Refurbishment costs in London
Building costs in London run about 30% above the UK average — a regional factor of ×1.30 on national benchmark rates. The figures below apply that factor to common jobs; use the live calculator to price your own project for the region.
How regional refurbishment costs work
- 1Start from national benchmarks
Standard jobs (a rewire, a kitchen, an extension) have typical UK-wide cost ranges.
- 2Apply the regional factor
London sits at ×1.30 versus the national baseline — mostly driven by local labour rates.
- 3Adjust for your property
Condition, spec and access move the number further. Always confirm with local contractor quotes before committing.
London carries the highest labour rates in the UK, so refurbishment costs run well above the national average — often 25–35% higher. Access, parking, congestion charges and limited storage on tight urban sites all add to trade time. Margins on flips are thinner as a result, which puts a premium on accurate costing.
Major areas in London include Central London, Croydon, Ealing, Barnet and Bromley. Costs vary within the region too — city-centre access and rural travel both add to trade time — so treat these as a regional starting point, not a substitute for local quotes.
Typical refurbishment costs in London
| Job | Indicative cost (London) |
|---|---|
| Full house rewire (3-bed) | £5,070 – £7,540 |
| New combi boiler (fitted) | £2,340 – £3,900 |
| New kitchen (mid, fitted) | £8,450 – £16,900 |
| New bathroom (fitted) | £5,850 – £9,100 |
| Re-roof (semi, ~70 m²) | £7,800 – £14,300 |
| Single-storey extension (20 m²) | £46,800 – £78,000 |
| Loft conversion (dormer) | £39,000 – £71,500 |
| Replaster a house (skim, ~300 m²) | £5,850 – £10,400 |
National benchmark rates × 1.30 regional factor. Indicative — confirm with local quotes.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to refurbish a house in London?+
A medium refurbishment in London typically runs around £910–£1,365 per m² (so roughly £81,900–£122,850 for a 90 m² house), reflecting the region's ×1.30 cost factor. A light refresh costs less; a back-to-brick refurbishment more.
Why do refurbishment costs differ in London?+
Most of the regional variation is labour rates, which London carries about 30% above the UK average. Materials are broadly national, but access, logistics and the local mix of trades also matter.
Are these London costs quotes?+
No — they're indicative benchmarks adjusted by a regional factor, to help you scope and sanity-check. Always obtain local contractor quotes before you commit or submit figures to a lender.
Related tools & guides
Want to know how these figures are calculated? See our cost methodology.
Cost figures shown are indicative estimates, not quotations. You are responsible for verifying all costs (obtain contractor quotes) and any figures submitted to a lender. ScopeWise is a documentation tool, not financial, tax, structural or planning advice. HMO compliance prompts are guidance only — confirm requirements with your local council, as standards and licensing vary by authority.