Cost of rewiring a house in the UK
Rewiring a house in the UK typically costs £4,000–£9,000 for a 3-bedroom property, with most homeowners paying around £5,500–£7,000 including the consumer unit, cables, faceplates, downlights, smoke alarms and certification. A 1-bed flat starts at £2,500; a 5-bed detached house can exceed £12,000.
Homeowners researching this typically also price up cost of new electrics in a house in the uk, electrician hourly rate in the uk and cost of new windows in the uk. For wider context, browse our bathroom pricing, kitchen pricing and boiler & heating costs.
Cost table
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
1-bed flat | £2,500–£4,500 |
2-bed terraced / semi | £3,500–£6,000 |
3-bed semi / detached | £4,000–£7,500 |
4-bed detached | £5,500–£9,000 |
5-bed+ detached / Victorian | £7,000–£12,000 |
Labour costs
Labour accounts for 55–65% of a full rewire. Electricians work in pairs for large houses, with one pulling cables and one fitting accessories.
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Lead electrician (5–10 days) | £1,200–£2,500 |
Electrician's mate (3–6 days) | £500–£1,200 |
Scaffolding (external circuits) | £200–£500 |
Design and certification | £150–£350 |
Labour for making good (plasterer) | £400–£900 |
Materials costs
Materials include cables, back boxes, consumer unit, faceplates, downlights, smoke/heat alarms, outdoor fittings and trunking.
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Consumer unit (12–16 way, RCBO) | £300–£700 |
Cable (per metre, assorted sizes) | £1.5–£3.5/m |
Back boxes and accessories | £200–£600 |
LED downlights (15–25 units) | £200–£800 |
Smoke / heat alarms (interlinked, 3–5 units) | £150–£400 |
Outdoor sockets / lighting | £100–£400 |
Cost per point (socket, switch or light)
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Socket or switch point | £60–£120each |
Downlight point | £80–£150each |
External point | £150–£300each |
Factors affecting cost in the UK
- ·Property size — more rooms and floors mean more cable runs.
- ·Age of property — Victorian homes with solid walls and lime plaster are harder to chase.
- ·Accessibility — lofts, cellars and floor voids make cable routing easier.
- ·Finish spec — chrome plates, smart home wiring, integrated USB, underfloor heating controls.
- ·Occupied vs vacant — working around furniture and residents slows progress.
Ways to reduce cost
- ·Get three itemised quotes with a full schedule of works.
- ·Vacate the property if possible — electricians work faster in empty houses.
- ·Plan every socket and light position before work starts.
- ·Combine with other trades (plumbing, plastering) to share making-good.
- ·Use a NICEIC contractor for Part P self-certification.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does a full rewire take?
- 3–7 working days for a 2–3 bed house; 7–14 days for a 4–5 bed or Victorian property.
- Do I need to move out during a rewire?
- Not mandatory, but highly recommended. Power is off for hours each day and dust is significant.
- Does rewiring increase house value?
- Yes — a modern, certified electrical installation is a key selling point and can add £5,000–£10,000 to buyer confidence.
- Can I rewire one room at a time?
- Yes, but it's less efficient per room. A full rewire is usually cheaper overall because labour and setup are shared.
- What is an EIC and do I need one?
- An Electrical Installation Certificate confirms the work meets BS 7671. It is mandatory for insurance, warranty and resale.