Trades · Updated 2026
Garden landscaping cost
Typical range£1,500–£50,000· Average full garden landscaping (50m²)
Complete garden landscaping prices for 2025. In the UK, expect to pay between £1,500 and £50,000, with the typical project around £6,000 (average full garden landscaping (50m²)). Regional variation, specification tier and site access conditions all shift the final quote.
Quick answer: Garden landscaping cost in the UK typically costs between £1,500 and £50,000 (Average full garden landscaping (50m²)). London and the South East run 20–35% above this range; the North, Wales and most of Scotland sit 5–15% below.
Homeowners researching this typically also price up garden room cost. For wider context, browse our bathroom pricing, kitchen pricing and boiler & heating costs.
Cost table
Indicative price ranges (UK, GBP)
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Basic tidy and plant (small garden) — Clearance, new lawn, basic planting | £1,500–£4,000 |
Mid-range landscaping (50m²) — Patio, lawn, borders, planting, fencing | £5,000–£12,000 |
Full landscape design & build — Designer, hard/soft landscaping, lighting | £12,000–£30,000 |
Premium / garden room landscaping — Full garden transformation, bespoke features | £25,000–£50,000 |
Labour costs
Labour typically accounts for 55% of the total project cost in the UK.
Labour line items
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Landscape gardener (per day) | £250–£450/day |
Garden designer fees | £500–£3,000 |
General labourer (per day) | £120–£200/day |
Skip hire | £200–£500 |
Materials costs
Materials and fittings make up the remainder of the budget, with specification tier driving most of the variation.
Materials & fittings
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Patio paving (per m²) | £30–£100/m² |
Turf (per m²) | £5–£15/m² |
Raised beds (timber) | £0–£0 |
Fencing (per panel) | £50–£200/panel |
Outdoor lighting | £300–£2,000 |
Plants / shrubs (allowance) | £500–£5,000 |
Factors affecting cost in the UK
- ·Region — London and the South East run 15–30% above national averages.
- ·Specification tier — premium materials and finishes can double the base cost.
- ·Access and site conditions — flats, restricted parking and listed buildings add time.
- ·Scope changes mid-project — late design decisions are the biggest cost overrun driver.
- ·Trade availability — quotes rise 10–20% in peak spring and summer months.
Ways to reduce cost
- ·Phase the project — lawn and beds year one, hard landscaping year two.
- ·Reuse existing paving, gravel and topsoil where possible.
- ·Choose porous gravel or resin-bound over flagstone paving.
- ·DIY the planting and turfing; pay only for hard landscaping labour.
- ·Buy plants bare-root in autumn rather than potted in spring for 50%+ savings.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need planning permission for garden landscaping?
- Most garden landscaping is permitted development. Exceptions include: hard standing over 5m² using impermeable materials (needs drainage or permeable material), ponds deeper than 1m in certain locations, and structures like walls over 2m. Always check in conservation areas.
- How long does a full garden landscaping project take?
- A mid-range garden project (new patio, lawn, borders, fencing) takes 1–3 weeks. A full design-and-build transformation of a larger garden can take 4–8 weeks. Winter is a good time to start as landscapers are often less busy.
- What increases garden value most?
- A well-maintained lawn, attractive patio or seating area, defined borders with planting, and good fencing add the most value. Property Ladder research suggests a landscaped garden adds 5–15% to property value.