Cost Guide · 2026
How Much Does a House Refurbishment Cost in 2026?
Real 2026 price ranges for bathroom and kitchen renovations, single-room updates, full flat refurbishments, and complete whole-house transformations across London and the South-East.
Price Ranges
Refurbishment costs by scope — 2026
Refurbishment costs range dramatically depending on what you are doing — from a single bathroom upgrade to a complete house transformation including structural reconfiguration. The table below covers the most common scopes in London and the South-East at a mid-specification finish. All prices assume contractor-supplied labour and client-supplied or contractor-arranged fixtures and fittings.
| Scope | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Bathroom Renovation | £8,000 – £15,000 |
| Kitchen Refurbishment | £12,000 – £25,000 |
| Single Room Refurbishment | £5,000 – £10,000 |
| Full Flat Refurbishment | £30,000 – £60,000 |
| Full House Refurbishment | £60,000 – £120,000 |
These are ballpark figures only, provided for high-level budgeting. Not a formal quotation. Actual costs vary depending on design, compliance, procurement, and site complexities. A detailed estimate requires a site visit and full drawings.
London refurbishment costs sit above the UK national average due to labour competition, logistics, and the age and condition of the housing stock. Victorian and Edwardian properties — the majority of the terrace housing across East, South, and North London — frequently reveal unexpected M&E conditions, damp, or structural issues during strip-out that add to the programme and budget.
Cost Drivers
What affects the cost of a refurbishment?
Extent of strip-out
A light refurbishment that updates finishes around existing services is significantly cheaper than a full strip back to structure. Stripping to the brick, replacing all joinery, and re-routing services throughout adds both time and cost — but often delivers a better long-term result and removes hidden defects early.
Mechanical and electrical upgrade
A full electrical rewire on a 3-bedroom house typically costs £8,000–£14,000. A full plumbing and heating replacement — including a new boiler, unvented cylinder, and complete first and second fix — runs £12,000–£22,000. These two items alone account for £20,000–£35,000 of a typical full refurbishment budget.
Structural reconfiguration
Opening up a ground floor from two rooms to one open-plan kitchen-diner requires structural steels, padstones, and Building Control approval. A single load-bearing wall removal with twin RSJ beams typically costs £5,000–£10,000 depending on span and loading. Multiple openings or chimney breast removals add proportionally.
Specification of finishes
The gap between standard and premium finishes is significant in refurbishment. Budget ceramic tiles cost £25–£40 per m². Large-format porcelain at £60–£120 per m² doubles that cost across a bathroom alone. Kitchens show the widest variation — from £5,000 IKEA-standard to £40,000+ bespoke joinery. RCB quotes the labour and build; you control the specification.
Property condition
Older properties, particularly those that have not been updated since the 1970s or 1980s, frequently carry hidden costs: asbestos in floor tiles and artex ceilings (removal required), single-skin lead pipework (replacement recommended), and original aluminium wiring (always requires replacement). A condition survey before contract is essential.
Rental or investment scope
Landlord and investor refurbishments are typically scoped to a higher durability standard — commercial-grade flooring, robust joinery, durable tiling — which can increase cost per room by 15–25% over a standard residential finish. HMO conversions add fire compartmentation, fire-rated doors, and emergency lighting requirements.
Per Trade Breakdown
Typical refurbishment cost by trade
For a full house refurbishment, here is how the budget typically breaks down by trade on a 3-bedroom London terrace in 2026:
Not every refurbishment requires every trade. A flat-only refurbishment might need no structural work and no external works. A buy-to-let update might skip bespoke joinery entirely. RCB itemises every trade separately in the estimate so you can see exactly what drives the number.
Get an accurate quote for your refurbishment
Send your address and brief — we'll come back with an honest assessment within one working day.
FAQs
Common questions about refurbishment costs.
How much does a full house refurbishment cost in 2026?
A full house refurbishment in London and the South-East costs between £60,000 and £120,000 for a typical 3-bedroom terraced house, depending on the extent of works, specification of finishes, and whether structural reconfiguration is involved. High-specification whole-house renovations can reach £150,000–£200,000+.
How much does a bathroom renovation cost in 2026?
A complete bathroom renovation in London and the South-East typically costs £8,000–£15,000 for a standard family bathroom. This includes strip-out, waterproofing, new floor and wall tiles, new suite, plumbing upgrades, electrics, and finishing. En-suites typically run £6,000–£12,000 depending on size.
How much does a kitchen refurbishment cost in 2026?
A full kitchen refurbishment costs £12,000–£25,000 for mid-specification work including new units and worktops (client-supplied or contractor-arranged), tiling, plumbing connections, electrical upgrades, and finishing. Structural alterations such as wall removals or RSJ installations are costed separately.
Do I need planning permission for a house refurbishment?
Most internal refurbishment work does not require planning permission. However, structural alterations, changes to windows or doors on listed buildings, and work in conservation areas may require consent. Building Regulations approval is required for electrical work (Part P), structural alterations, and any change affecting fire compartmentation or means of escape.
What is the difference between a refurbishment and a renovation?
In UK construction practice the terms are largely interchangeable. A refurbishment typically describes updating or restoring an existing property — new bathrooms, kitchen, rewire, redecoration — while renovation can imply a more substantial transformation. RCB covers the full spectrum from single-room updates to whole-house structural reconfiguration.
Trusted. Accredited. Verified.
Independently vetted by the UK's leading construction accreditation bodies
FMB
Federation of Master Builders
TrustMark
Government Endorsed Quality
Checkatrade
Vetted & Reviewed
TrustATrader
Trusted Trader Listed
Ready to talk about your refurbishment?
Book a free project review or send your drawings for a fully itemised estimate. Every trade priced separately — no hidden lump sums.