How Much to Rewire
a House (UK 2026)
Honest UK 2026 prices to rewire any house, by property size plus complexity. Includes what affects the quote, what to look for in a fair tender plus where the hidden costs typically come from.
UK rewire costs in 2026 fall in a clear range by property size. A 1-bed flat is £2,800 to £4,500. A 2-bed house is £3,800 to £5,500. A 3-bed semi or terrace is £4,500 to £7,500. A 4-bed detached is £6,500 to £10,000. A 5-bed period property is £8,500 to £12,000+. All quotes should include a metal consumer unit, full RCD protection, BS 7671 18th Edition Amendment 3 certification plus Part P self-certification.
The figures that matter
1-bed flat
Compact layout, single CU position, fewer circuits.
3-bed average
The most common UK rewire scope. Mid-range quote.
4-bed detached
More circuits plus longer cable runs across two storeys.
5-bed period
Solid floors, hard plaster, listed status all push cost higher.
Four things to consider
Property size
Floor area plus number of circuits is the single biggest cost driver in any rewire quote.
Floor construction
Suspended timber floors are cheapest. Solid concrete or screed adds 2 to 3 days plus extras.
Plaster age
Pre-1960 lime or hard cement plaster slows wall chasing plus blunts cutting blades.
Accessory spec
Standard white moulded vs brushed steel vs smart switches: the cost spread is significant.
How UK rewire costs actually break down by property
Most online rewire cost guides give you a single number plus walk away. The reality is that a 1-bed flat plus a 5-bed period property are entirely different jobs. Cable run length, number of circuits, plaster type, floor construction plus accessory spec all move the price.
What every UK rewire quote should include as a baseline:
- New metal consumer unit with full RCD plus AFDD protection where the regs require.
- Replacement of all twin and earth cabling between consumer unit plus accessories.
- Earth bonding to gas, water plus all extraneous metalwork to current 10mm or 16mm spec.
- Full BS 7671 18th Edition Amendment 3 inspection plus testing.
- The Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) plus Part P self-certification through NICEIC or NAPIT.
What is normally extra:
- Patch plastering plus making-good. Some firms include this. Others leave neat first fix ready for the homeowner's plasterer.
- Decoration. Always extra. Plan for paint plus paper after the EIC is signed.
- Smart switches plus dimmers. Higher cost accessories plus longer commissioning.
- Extra circuits. EV charger, electric shower, electric hob, workshop supply: £350 to £700 each typically.
Each property type has a typical cost band that holds across most of the UK in 2026. The variation inside each band reflects access, plaster, listed status plus extras. A fair quote will explain in writing which factors moved the price.
Real number ranges
UK rewire cost by property type (2026)
When each cost lands during the rewire
Free site survey
On-site visit, scope agreed, written itemised quote within 48 hours. No charge for the survey.
25% deposit
Secures the booking plus orders materials. Always a written invoice with VAT details.
Stage payment
Mid-job stage payment usually 50% on completion of first fix or as agreed in writing.
Final on hand-back
Remaining balance on certification plus hand-back. Six-year warranty starts the same day.
Four red flags in a UK rewire quote
Cash-only deposit request
A registered firm always invoices with VAT details plus card or BACS payment options.
No NICEIC or NAPIT number on quote
Without a registration number you cannot self-certify Part P, which means Building Control fees on top.
Consumer unit brand not specified
All metal CUs are not equal. Brand plus model should always be on the written quote.
Vague test plus certify scope
EIC certificate plus full BS 7671 testing must be explicitly listed. If they are not, ask why.
Get a Free Rewire Quote
Free no-obligation site survey. Written itemised quote within 48 hours. NICEIC plus NAPIT registered. Six-year workmanship warranty across Bedford, Milton Keynes, Northampton, Wellingborough plus Luton.
Compare the options
Fair UK rewire quote
- ✓Itemised written quote with materials brand, accessory count plus circuits listed.
- ✓NICEIC or NAPIT registration number shown clearly on the quote document.
- ✓Consumer unit brand plus model stated, not just 'metal CU'.
- ✓Six-year workmanship warranty through the registration body.
- ✓VAT-registered invoice for deposit plus stage payments.
Quote to walk away from
- ✗Verbal quote only, no written breakdown.
- ✗Cash-only deposit with no formal invoice.
- ✗Significantly below market with no explanation of how.
- ✗No EIC certificate in scope plus no Part P notification.
- ✗Pressure to sign on the day of the survey.
Cost is one part of the rewire decision. Timing plus disruption are the other two. Our home rewires hub covers all three together so you can plan properly.
Visit the Home Rewires Hub
This article is one chapter inside our complete Home Rewires knowledge base. The hub covers timing, cost, disruption plus regulation in a single index.
For a fixed itemised quote on your specific property in our service area, our Bedford electrician landing page details the rewire service, the survey process plus our written quote turnaround.
More on home rewires
Three articles cover closely related cost plus scope questions. How much to rewire a 3-bed house drills into the most common UK property size. How to get your house rewired for free covers grants plus schemes. How often should a house be rewired sets honest expectations on rewire lifespan.