How Much Does It Cost to Rewire a House in the UK?

Rewiring your home is a major electrical project. It keeps your family safe from fire risks. The cost varies, but most UK households spend between £2,500 and £7,000 in 2026. This depends on the size of your property and the complexity of the work. Use our guide to plan your budget. You can find a trusted electrician for the job.

We will explain typical rewiring costs. You will see prices by house type and size. We also cover extra expenses like plastering. Plus, we share tips on hiring a qualified professional. Always get at least three quotes from registered electricians. That helps you compare fair prices.

Average Cost to Rewire a House in the UK

The cost to rewire a house is not fixed. It changes based on labour, materials and your home's age. Below are some common price ranges for 2026. Which? suggests average rewiring costs for a 3-bed house are about £4,000.

Cost by Number of Bedrooms

Many electricians price rewiring jobs by the number of bedrooms. This gives a quick estimate. A one-bedroom flat could cost £1,800 to £3,000. A two-bedroom house might range from £2,500 to £4,500.

A three-bedroom semi-detached house typically costs £3,200 to £5,500. For a four-bedroom detached home, expect £4,500 to £7,000. Larger homes with five or more bedrooms can cost £7,000 to £10,000 or more. These prices include labour and materials.

Cost by Property Size

Some electricians charge per square metre. This method suits unusual layouts. The average rate is £50 to £80 per square metre. A 100-square-metre house might cost £5,000 to £8,000. This includes new wiring, sockets and a consumer unit. Always clarify what is included in the quote.

Cost for a Flat or Bungalow

Flats are often cheaper to rewire than houses. The wiring runs through fewer floors. A two-bedroom flat may cost £2,000 to £3,500. Bungalows can be more expensive if they have many rooms. The average cost for a three-bedroom bungalow is £3,500 to £5,500.

Factors That Influence the Rewiring Cost

Many elements affect your final bill. Understanding them helps you talk to electricians. Here are the main ones.

Age of Your Property

Older homes need more work. They often have complicated wiring. Some still use rubber insulation, which is unsafe. Rewiring a Victorian or Edwardian house can be tricky. You may need to chase walls carefully. This adds labour time and cost. Newer homes are simpler and quicker to rewire.

Access to Wiring

Easy access reduces the cost. If your loft and floorboards lift easily, work is faster. A home with solid concrete floors is harder. The electrician must cut channels, creating dust and mess. That increases the labour cost. Discuss access with your electrician before the job starts.

Type of Cable and Fittings

The materials you choose matter. Standard white plastic sockets are cheap. Decorative metal or USB sockets cost more. You might want smart switches or dimmers. These add to the bill. The type of cable also varies. Twin and earth wiring is standard. But special locations like bathrooms need upgraded cable.

Number of Sockets and Lights

More sockets and lights mean more work. Each point needs wiring back to the consumer unit. A large kitchen might need many sockets. Downlights are popular but take longer to install. Adding extra points after the initial quote will increase the price.

Consumer Unit Upgrade

Most rewiring jobs include a new consumer unit. Modern units have RCD protection. This is a legal requirement under Part P regulations. A new 10-way consumer unit costs around £500 to £800 fitted. If your existing unit is very old, you must upgrade it. For more on electrical safety rules, check the government's Part P guidance.

Where You Live in the UK

Labour rates vary regionally. London and the South East are the most expensive. Electricians there may charge £200 to £300 per day. In the North of England or Scotland, rates are often lower. Get local quotes to see the difference. For a reliable electrician near you, visit our electricians directory.

Additional Costs to Consider

Rewiring costs go beyond the electrical work itself. You might face these extra expenses.

Plastering and Making Good

Rewiring disturbs walls and ceilings. Electricians cut channels for cables. They do not always fill them. You may need a plasterer to repair the walls. This can add £1,000 to £2,000. Some electricians include basic making good. Always check what your quote covers.

Electrical Inspection and Testing

Before rewiring, an electrician might recommend an EICR. That is an Electrical Installation Condition Report. It checks your current system's safety. The cost is £150 to £250. It identifies hidden problems. You can read about hiring tradespeople with confidence in our guide on how to choose a trustworthy professional.

Disconnecting the Old Supply

Sometimes the supply head needs moving. This job is done by your network operator. It can cost £500 to £1,500. That is on top of your electrician's bill. Ask your electrician if this is needed.

Smart Home Features

Many people add smart tech during a rewire. You could install a wired alarm system. Or run Ethernet cables for fast internet. These extras push the cost up. Smart lighting and heating controls are also common. Speak to your electrician about future-proofing your home.

DIY Rewiring: Is It Worth the Risk?

Rewiring is not a DIY job. UK law says you must use a competent person. The work must meet BS 7671 wiring regulations. You could be prosecuted for unsafe work. It also voids your home insurance. We strongly advise hiring a registered electrician. For more on staying safe, see Citizens Advice on home improvements.

How to Choose a Trustworthy Electrician

The right electrician makes all the difference. Follow these steps to hire safely.

Check Their Qualifications

Look for registration with a government-approved scheme. Examples are NICEIC, ELECSA or NAPIT. These bodies check electricians' work regularly. You can search their online register. A qualified electrician should show you their ID card.

Get Multiple Quotes

Collect at least three itemised quotes. That lets you compare like with like. Be clear about what you want. Ask each electrician to include making good in the price. For a tailored estimate, find electricians on our Home Improvement hub.

Read Online Reviews

Past customer reviews tell you a lot. Look for trends in feedback. Check independent sites and TrustValet for reviews. Our guide on online reviews shows you what to look for.

Ask the Right Questions

When you interview an electrician, have a list ready. Ask about their experience with similar houses. Find out if they handle building control notifications. A good list is in our article about 7 questions you should ask before you hire.

Can I Reduce the Cost of Rewiring?

Rewiring is expensive, but you can save money. Try these ideas if you are on a tight budget.

Do Some Preparation Yourself

You may be able to lift floorboards. Or move furniture out of the way. Clearing clutter helps the electrician work faster. You could also do your own chasing in walls. But only do this if you are very confident. Bad chasing can damage your bricks.

Time It with Other Work

If you are renovating, combine the jobs. Rewiring works well alongside a new kitchen or bathroom. You already have the disruption. That saves on making good later. For example, if you are fitting a new bathroom, have the electrician install new lighting at the same time.

Avoid Unnecessary Extras

Stick to standard white accessories. They are much cheaper than fancy ones. You can always swap them later. Also, limit the number of downlights. They cost more to install than a single pendant light.

Future-Proofing Your Home's Electrics

Think ahead when you rewire. You might want to install an EV charger later. Or add solar panels. Run the right cables now. A solar panel installer will need specific wiring. Adding these circuits during a rewire is cheaper than later.

Ask your electrician about power-hungry appliances. Induction hobs and heat pumps need dedicated circuits. Plan for the future today.

Conclusion

Rewiring a house is a big investment in safety. It also adds value to your home. Prices vary, but the typical UK home costs £3,500 to £5,500. Always use a qualified electrician. Get multiple quotes and check reviews. This approach helps avoid hidden costs.

For more helpful advice, visit our guides library. You can learn about other home improvement costs there.