How much does it cost to rewire a house in the UK?
The average cost to rewire a house in the UK is between £3,000 and £8,000 in 2026. Smaller properties like flats may cost around £2,500, while larger homes can exceed £10,000 depending on size, access, and complexity.
Average House Rewiring Costs UK (2026)
| Property Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 1-bed flat | £2,500 – £4,000 |
| 2-bed house | £3,000 – £5,000 |
| 3-bed house | £4,000 – £7,000 |
| 4-bed house | £6,000 – £10,000+ |
Rewiring a house in the UK typically costs around £3,900 to £10,000+, depending on the size of the property, how accessible it is, and how much new wiring, sockets, switches, and consumer unit work is needed. Checkatrade’s current UK guide gives typical average prices from £3,900 for a 1-bed flat up to £10,000 for a 5-bed house.
Typical average rewire cost for an old houses UK
- 1-bed flat: around £3,900
- 2-bed flat: around £4,800
- 1-bed house: around £4,200
- 2-bed house: around £4,800
- 3-bed house: around £6,225
- 4-bed house: around £7,730
- 5-bed house: around £10,000.
Cost breakdown
A full rewire budget may include:
- new wiring throughout the property
- new sockets and switches
- new light circuits
- consumer unit work
- first fix and second fix labour
- testing and certification
- chasing walls and making good, depending on the job.
Checkatrade’s current pricing guide also gives a broad average of £6,950 for a house rewire overall, while Homebuilding notes that the cost of rewiring depends heavily on size, finish, and extras.
What affects the price?
Several things can push the cost up or down:
- Property size — bigger homes usually need more labour and materials.
- How empty and accessible the house is — rewiring is easier and often cheaper in an empty property.
- Specification and extras — additional sockets, upgraded switches, lighting choices, and extra circuits all add cost.
- Location — labour rates can be higher in some areas than others.
- Condition of the property — older homes can create more complications once work starts. This is a reasonable inference from the guides’ emphasis on accessibility, finish, and optional add-ons.
How to Reduce Rewiring Costs
- Get multiple quotes from electricians
- Combine work with other renovations
- Rewire before decorating
- Avoid unnecessary upgrades
What’s usually included?
A standard full rewire may include:
- first fix wiring
- second fix wiring
- standard sockets and switches
- consumer unit connection work
- testing and certification.
It does not always include:
- decorative light fittings
- re-plastering and full redecorating
- premium fittings
- major repairs uncovered during the job
Homebuilding specifically notes that some rewiring cost guides exclude light fittings.
How much does it cost to rewire a 3-bedroom house?
A realistic modern figure for a 3-bedroom house is around £5,650 to £6,225, depending on the guide used and the scope of the work. Checkatrade’s current 2025 price table gives £6,225, while other UK guidance can come in a bit lower depending on the exact house type and finish.
Is it cheaper to rewire an empty house?
Usually, yes. An empty house is easier to access, faster to work in, and often cheaper to make good afterwards. That is a practical inference from Homebuilding’s explanation that accessibility and whether the property is empty affect the total cost.
Is rewiring a house worth it?
Rewiring a house is often necessary for safety, especially in older properties with outdated wiring. It can also increase property value and ensure the home meets modern electrical standards.
Frequently asked questions
How much does rewiring cost in the UK?
A broad current range is about £3,900 to £10,000+, depending mainly on property size.
How much does it cost to rewire a 2-bedroom house?
A realistic current figure is around £4,800.
How much does it cost to rewire a 4-bedroom house?
A current average is around £7,730.
Do rewiring costs vary by region?
Yes. Labour and local pricing can vary, and regional guides show different ranges.
Related guides
- How much does a boiler replacement cost in the UK?
- How much does a loft conversion cost in the UK?
- How much does a new kitchen cost in the UK?
- How much does a bathroom renovation cost in the UK?
- Cost of Living UK
- Probate Costs UK
- Household Bills UK
Final note
For a useful rule of thumb, £4,800 to £6,500 is a sensible modern planning range for many average UK rewiring jobs, but the real total depends heavily on the size of the property, whether it is empty, and how many extras you add.