2% |
Joinery |
£ 546 |
0.2% |
Cost Breakdown By Room – London
Here’s a breakdown of the associated costs by room for a basic-spec house build – when using a mid-benchmark contractor in London:
Total |
£308,910 |
100% |
G | Ground Floor |
£115,953 |
37.5% |
I | First Floor |
£62,359 |
20.2% |
R | Pitched roof |
£35,449 |
11.5% |
Kitchen |
£29,752 |
9.6% |
Bathroom |
£10,592 |
3.4% |
En-suite |
£9,087 |
2.9% |
Living room / family room |
£7,266 |
2.4% |
Bedroom 1 |
£6,973 |
2.3% |
WC |
£6,404 |
2.1% |
Bedroom 2 |
£6,096 |
2.0% |
Bedroom 3 |
£6,096 |
2.0% |
Boot Room / Cloakroom |
£5,436 |
1.8% |
Landing incl. stairs |
£4,265 |
1.4% |
Boiler Cupboard |
£3,182 |
1.0% |
Cost of Building A 3-Bedroom UK House – Standard Spec
Here’s a table showing the average costs of building a 3-bed house for a standard-spec project in the UK:
3-Bedroom Detached House (Standard) |
Total Average Build Cost |
Average Cost Per Sq Metre |
||||
Low Benchmark |
Mid Benchmark |
High Benchmark |
Low Benchmark |
Mid Benchmark |
High Benchmark |
|
East Anglia |
£279,511 |
£304,922 |
£330,332 |
£2,974 |
£3,244 |
£3,514 |
London |
£295,524 |
£331,321 |
£367,252 |
£3,144 |
£3,525 |
£3,907 |
Midlands |
£271,386 |
£296,057 |
£320,729 |
£2,887 |
£3,150 |
£3,412 |
North England |
£264,604 |
£288,659 |
£297,852 |
£2,815 |
£3,071 |
£3,169 |
Northern Ireland |
£273,124 |
£297,338 |
£322,115 |
£2,900 |
£3,163 |
£3,427 |
Scotland |
£273,689 |
£298,570 |
£323,451 |
£2,912 |
£3,176 |
£3,441 |
South East |
£294,138 |
£328,900 |
£360,987 |
£3,129 |
£3,499 |
£3,840 |
South West |
£273,800 |
£316,240 |
£347,093 |
£3,009 |
£3,364 |
£3,692 |
Wales |
£264,783 |
£296,075 |
£318,053 |
£2,817 |
£3,150 |
£3,384 |
Average |
£276,729 |
£306,454 |
£331,985 |
£2,954 |
£3,260 |
£3,532 |
All costs exclude VAT.
Here’s what the data shows for the cost of building a 3-bed house to a standard spec:
- The minimum cost is £264,604, and the maximum cost is £367,252.
- The total average cost is £305,056, or £3,249 per square metre.
Cost of Building A 3-Bedroom UK House – Premium Spec
Here’s a table showing the average costs of building a 3-bed house for a premium-spec project in the UK:
3-Bedroom Detached House (Premium) |
Total Average Build Cost |
Average Cost Per Sq Metre |
||||
Low Benchmark |
Mid Benchmark |
High Benchmark |
Low Benchmark |
Mid Benchmark |
High Benchmark |
|
East Anglia |
£314,534 |
£343,128 |
£371,722 |
£3,346 |
£3,650 |
£3,954 |
London |
£330,547 |
£370,483 |
£410,235 |
£3,516 |
£3,941 |
£4,364 |
Midlands |
£306,409 |
£334,264 |
£362,120 |
£3,260 |
£3,556 |
£3,852 |
North England |
£299,627 |
£326,866 |
£354,105 |
£3,188 |
£3,477 |
£3,767 |
Northern Ireland |
£308,147 |
£335,544 |
£363,506 |
£3,278 |
£3,570 |
£3,867 |
Scotland |
£308,712 |
£336,777 |
£364,841 |
£3,284 |
£3,583 |
£3,881 |
South East |
£329,161 |
£368,062 |
£403,970 |
£3,502 |
£3,916 |
£4,298 |
South West |
£308,823 |
£355,402 |
£390,076 |
£3,285 |
£3,781 |
£4,150 |
Wales |
£299,806 |
£335,237 |
£359,444 |
£3,189 |
£3,566 |
£3,824 |
Average |
£311,752 |
£345,085 |
£375,558 |
£3,317 |
£3,671 |
£3,995 |
All costs exclude VAT.
Here’s what the data shows for the cost of building a 3-bed house to a premium spec:
- The minimum cost is £299,627, and the maximum cost is £410,235.
- The total average cost is £344,131, or £3,661 per square metre.
Average Cost To Build A House In 2025
So, how much does it cost to build a new house in the UK? Based on the three different specifications covered in this article, you can expect building a 3-bedroom house to cost on average (when using a mid-benchmark contractor):
- 3-bedroom house: basic spec – £284,346, or £3,025 per square metre.
- 3-bedroom house: standard spec – £306,454, or £3,260 per square metre.
- 3-bedroom house: premium spec – £345,085, or £3,671 per square metre.
Please remember that these costs do not include VAT, and there may be other additional costs, such as obtaining planning permission, conducting structural surveys, making unexpected repairs, and completing custom finishes.
Start your free trial with BuildPartner today to get the most accurate estimate of building a house based on your own dimensions and specifications.
FAQs About Housebuilding Costs In The UK
Here are some frequently asked questions about housebuilding costs in the UK.
Will I pay VAT on self-build projects in the UK?
New-build homes are generally zero-rated for VAT. This means that while contractors and suppliers of building materials may charge VAT on their services, you can reclaim it.
You can reclaim VAT on integral fixtures like kitchens, bathrooms, and heating systems. However, VAT cannot be claimed on professional services, landscaping, driveways, or non-integral items like luxury fittings (e.g., Jacuzzis).
Will Labour’s pledge to build 1.5 million homes affect building costs?
Labour’s pledge to build 1.5 million homes by 2029 could have mixed effects on building costs. While an increase in housing supply may help alleviate pressure on the housing market in the long run, it could also lead to a surge in demand for construction materials and skilled trades, pushing up material costs and labour prices, particularly in areas where construction activity is already high.

February 28th, 2025
Building contractor rates in the UK vary significantly based on location, experience, and the specific trade. In this guide, we break down the average hourly and daily rates for key tradesmen—including bricklayers, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and more.
We also provide a regional comparison and a year-on-year analysis of 2024 versus 2025 data, highlighting cost changes to help you budget more accurately.
What Is The Average Hourly Rate Of Bricklayers In 2025?
Here’s how much bricklayers charge hourly and also their daily rates across different regions in the UK:
|
Greater London |
Inner London |
South East |
South West |
Wales |
Scotland |
2024 Hourly Rate |
£25.82 |
£25.07 |
£24.91 |
£24.43 |
£20.88 |
£20.52 |
2025 Hourly Rate |
£26.83 |
£25.70 |
£25.99 |
£24.14 |
£20.20 |
£21.51 |
2024 Day Rate |
£206.58 |
£200.57 |
£199.27 |
£195.46 |
£167.02 |
£164.16 |
2025 Day Rate |
£214.62 |
£205.59 |
£207.90 |
£193.11 |
£161.57 |
£172.10 |
% Change YoY |
3.9% |
2.5% |
4.3% |
-1.2% |
-3.3% |
4.8% |
|
Midlands |
East Anglia |
North East |
North West |
Northern Ireland |
Rep. of Ireland |
2024 Hourly Rate |
£22.60 |
£22.75 |
£23.16 |
£21.30 |
£20.81 |
£18.62 |
2025 Hourly Rate |
£22.67 |
£24.09 |
£19.48 |
£20.46 |
£22.40 |
£17.38 |
2024 Day Rate |
£180.77 |
£182.00 |
£185.24 |
£170.40 |
£166.45 |
£148.97 |
2025 Day Rate |
£181.35 |
£192.75 |
£155.84 |
£163.71 |
£179.23 |
£139.00 |
% Change YoY |
0.3% |
5.9% |
-15.9% |
-3.9% |
7.7% |
-6.7% |
- The total average day rate of a bricklayer in the UK is £181.
