Refurbishment costs in South East
Building costs in South East run about 18% above the UK average — a regional factor of ×1.18 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
South East sits at ×1.18 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.
The South East sits second only to London on cost, with strong demand and high labour rates across the commuter belt. High end values can still make heavy refurbishments and HMO conversions stack up, but contingencies should reflect the premium on skilled trades.
Major areas in South East include Reading, Brighton, Milton Keynes, Oxford and Southampton. 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 South East
| Job | Indicative cost (South East) |
|---|---|
| Full house rewire (3-bed) | £4,602 – £6,844 |
| New combi boiler (fitted) | £2,124 – £3,540 |
| New kitchen (mid, fitted) | £7,670 – £15,340 |
| New bathroom (fitted) | £5,310 – £8,260 |
| Re-roof (semi, ~70 m²) | £7,080 – £12,980 |
| Single-storey extension (20 m²) | £42,480 – £70,800 |
| Loft conversion (dormer) | £35,400 – £64,900 |
| Replaster a house (skim, ~300 m²) | £5,310 – £9,440 |
National benchmark rates × 1.18 regional factor. Indicative — confirm with local quotes.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to refurbish a house in South East?+
A medium refurbishment in South East typically runs around £826–£1,239 per m² (so roughly £74,340–£111,510 for a 90 m² house), reflecting the region's ×1.18 cost factor. A light refresh costs less; a back-to-brick refurbishment more.
Why do refurbishment costs differ in South East?+
Most of the regional variation is labour rates, which South East carries about 18% above the UK average. Materials are broadly national, but access, logistics and the local mix of trades also matter.
Are these South East 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.