Extensions & Conversions · Updated 2026
Orangery cost
Typical range£25,000–£100,000· Average mid-range orangery installation
Orangery installation prices and how they compare to extensions 2025. In the UK, expect to pay between £25,000 and £100,000, with the typical project around £45,000 (average mid-range orangery installation). Regional variation, specification tier and site access conditions all shift the final quote.
Quick answer: Orangery cost in the UK typically costs between £25,000 and £100,000 (Average mid-range orangery installation). 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 bifold doors 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) |
|---|---|
Small orangery (15m²) — Brick piers, flat lantern, uPVC | £25,000–£45,000 |
Medium orangery (20m²) — Brick columns, aluminium, quality lantern | £40,000–£65,000 |
Large orangery (30m²+) — Premium finish, full brick, bespoke lantern | £60,000–£100,000 |
Labour costs
Labour typically accounts for 45% of the total project cost in the UK.
Labour line items
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Bricklayer (piers and walls) | £5,000–£15,000 |
Roof lantern installation | £3,000–£8,000 |
Glazing | £3,000–£10,000 |
Electrical + heating | £2,000–£6,000 |
Flooring + finishing | £3,000–£10,000 |
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) |
|---|---|
Brickwork (per m²) | £80–£150/m² |
Roof lantern (5m x 3m) | £5,000–£18,000 |
Aluminium frames / glazing | £4,000–£15,000 |
Underfloor heating | £2,000–£5,000 |
Roof tiles / flat roof | £2,000–£6,000 |
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
- ·Choose a standard rectangular plan rather than bespoke shape.
- ·Specify uPVC or aluminium frames rather than timber.
- ·Stay under permitted development limits (3 m for terrace, 4 m for detached) to skip planning.
- ·Bundle orangery + adjoining room refit into one design-and-build contract.
- ·Get three quotes from FENSA-registered installers.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between an orangery and a conservatory?
- An orangery has more solid walls — typically brick piers or rendered columns — with a flat or pitch roof and a central glazed lantern. A conservatory has a fully glazed roof and lighter frame. Orangeries feel more like a real room and provide better year-round usability.
- Is an orangery classed as an extension?
- An orangery is treated as an extension for planning purposes, not a conservatory. If more than 30% of the roof is solid (non-glazed), it must meet full building regulations for thermal performance, structural integrity, and fire safety.
- How long does an orangery take to build?
- A medium-sized orangery takes 12–20 weeks to build, including planning, base preparation, brickwork, glazing, and internal finishing. More complex designs with bespoke lanterns take longer.