- The total average hourly rate of a bricklayer in the UK is £23.
What Is The Average Hourly Rate Of Carpenters In 2025?
Here’s how much carpenters and joiners charge hourly and also their daily rates across different regions in the UK:
|
Greater London |
Inner London |
South East |
South West |
Wales |
Scotland |
2024 Hourly Rate |
£28.04 |
£28.69 |
£27.19 |
£24.95 |
£22.86 |
£24.92 |
2025 Hourly Rate |
£27.88 |
£29.28 |
£27.79 |
£24.71 |
£20.36 |
£25.52 |
2024 Day Rate |
£224.32 |
£229.50 |
£217.52 |
£199.59 |
£182.85 |
£199.39 |
2025 Day Rate |
£223.04 |
£234.20 |
£222.33 |
£197.70 |
£162.88 |
£204.16 |
% Change YoY |
-0.6% |
2.0% |
2.2% |
-0.9% |
-10.9% |
2.4% |
|
Midlands |
East Anglia |
North East |
North West |
Northern Ireland |
Rep. of Ireland |
2024 Hourly Rate |
£24.09 |
£24.45 |
£24.63 |
£22.72 |
£23.32 |
£21.12 |
2025 Hourly Rate |
£23.27 |
£24.09 |
£22.42 |
£21.91 |
£24.47 |
£19.75 |
2024 Day Rate |
£192.71 |
£195.62 |
£197.05 |
£181.76 |
£186.54 |
£168.98 |
2025 Day Rate |
£186.19 |
£192.73 |
£179.32 |
£175.25 |
£195.75 |
£158.00 |
% Change YoY |
-3.4% |
-1.5% |
-9.0% |
-3.6% |
4.9% |
-6.5% |
- The total average day rate of a carpenter in the UK is £194.
- The total average hourly rate of a carpenter in the UK is £24.
What Is The Average Hourly Rate Of Carpet Fitters In 2025?
Here’s how much carpet fitters charge hourly and also their daily rates across different regions in the UK:
|
Greater London |
Inner London |
South East |
South West |
Wales |
Scotland |
2024 Hourly Rate |
£28.43 |
£28.87 |
£27.89 |
£24.36 |
£24.29 |
£24.26 |
2025 Hourly Rate |
£28.30 |
£29.10 |
£28.21 |
£24.33 |
£22.21 |
£24.31 |
2024 Day Rate |
£227.46 |
£230.95 |
£223.09 |
£194.86 |
£194.33 |
£194.10 |
2025 Day Rate |
£226.38 |
£232.78 |
£225.65 |
£194.66 |
£177.70 |
£194.52 |
% Change YoY |
-0.5% |
0.8% |
1.1% |
-0.1% |
-8.6% |
0.2% |
|
Midlands |
East Anglia |
North East |
North West |
Northern Ireland |
Rep. of Ireland |
2024 Hourly Rate |
£24.36 |
£24.93 |
£24.04 |
£23.51 |
£20.90 |
£23.11 |
2025 Hourly Rate |
£23.55 |
£21.90 |
£25.01 |
£23.19 |
£20.53 |
£21.50 |
2024 Day Rate |
£194.85 |
£199.40 |
£192.31 |
£188.08 |
£167.22 |
£184.87 |
2025 Day Rate |
£188.37 |
£175.21 |
£200.10 |
£185.55 |
£164.20 |
£172.00 |
% Change YoY |
-3.3% |
-12.1% |
4.0% |
-1.3% |
-1.8% |
-7.0% |
- The total average day rate of a carpet fitter in the UK is £195.
- The total average hourly rate of a carpet fitter in the UK is £24.
What Is The Average Hourly Rate Of Decorators In 2025?
Here’s how much decorators charge hourly and also their daily rates across different regions in the UK:
|
Greater London |
Inner London |
South East |
South West |
Wales |
Scotland |
2024 Hourly Rate |
£24.15 |
£24.54 |
£23.31 |
£21.52 |
£20.09 |
£18.89 |
2025 Hourly Rate |
£24.30 |
£24.80 |
£23.69 |
£21.24 |
£18.09 |
£19.06 |
2024 Day Rate |
£193.17 |
£196.35 |
£186.45 |
£172.14 |
£160.70 |
£151.11 |
2025 Day Rate |
£194.37 |
£198.40 |
£189.54 |
£169.89 |
£144.74 |
£152.44 |
% Change YoY |
0.6% |
1.0% |
1.7% |
-1.3% |
-9.9% |
0.9% |
|
Midlands |
East Anglia |
North East |
North West |
Northern Ireland |
Rep. of Ireland |
2024 Hourly Rate |
£20.41 |
£21.38 |
£20.78 |
£19.70 |
£18.33 |
£18.62 |
2025 Hourly Rate |
£19.92 |
£20.98 |
£19.57 |
£19.09 |
£19.30 |
£17.38 |
2024 Day Rate |
£163.25 |
£171.04 |
£166.26 |
£157.57 |
£146.61 |
£148.97 |
2025 Day Rate |
£159.38 |
£167.83 |
£156.52 |
£152.73 |
£154.42 |
£139.00 |
% Change YoY |
-2.4% |
-1.9% |
-5.9% |
-3.1% |
5.3% |
-6.7% |
- The total average day rate of a decorator in the UK is £165.
- The total average hourly rate of a decorator in the UK is £21.
What Is The Average Hourly Rate Of Electricians In 2025?
Here’s how much electricians charge hourly and also their daily rates across different regions in the UK:
|
Greater London |
Inner London |
South East |
South West |
Wales |
Scotland |
2024 Hourly Rate |
£32.85 |
£32.50 |
£31.96 |
£28.82 |
£27.90 |
£31.12 |
2025 Hourly Rate |
£32.59 |
£32.64 |
£32.60 |
£29.02 |
£27.06 |
£30.94 |
2024 Day Rate |
£262.80 |
£259.97 |
£255.69 |
£230.57 |
£223.22 |
£248.94 |
2025 Day Rate |
£260.72 |
£261.16 |
£260.83 |
£232.14 |
£216.46 |
£247.49 |
% Change YoY |
-0.8% |
0.5% |
2.0% |
0.7% |
-3.0% |
-0.6% |
|
Midlands |
East Anglia |
North East |
North West |
Northern Ireland |
Rep. of Ireland |
2024 Hourly Rate |
£28.51 |
£29.24 |
£29.38 |
£28.09 |
£27.28 |
£25.29 |
2025 Hourly Rate |
£27.75 |
£29.48 |
£27.03 |
£26.60 |
£27.44 |
£23.63 |
2024 Day Rate |
£228.11 |
£233.90 |
£235.01 |
£224.71 |
£218.24 |
£202.30 |
2025 Day Rate |
£222.04 |
£235.82 |
£216.23 |
£212.80 |
£219.54 |
£189.00 |
% Change YoY |
-2.7% |
0.8% |
-8.0% |
-5.3% |
0.6% |
-6.6% |
- The total average day rate of an electrician in the UK is £235.
- The total average hourly rate of an electrician in the UK is £29.
What Is The Average Hourly Rate Of A Foreman In 2025?
Here’s how much a foreman costs per hour and also their daily cost across different regions in the UK:
|
Greater London |
Inner London |
South East |
South West |
Wales |
Scotland |
2024 Hourly Rate |
£41.69 |
£40.89 |
£39.25 |
£35.15 |
£34.73 |
£34.20 |
2025 Hourly Rate |
£41.10 |
£40.31 |
£38.81 |
£34.92 |
£32.53 |
£31.86 |
2024 Day Rate |
£333.49 |
£327.11 |
£314.03 |
£281.20 |
£277.84 |
£273.61 |
2025 Day Rate |
£328.81 |
£322.50 |
£310.50 |
£279.34 |
£260.28 |
£254.85 |
% Change YoY |
-1.4% |
-1.4% |
-1.1% |
-0.7% |
-6.3% |
-6.9% |
|
Midlands |
East Anglia |
North East |
North West |
Northern Ireland |
Rep. of Ireland |
2024 Hourly Rate |
£32.59 |
£35.66 |
£33.34 |
£32.29 |
£30.76 |
£33.60 |
2025 Hourly Rate |
£33.08 |
£34.27 |
£33.14 |
£31.65 |
£29.58 |
£31.50 |
2024 Day Rate |
£260.74 |
£285.25 |
£266.72 |
£258.29 |
£246.06 |
£268.80 |
2025 Day Rate |
£264.64 |
£274.12 |
£265.13 |
£253.17 |
£236.67 |
£252.00 |
% Change YoY |
1.5% |
-3.9% |
-0.6% |
-2.0% |
-3.8% |
-6.3% |
- The total average day rate of a foreman in the UK is £275.
- The total average hourly rate of a foreman in the UK is £34.
What Is The Average Hourly Rate Of A Gas Safe Engineer In 2025?
Here’s how much Gas Safe engineers charge hourly and also their daily rates across different regions in the UK:
|
Greater London |
Inner London |
South East |
South West |
Wales |
Scotland |
2024 Hourly Rate |
£41.48 |
£42.14 |
£39.72 |
£36.95 |
£35.52 |
£39.66 |
2025 Hourly Rate |
£40.95 |
£42.15 |
£39.90 |
£36.63 |
£33.56 |
£33.31 |
2024 Day Rate |
£331.86 |
£337.12 |
£317.79 |
£295.56 |
£284.19 |
£317.27 |
2025 Day Rate |
£327.57 |
£337.21 |
£319.24 |
£293.02 |
£268.44 |
£266.51 |
% Change YoY |
-1.3% |
0.0% |
0.5% |
-0.9% |
-5.5% |
-16.0% |
|
Midlands |
East Anglia |
North East |
North West |
Northern Ireland |
Rep. of Ireland |
2024 Hourly Rate |
£33.22 |
£36.15 |
£32.88 |
£32.16 |
£30.71 |
£31.50 |
2025 Hourly Rate |
£33.43 |
£35.64 |
£31.85 |
£32.90 |
£29.04 |
£31.50 |
2024 Day Rate |
£265.79 |
£289.18 |
£263.01 |
£257.31 |
£245.69 |
£252.00 |
2025 Day Rate |
£267.40 |
£285.14 |
£254.80 |
£263.19 |
£232.33 |
£252.00 |
% Change YoY |
0.6% |
-1.4% |
-3.1% |
2.3% |
-5.4% |
0.0% |
- The total average day rate of a Gas Safe engineer in the UK is £281.
- The total average hourly rate of a Gas Safe engineer in the UK is £35.
What Is The Average Hourly Rate Of A General Builder In 2025?
Here’s how much general builders charge hourly and also their daily rates across different regions in the UK:
|
Greater London |
Inner London |
South East |
South West |
Wales |
Scotland |
2024 Hourly Rate |
£25.38 |
£24.99 |
£24.78 |
£23.40 |
£20.44 |
£20.56 |
2025 Hourly Rate |
£25.46 |
£25.46 |
£24.87 |
£23.58 |
£18.54 |
£20.89 |
2024 Day Rate |
£203.08 |
£199.92 |
£198.28 |
£187.22 |
£163.50 |
£164.44 |
2025 Day Rate |
£203.69 |
£203.71 |
£198.95 |
£188.65 |
£148.35 |
£167.13 |
% Change YoY |
0.3% |
1.9% |
0.3% |
0.8% |
-9.3% |
1.6% |
|
Midlands |
East Anglia |
North East |
North West |
Northern Ireland |
Rep. of Ireland |
2024 Hourly Rate |
£21.64 |
£21.96 |
£24.21 |
£21.50 |
£21.87 |
£18.59 |
2025 Hourly Rate |
£20.81 |
£22.46 |
£19.83 |
£19.91 |
£23.15 |
£17.38 |
2024 Day Rate |
£173.10 |
£175.71 |
£193.67 |
£171.99 |
£174.95 |
£148.71 |
2025 Day Rate |
£166.46 |
£179.66 |
£158.62 |
£159.26 |
£185.19 |
£139.00 |
% Change YoY |
-3.8% |
2.2% |
-18.1% |
-7.4% |
5.9% |
-6.5% |
- The total average day rate of a general builder in the UK is £175.
- The total average hourly rate of a general builder in the UK is £22.
What Is The Average Hourly Rate Of A Groundworker In 2025?
Here’s how much groundworkers charge hourly and also their daily rates across different regions in the UK:
|
Greater London |
Inner London |
South East |
South West |
Wales |
Scotland |
2024 Hourly Rate |
£24.25 |
£24.68 |
£23.68 |
£23.81 |
£20.29 |
£18.42 |
2025 Hourly Rate |
£24.10 |
£24.59 |
£24.12 |
£23.40 |
£18.95 |
£17.99 |
2024 Day Rate |
£194.03 |
£197.46 |
£189.45 |
£190.47 |
£162.34 |
£147.39 |
2025 Day Rate |
£192.80 |
£196.69 |
£192.99 |
£187.18 |
£151.57 |
£143.94 |
% Change YoY |
-0.6% |
-0.4% |
1.9% |
-1.7% |
-6.6% |
-2.3% |
|
Midlands |
East Anglia |
North East |
North West |
Northern Ireland |
Rep. of Ireland |
2024 Hourly Rate |
£20.26 |
£21.02 |
£20.18 |
£18.94 |
£18.13 |
£18.53 |
2025 Hourly Rate |
£20.31 |
£21.97 |
£20.15 |
£18.35 |
£18.24 |
£17.38 |
2024 Day Rate |
£162.05 |
£168.17 |
£161.47 |
£151.56 |
£145.01 |
£148.20 |
2025 Day Rate |
£162.46 |
£175.72 |
£161.22 |
£146.77 |
£145.96 |
£139.00 |
% Change YoY |
0.3% |
4.5% |
-0.2% |
-3.2% |
0.7% |
-6.2% |
- The total average day rate of a groundworker in the UK is £166.
- The total average hourly rate of a groundworker in the UK is £21.
What Is The Average Hourly Rate Of A Labourer In 2025?
Here’s how much labourers charge hourly and also their daily rates across different regions in the UK:
|
Greater London |
Inner London |
South East |
South West |
Wales |
Scotland |
2024 Hourly Rate |
£19.02 |
£18.87 |
£18.24 |
£16.54 |
£16.53 |
£16.98 |
2025 Hourly Rate |
£18.73 |
£18.63 |
£18.30 |
£16.42 |
£15.30 |
£16.77 |
2024 Day Rate |
£152.19 |
£150.98 |
£145.93 |
£132.31 |
£132.22 |
£135.82 |
2025 Day Rate |
£149.84 |
£149.01 |
£146.43 |
£131.36 |
£122.38 |
£134.18 |
% Change YoY |
-1.5% |
-1.3% |
0.3% |
-0.7% |
-7.4% |
-1.2% |
|
Midlands |
East Anglia |
North East |
North West |
Northern Ireland |
Rep. of Ireland |
2024 Hourly Rate |
£16.86 |
£17.62 |
£16.96 |
£16.03 |
£17.28 |
£15.14 |
2025 Hourly Rate |
£16.54 |
£17.42 |
£16.03 |
£15.57 |
£17.32 |
£14.13 |
2024 Day Rate |
£134.89 |
£140.98 |
£135.66 |
£128.23 |
£138.22 |
£121.14 |
2025 Day Rate |
£132.34 |
£139.37 |
£128.26 |
£124.58 |
£138.57 |
£113.00 |
% Change YoY |
-1.9% |
-1.1% |
-5.5% |
-2.8% |
0.2% |
-6.7% |
- The total average day rate of a labourer in the UK is £134.
- The total average hourly rate of a labourer in the UK is £17.
What Is The Average Hourly Rate Of A Plasterer In 2025?
Here’s how much plasterers charge hourly and also their daily rates across different regions in the UK:
|
Greater London |
Inner London |
South East |
South West |
Wales |
Scotland |
2024 Hourly Rate |
£25.49 |
£25.29 |
£25.12 |
£22.76 |
£20.72 |
£20.44 |
2025 Hourly Rate |
£25.85 |
£26.50 |
£25.73 |
£22.75 |
£20.02 |
£20.63 |
2024 Day Rate |
£203.93 |
£202.29 |
£201.00 |
£182.11 |
£165.75 |
£163.55 |
2025 Day Rate |
£206.77 |
£212.00 |
£205.81 |
£181.96 |
£160.15 |
£165.02 |
% Change YoY |
1.4% |
4.8% |
2.4% |
-0.1% |
-3.4% |
0.9% |
|
Midlands |
East Anglia |
North East |
North West |
Northern Ireland |
Rep. of Ireland |
2024 Hourly Rate |
£21.73 |
£21.89 |
£22.09 |
£21.64 |
£23.21 |
£18.59 |
2025 Hourly Rate |
£20.91 |
£22.41 |
£19.78 |
£19.65 |
£23.84 |
£17.38 |
2024 Day Rate |
£173.83 |
£175.10 |
£176.74 |
£173.14 |
£185.70 |
£148.71 |
2025 Day Rate |
£167.26 |
£179.26 |
£158.25 |
£157.17 |
£190.74 |
£139.00 |
% Change YoY |
-3.8% |
2.4% |
-10.5% |
-9.2% |
2.7% |
-6.5% |
- The total average day rate of a plasterer in the UK is £177.
- The total average hourly rate of a plasterer in the UK is £22.
What Is The Average Hourly Rate Of A Plumber In 2025?
Here’s how much plumbers charge hourly and also their daily rates across different regions in the UK:
|
Greater London |
Inner London |
South East |
South West |
Wales |
Scotland |
2024 Hourly Rate |
£29.46 |
£29.02 |
£29.22 |
£28.50 |
£23.07 |
£26.71 |
2025 Hourly Rate |
£29.62 |
£30.27 |
£30.04 |
£27.35 |
£22.26 |
£26.73 |
2024 Day Rate |
£235.67 |
£232.18 |
£233.72 |
£228.03 |
£184.56 |
£213.65 |
2025 Day Rate |
£236.95 |
£242.13 |
£240.31 |
£218.78 |
£178.06 |
£213.85 |
% Change YoY |
0.5% |
4.3% |
2.8% |
-4.1% |
-3.5% |
0.1% |
|
Midlands |
East Anglia |
North East |
North West |
Northern Ireland |
Rep. of Ireland |
2024 Hourly Rate |
£24.70 |
£28.18 |
£26.04 |
£24.93 |
£23.23 |
£21.12 |
2025 Hourly Rate |
£23.77 |
£27.38 |
£22.52 |
£22.58 |
£24.54 |
£19.75 |
2024 Day Rate |
£197.62 |
£225.47 |
£208.30 |
£199.41 |
£185.86 |
£168.98 |
2025 Day Rate |
£190.14 |
£219.08 |
£180.13 |
£180.68 |
£196.30 |
£158.00 |
% Change YoY |
-3.8% |
-2.8% |
-13.5% |
-9.4% |
5.6% |
-6.5% |
- The total average day rate of a plumber in the UK is £205.
- The total average hourly rate of a plumber in the UK is £26.
What Is The Average Hourly Rate Of A Roofer In 2025?
Here’s how much roofers charge hourly and also their daily rates across different regions in the UK:
|
Greater London |
Inner London |
South East |
South West |
Wales |
Scotland |
2024 Hourly Rate |
£25.53 |
£25.13 |
£24.77 |
£22.93 |
£20.72 |
£19.54 |
2025 Hourly Rate |
£25.91 |
£25.68 |
£25.76 |
£22.93 |
£19.09 |
£19.65 |
2024 Day Rate |
£204.28 |
£201.06 |
£198.16 |
£183.47 |
£165.77 |
£156.30 |
2025 Day Rate |
£207.29 |
£205.42 |
£206.06 |
£183.40 |
£152.68 |
£157.24 |
% Change YoY |
1.5% |
2.2% |
4.0% |
0.0% |
-7.9% |
0.6% |
|
Midlands |
East Anglia |
North East |
North West |
Northern Ireland |
Rep. of Ireland |
2024 Hourly Rate |
£21.84 |
£21.99 |
£22.35 |
£20.77 |
£19.57 |
£18.61 |
2025 Hourly Rate |
£21.92 |
£22.91 |
£19.46 |
£20.68 |
£19.96 |
£17.38 |
2024 Day Rate |
£174.74 |
£175.94 |
£178.81 |
£166.19 |
£156.58 |
£148.86 |
2025 Day Rate |
£175.34 |
£183.30 |
£155.65 |
£165.47 |
£159.64 |
£139.00 |
% Change YoY |
0.3% |
4.2% |
-13.0% |
-0.4% |
2.0% |
-6.6% |
- The total average day rate of a roofer in the UK is £174.
- The total average hourly rate of a roofer in the UK is £22.
What Is The Average Hourly Rate Of A Tiler In 2025?
Here’s how much tilers charge hourly and also their daily rates across different regions in the UK:
|
Greater London |
Inner London |
South East |
South West |
Wales |
Scotland |
2024 Hourly Rate |
£25.77 |
£25.21 |
£25.24 |
£22.61 |
£20.61 |
£21.00 |
2025 Hourly Rate |
£25.83 |
£25.10 |
£25.53 |
£22.56 |
£20.04 |
£20.44 |
2024 Day Rate |
£206.16 |
£201.68 |
£201.92 |
£180.89 |
£164.85 |
£168.01 |
2025 Day Rate |
£206.62 |
£200.77 |
£204.26 |
£180.51 |
£160.34 |
£163.49 |
% Change YoY |
0.2% |
-0.5% |
1.2% |
-0.2% |
-2.7% |
-2.7% |
|
Midlands |
East Anglia |
North East |
North West |
Northern Ireland |
Rep. of Ireland |
2024 Hourly Rate |
£21.46 |
£22.74 |
£21.49 |
£20.58 |
£21.65 |
£18.63 |
2025 Hourly Rate |
£20.78 |
£22.74 |
£19.41 |
£19.51 |
£22.72 |
£17.38 |
2024 Day Rate |
£171.72 |
£181.93 |
£171.89 |
£164.63 |
£173.19 |
£149.04 |
2025 Day Rate |
£166.25 |
£181.94 |
£155.25 |
£156.09 |
£181.73 |
£139.00 |
% Change YoY |
-3.2% |
0.0% |
-9.7% |
-5.2% |
4.9% |
-6.7% |
- The total average day rate of a tiler in the UK is £175.
- The total average hourly rate of a tiler in the UK is £22.
What Is The Average Cost Of Tradesmen In 2025?
In 2025, the average cost of hiring a tradesperson in the UK varies depending on the trade and expertise required. Here’s a table summarising the hourly rates and day rates of tradesmen across different professions:
Trade |
Hourly Rate |
Day Rate |
|
Trade |
Hourly Rate |
Day Rate |
Bricklayer |
£22.57 |
£180.56 |
|
General Builder |
£21.86 |
£174.89 |
Carpenter |
£24.29 |
£194.30 |
|
Groundworker |
£20.79 |
£166.36 |
Carpet fitter |
£24.34 |
£194.76 |
|
Labourer |
£16.76 |
£134.11 |
Decorator |
£20.62 |
£164.94 |
|
Plasterer |
£22.12 |
£176.95 |
Electrician |
£28.90 |
£231.18 |
|
Plumber |
£25.57 |
£204.53 |
Foreman |
£34.40 |
£275.17 |
|
Roofer |
£21.78 |
£174.21 |
Gas Safe Engineer |
£35.07 |
£280.57 |
|
Tiler |
£21.84 |
£174.69 |
Start your free trial with BuildPartner today to get the most accurate estimate of your construction project.
Average Building Costs Per Sq M For 2025 – A UK Guide
- Post author By ken
- Post date March 14, 2025
- No Comments on Average Building Costs Per Sq M For 2025 – A UK Guide

January 25th, 2025
When planning a construction project, understanding the average building costs per square metre will help you create a realistic budget and avoid nasty surprises.
Whether you’re building a home, extending your property, or adding a garage, this guide breaks down the average costs per square metre.
In addition, this guide not only explores average costs by region—including East Anglia, London, the Midlands, and more—but also provides a breakdown of expenses by project stage and room type.
Building Costs Per Square Metre In The UK
In terms of build specification, our pricing calculator has three options:
- Low spec is a basic finish; e.g. Leyland, Everest, Wickes.
- Standard spec is a standard finish; e.g. Dulux, Hamilton, Slim Line.
- Premium spec is a high-spec finish; e.g. Farrow & Ball, Fine Line, Siemens.
For the purposes of this comparison of build costs per square metre, we have reviewed the costs for standard specification. In addition, for each specification, we’ve provided a range of prices to reflect the varying types of contractors:
- Low benchmark – smaller companies are generally lower cost but less specialised and with low project management function; good for low/mid-spec projects and tight budgets.
- Mid benchmark – medium-sized companies offer a balanced mix of cost-effectiveness and specialisation; good for mid-range projects for effective execution within moderate budgets.
- High benchmark – larger companies generally have a higher cost base but can handle a wide variety of specialist tasks; good for mid/high-spec projects and project management.
How Much Does It Cost To Build A 3-Bedroom House Per Square Metre?
When calculating the cost of building a three-bedroom detached house, we made the following assumptions:
- The average number of bedrooms in the UK is 2.95, so we rounded up to 3.
- The floorplan is based on the average UK dwelling size of 94m2.
The rooms included in are three bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen, a living room, a dining room, a cloakroom, the hallway and landing, and a dedicated boiler and storage cupboard.
Here’s a table showing the average costs of building a 3-bed house for a standard-spec project in the UK:
3-Bedroom Detached House (Standard) | Total Average Build Cost | Average Cost Per Sq Metre | ||||
Low Benchmark | Mid Benchmark | High Benchmark | Low Benchmark | Mid Benchmark | High Benchmark | |
East Anglia | £279,511 | £304,922 | £330,332 | £2,974 | £3,244 | £3,514 |
London | £295,524 | £331,321 | £367,252 | £3,144 | £3,525 | £3,907 |
Midlands | £271,386 | £296,057 | £320,729 | £2,887 | £3,150 | £3,412 |
North England | £264,604 | £288,659 | £297,852 | £2,815 | £3,071 | £3,169 |
Northern Ireland | £273,124 | £297,338 | £322,115 | £2,900 | £3,163 | £3,427 |
Scotland | £273,689 | £298,570 | £323,451 | £2,912 | £3,176 | £3,441 |
South East | £294,138 | £328,900 | £360,987 | £3,129 | £3,499 | £3,840 |
South West | £273,800 | £316,240 | £347,093 | £3,009 | £3,364 | £3,692 |
Wales | £264,783 | £296,075 | £318,053 | £2,817 | £3,150 | £3,384 |
Average | £276,729 | £306,454 | £331,985 | £2,954 | £3,260 | £3,532 |
All costs exclude VAT.
Here’s what the data shows for the cost of building a 3-bed house to a standard spec:
- It costs 12% more to build a 3-bed house in London than in other regions.
- The minimum cost is £264,604, and the maximum cost is £367,252.
- The total average cost is £305,056, or £3,249 per square metre.
Housebuilding Cost Breakdown By Project Stage – London
Here’s an example of the associated costs for the different stages of building a house for a standard-spec project – when using a mid-benchmark contractor in London:
Total | £331,321 | 100.0% |
External wall structure and lining | £60,145 | 18.2% |
Foundations and substructure | £37,234 | 11.2% |
Roof structure and coverings | £36,555 | 11.0% |
Floor structure and lining | £20,156 | 6.1% |
Preliminaries | £19,875 | 6.0% |
External windows and doors | £18,718 | 5.6% |
Units, worktops and kitchen appliances | £15,815 | 4.8% |
Floor preparation and finishes | £14,097 | 4.3% |
Steel and structural supports | £13,713 | 4.1% |
Decoration | £13,183 | 4.0% |
Internal wall structure and lining | £12,487 | 3.8% |
Heating and cooling | £11,905 | 3.6% |
Wall preparation and finishes | £10,167 | 3.1% |
Wired appliances | £10,033 | 3.0% |
Drainage and pipework | £8,757 | 2.6% |
Plumbed appliances | £7,751 | 2.3% |
Internal doors and frames | £5,133 | 1.5% |
Ceiling structure and lining | £3,979 | 1.2% |
Wiring and fuseboards | £2,887 | 0.9% |
Stairs, balustrades and lifts | £2,822 | 0.9% |
Ceiling preparation and finishes | £1,780 | 0.5% |
Joinery | £1,588 | 0.5% |
Fixtures and fittings | £1,279 | 0.4% |
Demolitions | £1,263 | 0.4% |
Cost Breakdown By Room – London
Here’s a breakdown of the associated costs by room for a standard-spec house build – when using a mid-benchmark contractor in London:
Total | £331,321 | 100% |
G | Ground Floor | £116,657 | 35.2% |
I | First Floor | £61,567 | 18.6% |
Kitchen | £37,960 | 11.5% |
R | Pitched roof | £36,555 | 11.0% |
Bathroom | £13,501 | 4.1% |
En-suite | £11,345 | 3.4% |
Living room / family room | £8,473 | 2.6% |
Bedroom 1 | £8,258 | 2.5% |
WC | £7,847 | 2.4% |
Boot Room / Cloakroom | £7,198 | 2.2% |
Bedroom 2 | £7,198 | 2.2% |
Bedroom 3 | £6,976 | 2.1% |
Landing incl. stairs | £4,366 | 1.3% |
Boiler Cupboard | £3,418 | 1.0% |
How Much Does It Cost To Build A Ground-Floor Extension Per Square Metre?
In our calculations, the costs of building an extension are based on the following:
- The roof of the extension is pitched, not flat.
- The extension is constructed out of brick/block, not a timber frame.
- A 20m² single-storey rear extension, including dining room, utility room, WC.
Which rooms you choose ultimately affects the overall cost of the extension.
Here’s a table showing the average costs of building a ground-floor extension for a standard-spec project in the UK:
Single-Storey Rear Extension | Total Average Build Cost | Average Cost Per Sq Metre | ||||
Low Benchmark | Mid Benchmark | High Benchmark | Low Benchmark | Mid Benchmark | High Benchmark | |
East Anglia | £79,067 | £86,255 | £93,443 | £2,636 | £2,875 | £3,115 |
London | £83,258 | £93,492 | £103,834 | £2,775 | £3,116 | £3,461 |
Midlands | £76,740 | £83,716 | £90,693 | £2,558 | £2,791 | £3,023 |
North England | £74,934 | £81,746 | £88,558 | £2,498 | £2,725 | £2,952 |
Northern Ireland | £77,293 | £84,275 | £91,298 | £2,575 | £2,809 | £3,043 |
Scotland | £77,334 | £84,364 | £91,395 | £2,578 | £2,812 | £3,046 |
South East | £83,142 | £92,968 | £102,038 | £2,771 | £3,099 | £3,401 |
South West | £77,518 | £89,564 | £98,302 | £2,670 | £2,985 | £3,277 |
Wales | £74,938 | £83,795 | £89,986 | £2,498 | £2,793 | £3,000 |
Average | £78,247 | £86,686 | £94,394 | £2,618 | £2,890 | £3,146 |
All costs exclude VAT.
Here’s what the data shows for the cost of building a 3-bed house to a standard spec:
- It costs 9% more to build an extension in London than in other regions.
- The minimum cost is £74,934, and the maximum cost is £103,834.
- The total average cost is £86,443, or £2,885 per square metre.
How Much Does It Cost To Build A Garage Per Square Metre?
The cost comparisons assume the garage is an extension to an existing dwelling, not a new detached structure. These cost excludes the installation of appliances and EV chargers. It’s based on a single garage with a pitched roof, comprising a gross external area of 16.5m2.
Here’s a table showing the average costs of building a single garage for a standard-spec project in the UK:
Single Garage With Pitched Roof | Total Average Build Cost | Average Cost Per Sq Metre | ||||
Low Benchmark | Mid Benchmark | High Benchmark | Low Benchmark | Mid Benchmark | High Benchmark | |
East Anglia | £41,399 | £45,163 | £48,927 | £2,509 | £2,737 | £2,965 |
Greater London | £43,858 | £49,041 | £54,502 | £2,658 | £2,972 | £3,303 |
Inner London | £44,837 | £50,017 | £54,799 | £2,717 | £3,031 | £3,321 |
Midlands | £40,239 | £43,898 | £47,556 | £2,439 | £2,660 | £2,882 |
North England | £39,233 | £42,800 | £46,367 | £2,378 | £2,594 | £2,810 |
Northern Ireland | £39,568 | £43,082 | £46,673 | £2,393 | £2,611 | £2,829 |
Scotland | £39,644 | £43,248 | £46,851 | £2,403 | £2,621 | £2,839 |
South East | £43,495 | £48,635 | £53,380 | £2,636 | £2,948 | £3,235 |
South West | £40,587 | £47,114 | £51,711 | £2,554 | £2,855 | £3,134 |
Wales | £39,040 | £43,654 | £46,910 | £2,366 | £2,646 | £2,843 |
Average | £41,190 | £45,665 | £49,767 | £2,505 | £2,768 | £3,016 |
All costs exclude VAT.
Here’s what the data shows for the cost of building a single garage with a pitched roof to a standard spec:
- The minimum cost is £39,040, and the maximum cost is £54,799.
- The total average cost is £45,451, or £2,763 per square metre.
Average Building Costs Per Square Metre In 2025
So, how much does it cost to build in the UK? Based on the three different construction projects covered in this article, you can expect building to cost on average (when using a mid-benchmark contractor):
- 3-bedroom house: £306,454, or £3,260 per square metre.
- Ground-floor extension: £86,686, or £2,890 per square metre.
- Single garage with pitched roof: £46,665, or £2,768 per square metre.
Please remember that these costs do not include VAT, and there may be other additional costs, such as obtaining planning permission, conducting structural surveys, making unexpected repairs, and completing custom finishes.
Start your free trial with BuildPartner today to get the most accurate estimate of your construction project.
FAQs About Housebuilding Costs In The UK
Here are some frequently asked questions about housebuilding costs in the UK.
How are housebuilding costs typically split between materials and labour?
Based on a standard-spec 3-bedroom newbuild in London, the typical split of costs would be £90,908 for building materials (27.4%), £79,026 for finishing materials (23.9%), and £161,385 for labour (48.7%), excluding VAT. This breakdown assumes a total construction cost of £331,319.

November 10, 2024
Barn conversions are rising in popularity in the UK, driven by the favourable planning rules and a growing demand for sustainable, character-rich properties for both the residential and holiday rental markets. But how much does it cost to convert a barn? And what is the cost per square metre?
In this article, we cover the costs of barn conversions for a single-storey and a double-storey conversion. We also bring you up to speed on UK planning rules and the differences between classifications of barn conversions in the UK.
Start your free trial with BuildPartner today to get the most accurate estimate of converting a barn based on your own dimensions and specifications.
Barn Conversion Cost Considerations
The costs in this guide assume that the barn conversions do not require new roofs or walls.
Since barn conversions vary in size and there is very limited data on the average size, we based our calculations on a ballpark figure of 80m2 of floor space per storey (160m2 for a double-storey conversion).
- The double-storey barn conversion comprises four bedrooms, one en-suite, a bathroom, a WC, a kitchen, a living room, and a cloakroom.
- The single-storey barn conversion comprises three bedrooms, a bathroom, a WC, a kitchen, and a living room.
We also provide a breakdown per square metre so you can work out the costs for your project – if you happen to know the dimensions.
In the cost breakdown provided later, you’ll notice a disproportionate amount of the cost is attributed to foundations and substructure. The main reason for this is that most barns have shallow foundations, which are unsuitable for modern residential standards.
Therefore, underpinning – the technique that stabilises existing foundations – accounts for a significant part of the cost.
Build Specifications and Supplier Benchmarks
In terms of build specification, our BuildPartner pricing tool gives you three options (which can be revised by item at a later point):
- Basic spec is a basic finish; e.g. Leyland, Everest, Wickes.
- Standard spec is a standard finish; e.g. Dulux, Hamilton, Slim Line.
- Premium spec is a high-spec finish; e.g. Farrow & Ball, Fine Line, Siemens.
For this particular cost breakdown, we have selected standard spec. In addition, for each specification, we’ve provided a range of prices to reflect the varying types of contractors:
- Low benchmark – smaller companies are generally lower cost but less specialised and with low project management function; good for low/mid-spec projects and tight budgets.
- Mid benchmark – medium-sized companies offer a balanced mix of cost-effectiveness and specialisation; good for mid-range projects for effective execution within moderate budgets.
- High benchmark – larger companies generally have a higher cost base but can handle a wide variety of specialist tasks; good for mid/high-spec projects and project management.
Cost Of Building A Single-Storey Barn Conversion
Here’s a table showing the average building costs of converting a single-storey barn for a standard-spec project in the UK:
Single-Storey Barn Conversion |
Total Average Build Cost |
Average Cost Per Sq Metre |
||||
Low Benchmark |
Mid Benchmark |
High Benchmark |
Low Benchmark |
Mid Benchmark |
High Benchmark |
|
East Anglia |
£197,570 |
£215,531 |
£233,492 |
£2,470 |
£2,694 |
£2,919 |
London |
£222,543 |
£249,590 |
£276,462 |
£2,782 |
£3,120 |
£3,456 |
Midlands |
£193,633 |
£211,236 |
£228,839 |
£2,420 |
£2,640 |
£2,860 |
North England |
£191,524 |
£209,931 |
£227,425 |
£2,394 |
£2,624 |
£2,843 |
Northern Ireland |
£188,858 |
£202,767 |
£219,665 |
£2,323 |
£2,535 |
£2,746 |
Scotland |
£191,845 |
£209,285 |
£226,726 |
£2,398 |
£2,616 |
£2,834 |
South East |
£204,985 |
£229,210 |
£254,306 |
£2,785 |
£3,114 |
£3,418 |
South West |
£195,676 |
£220,919 |
£242,473 |
£2,470 |
£2,761 |
£3,031 |
Wales |
£193,781 |
£216,683 |
£232,060 |
£2,422 |
£2,709 |
£2,901 |
Average |
£197,824 |
£218,350 |
£237,939 |
£2,496 |
£2,757 |
£3,001 |
All costs exclude VAT.
Here’s what the data shows for the cost of converting a single-storey barn to a standard spec:
- The minimum cost is £188,858, and the maximum cost is £276,462.
- The total average cost is £218,038, or £2,751 per square metre.
Barn Conversion Cost Breakdown By Project Stage – London
Here are the associated costs for the different stages of a barn conversion for a standard-spec project – when using a mid-benchmark contractor in London:
Total |
£249,590 |
100% |
Foundations and substructure |
£74,492 |
29.8% |
Preliminaries |
£21,907 |
8.8% |
External windows and doors |
£15,658 |
6.3% |
Units, worktops and kitchen appliances |
£13,721 |
5.5% |
External wall structure and lining |
£13,199 |
5.3% |
Floor preparation and finishes |
£11,942 |
4.8% |
Decoration |
£10,739 |
4.3% |
Heating and cooling |
£10,617 |
4.3% |
Demolitions |
£9,779 |
3.9% |
Steel and structural supports |
£9,577 |
3.8% |
Floor structure and lining |
£9,546 |
3.8% |
Wired appliances |
£8,336 |
3.3% |
Wall preparation and finishes |
£7,888 |
3.2% |
Ceiling structure and lining |
£7,851 |
3.1% |
Drainage and pipework |
£7,120 |
2.9% |
Plumbed appliances |
£5,250 |
2.1% |
Internal wall structure and lining |
£4,328 |
1.7% |
Internal doors and frames |
£3,469 |
1.4% |
Wiring and fuseboards |
£1,767 |
0.7% |
Ceiling preparation and finishes |
£1,553 |
0.6% |
Fixtures and fittings |
£850 |
0.3% |
Cost Of Building A Double-Storey Barn Conversion
Here’s a table showing the average building costs of converting a double-storey barn for a standard-spec project in the UK:
Double-Storey Barn Conversion |
Total Average Build Cost |
Average Cost Per Sq Metre |
||||
Low Benchmark |
Mid Benchmark |
High Benchmark |
Low Benchmark |
Mid Benchmark |
High Benchmark |
|
East Anglia |
£262,110 |
£285,938 |
£309,766 |
£1,638 |
£1,787 |
£1,936 |
London |
£298,323 |
£334,438 |
£370,785 |
£1,865 |
£2,090 |
£2,317 |
Midlands |
£256,607 |
£279,935 |
£303,263 |
£1,604 |
£1,750 |
£1,895 |
North England |
£253,972 |
£278,056 |
£301,227 |
£1,587 |
£1,738 |
£1,883 |
Northern Ireland |
£249,811 |
£267,930 |
£290,258 |
£1,535 |
£1,675 |
£1,814 |
Scotland |
£254,019 |
£277,112 |
£300,205 |
£1,588 |
£1,732 |
£1,876 |
South East |
£274,702 |
£307,166 |
£337,134 |
£1,866 |
£2,087 |
£2,290 |
South West |
£259,449 |
£293,086 |
£321,680 |
£1,638 |
£1,832 |
£2,011 |
Wales |
£256,788 |
£287,135 |
£307,782 |
£1,605 |
£1,795 |
£1,924 |
Average |
£262,864 |
£290,089 |
£315,789 |
£1,658 |
£1,832 |
£1,994 |
All costs exclude VAT.
Here’s what the data shows for the cost of converting a double-storey barn to a standard spec:
- The minimum cost is £249,811, and the maximum cost is £370,785.
- The total average cost is £289,581, or £1,828 per square metre.
Barn Conversion Cost Breakdown By Project Stage – London
Here’s an example of the associated costs for the different stages of a conversion for a standard-spec project – when using a mid-benchmark contractor in London:
Total |
£334,438 |
100% |
Foundations and substructure |
£74,492 |
22.3% |
External wall structure and lining |
£26,397 |
7.9% |
Preliminaries |
£23,963 |
7.2% |
Floor preparation and finishes |
£21,219 |
6.3% |
External windows and doors |
£20,677 |
6.2% |
Floor structure and lining |
£19,021 |
5.7% |
Decoration |
£17,434 |
5.2% |
Units, worktops and kitchen appliances |
£16,240 |
4.9% |
Demolitions |
£16,115 |
4.8% |
Ceiling structure and lining |
£13,675 |
4.1% |
Heating and cooling |
£13,657 |
4.1% |
Wall preparation and finishes |
£12,399 |
3.7% |
Wired appliances |
£11,152 |
3.3% |
Steel and structural supports |
£10,068 |
3.0% |
Internal wall structure and lining |
£8,657 |
2.6% |
Drainage and pipework |
£8,527 |
2.5% |
Plumbed appliances |
£7,992 |
2.4% |
Internal doors and frames |
£4,966 |
1.5% |
Ceiling preparation and finishes |
£3,088 |
0.9% |
Wiring and fuseboards |
£1,767 |
0.5% |
Joinery |
£1,624 |
0.5% |
Fixtures and fittings |
£1,308 |
0.4% |
Do I need planning permission to convert a barn?
In most cases, you don’t need to submit a full planning application to convert a barn, but it’s a good idea to obtain something called a lawful development certificate.
Despite the name, it’s actually not a legal requirement, but it does protect you in the event of planning policies change. Without one, if your conversion is later deemed to be unlawful, this could result in fines or, worse, the demolition of your project.
To get started, you need to submit your designs by giving “prior notification” to your local authority. They’ll review your designs to ensure you’re within your permitted development rights and a host of other factors such as transport, noise, and flood risk.
It can take anywhere between two to three months to gain approval.
If you plan on extending your barn, however, you will need to apply for planning permission.
Barn Conversion Classifications – UK
In the UK, barn conversions have three main classifications (Q, R, and S). Here’s what each covers:
Class Q – Agricultural to Residential
Class Q allows the conversion of agricultural buildings, such as barns, into residential homes without full planning permission.
To meet the criteria for Class Q, the barn must:
- Have been used solely for agricultural purposes before 20 March 2013.
- Be no greater than 1,000m2 of floor space.
If a barn conversion falls under Class Q, up to ten separate dwellings (previously five) can be created, providing that the maximum size of a dwelling is no greater than 150 square metres. In addition, structural alterations must not extend beyond the original footprint of the building.
Class R and Class S – Agricultural to Flexible Commercial Use
Class R permits the change of use from agricultural buildings to a range of commercial uses, such as retail, offices, restaurants, hotels, or leisure facilities.
Class S allows the conversion of agricultural buildings into state-funded schools or registered nurseries (education facilities).
To meet the criteria for Class R and S, the barn must:
- Have been used solely for agricultural purposes before 3 July 2012.
- Be no greater than 1,000m2 of floor space.
Also, the location must not be within protected areas, such as national parks or areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONB).
Proposed Legislation Changes
The previous Conservative government proposed plans to relax rules on barn conversions in national parks and AONBs. These were widely condemned by several key figures, including Kevin Bishop, the CEO of Dartmoor National Park Authority, who said:
“The ability to convert any agricultural barn to an open market house would cause untold damage to our landscapes and do nothing to support the provision of affordable housing.”
The new Labour government has yet to comment on these plans.
Average Cost To Convert A Barn In The UK
So, how much does a barn conversion cost in the UK? Based on the two types covered in this article, you can expect that converting a barn to cost on average (when using a mid-benchmark contractor):
- Single-storey barn – £218,038, or £2,751 per sq metre.
- Double-storey barn – £289,581, or £1,828 per sq metre.
Depending on the specifications, the cost of the work for a barn conversion would range between £188,858 and £370,785.
Please remember that these costs do not include VAT, and there may be other additional costs, such as obtaining planning permission, conducting structural surveys, making unexpected repairs, and completing custom finishes.
Start your free trial with BuildPartner today to get the most accurate estimate of converting a barn based on your own dimensions and specifications.

October 30, 2024
House-building activity in Wales has steadily declined over the past 25 years, with average output decreasing by 45% from over 9,200 homes in the 1990s to just 5,110 dwellings during the first four years of the 2020s. In contrast, England has experienced a 15% increase in house-building activity during the same period. Given these challenges, it's more important than ever to plan carefully if you're considering building your own home.
To help you budget effectively, we’ve calculated the costs of building a home in Wales. In addition, we’ve also included to the cost to build other projects, such as an extension, garage, porch, loft conversion, and bungalow, and we’ve also provided the costs per square metre.
Building A House In Wales
Our calculations are based on:
- A total floor area of 94m2, which is the average for a house in the UK.
- The average number of bedrooms being 2.95 rooms per house, rounded up to 3.
In terms of build specification, our BuildPartner pricing tool gives you three options (which can be revised by item at a later point):
- Basic spec is a basic finish; e.g. Leyland, Everest, Wickes.
- Standard spec is a standard finish; e.g. Dulux, Hamilton, Slim Line.
- Premium spec is a high-spec finish; e.g. Farrow & Ball, Fine Line, Siemens.
The costs associated with the projects in this guide are calculated according to a standard spec. Then, for each specification, we’ve provided a range of prices to reflect the varying types of contractors:
- Low benchmark – smaller companies are generally lower cost but less specialised and with low project management function; good for low/mid-spec projects and tight budgets.
- Mid benchmark – medium-sized companies offer a balanced mix of cost-effectiveness and specialisation; good for mid-range projects for effective execution within moderate budgets.
- High benchmark – larger companies generally have a higher cost base but can handle a wide variety of specialist tasks; good for mid/high-spec projects and project management.
Total Cost Of A Standard-Spec Build In Wales
Here’s a table showing the average costs of building a house and other projects in Wales:
Building Type |
Total Average Building Cost |
||
Low Benchmark |
Mid Benchmark |
High Benchmark |
|
3-Bedroom House |
£253,439 |
£276,478 |
£299,518 |
Ground-Floor Extension |
£69,003 |
£77,157 |
£82,847 |
Double-Storey Extension |
£121,504 |
£135,864 |
£145,812 |
Single Garage (Flat Roof) |
£22,192 |
£24,815 |
£26,649 |
Brick Porch |
£6,778 |
£7,579 |
£8,133 |
2-Bed Bungalow |
£153,701 |
£171,866 |
£184,256 |
Standard Loft Conversion |
£45,815 |
£51,229 |
£55,279 |
Total Cost Per Square Metre In Wales
Here’s a table showing the costs per square metre of building a house and other projects in Wales:
Building Type |
Average Cost Per Sq Metre |
||
Low Benchmark |
Mid Benchmark |
High Benchmark |
|
3-Bedroom House |
£2,304 |
£2,513 |
£2,723 |
Ground-Floor Extension |
£2,300 |
£2,572 |
£2,762 |
Double-Storey Extension |
£2,025 |
£2,264 |
£2,430 |
Single Garage (Flat Roof) |
£1,345 |
£1,504 |
£1,615 |
Brick Porch |
£2,259 |
£2,526 |
£2,711 |
2-Bed Bungalow |
£1,708 |
£1,910 |
£2,047 |
Standard Loft Conversion |
£1,527 |
£1,708 |
£1,843 |
All costs exclude VAT.
The Average Cost To Build A House In Wales
So, how much does it cost to build a house in Wales? Based on a standard specification for a typical three-bedroom house, you can expect to pay £276,478, not including the price of land. This figure covers construction expenses like materials and labour but does not include the cost of land.
With demand for social housing reaching critical levels in Wales, 11,692 people were living in temporary accommodation as of March 2024, including over 3,700 in B&Bs and hotels. In response, the Welsh government has pledged to deliver 20,000 social homes by mid-2026. However, not all of these will be new builds—some will come from bringing empty homes back into use.
Frequently Asked Questions About House Building In Wales
Here are a few questions that provide extra insight into the cost of building a house in Wales.
What is Self Build Wales?
Self Build Wales is a scheme that offers loans to help individuals construct their own homes on eligible plots with planning permission. The scheme covers 75% of the cost of the building plot and 100% of the construction expenses. Builders approved by Self Build Wales will be compensated according to the terms of the loan agreement.
What is the average house price in Wales?
As of April 2024, the average house price in Wales is £236,369, according to the Principality Building Society. However, this marks a 2.4% decrease compared to the same period in 2023.
The largest increase was seen in Bridgend, where prices rose from £224,857 to £250,921—an annual change of 11.6%. Merthyr Tydfil experienced the steepest decline, with prices dropping from £184,083 to £146,322, a decrease of 20.5%

October 30, 2024
With parts of the UK experiencing surges in house and land prices, many are looking north—specifically to Scotland—as a more affordable place to build a home.
To help you plan effectively, we’ve calculated the costs of building a home in Scotland. In addition, we’ve also included to the cost to build other projects, such as an extension, garage, porch, loft conversion, and bungalow, and we’ve also provided the costs per square metre.
Building A House In Scotland
Our calculations are based on:
- A total floor area of 94m2, which is the average for a house in the UK.
- The average number of bedrooms being 2.95 rooms per house, rounded up to 3.
In terms of build specification, our BuildPartner pricing tool gives you three options (which can be revised by item at a later point):
- Basic spec is a basic finish; e.g. Leyland, Everest, Wickes.
- Standard spec is a standard finish; e.g. Dulux, Hamilton, Slim Line.
- Premium spec is a high-spec finish; e.g. Farrow & Ball, Fine Line, Siemens.
The costs associated with the projects in this guide are calculated according to a standard spec. Then, for each specification, we’ve provided a range of prices to reflect the varying types of contractors:
- Low benchmark – smaller companies are generally lower cost but less specialised and with low project management function; good for low/mid-spec projects and tight budgets.
- Mid benchmark – medium-sized companies offer a balanced mix of cost-effectiveness and specialisation; good for mid-range projects for effective execution within moderate budgets.
- High benchmark – larger companies generally have a higher cost base but can handle a wide variety of specialist tasks; good for mid/high-spec projects and project management.
Total Cost Of A Standard-Spec Build In Scotland
Here’s a table showing the average costs of building a house and other projects in Scotland:
Building Type |
Total Average Building Cost |
||
Low Benchmark |
Mid Benchmark |
High Benchmark |
|
3-Bedroom House |
£248,545 |
£271,140 |
£293,736 |
Ground-Floor Extension |
£67,892 |
£74,064 |
£80,236 |
Double-Storey Extension |
£118,542 |
£129,318 |
£140,095 |
Single Garage (Flat Roof) |
£21,708 |
£23,682 |
£25,655 |
Brick Porch |
£6,676 |
£7,283 |
£7,890 |
2-Bed Bungalow |
£151,975 |
£165,790 |
£179,607 |
Standard Loft Conversion |
£45,256 |
£49,370 |
£53,484 |
Total Cost Per Square Metre In Scotland
Here’s a table showing the costs per square metre of building a house and other projects in Scotland:
Building Type |
Average Cost Per Sq Metre |
||
Low Benchmark |
Mid Benchmark |
High Benchmark |
|
3-Bedroom House |
£2,260 |
£2,465 |
£2,670 |
Ground-Floor Extension |
£2,263 |
£2,469 |
£2,675 |
Double-Storey Extension |
£1,976 |
£2,155 |
£2,335 |
Single Garage (Flat Roof) |
£1,316 |
£1,435 |
£1,555 |
Brick Porch |
£2,225 |
£2,428 |
£2,630 |
2-Bed Bungalow |
£1,689 |
£1,842 |
£1,996 |
Standard Loft Conversion |
£1,509 |
£1,646 |
£1,783 |
All costs exclude VAT.
The Average Cost To Build A House In Scotland
So, how much does it cost to build a house in Scotland? Based on a standard specification for a typical three-bedroom house, you can expect to pay £271,140, not including the price of land. This figure covers construction expenses like materials and labour but does not include the cost of land.
Scotland is well and truly leading the way when it comes to building affordable homes. Since 2007, Scotland has built over 40% more affordable homes per capita than England and over 70% more than Wales.
Frequently Asked Questions About House Building In Scotland
Here are a few questions that provide extra insight into the cost of building a house in Scotland.
Are Building Regulations the same in England and Scotland?
Approval for building regulations is required for most construction work across the UK. In England and Wales, these regulations are established under the Building Act 1984, while in Scotland, they are governed by the Building (Scotland) Act 2003.
What is the Scottish equivalent of Stamp Duty Land Tax?
Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) is Scotland’s version of the Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT). As a fully devolved tax, its rates and regulations are set independently by the Scottish Government. So, any stamp duty changes announced by the UK Government do not affect LBTT in Scotland.
What is the average house size in Scotland?
Homes in Scotland offer the largest average floor space in Britain, with a median size of 128m². Unsurprisingly, Edinburgh has the smallest average house size at 104m², while Shetland residents enjoy some of the most spacious homes, averaging 172m².