What does a kitchen renovation cost in the UK in 2026?
Last updated: April 2026
The kitchen is the most important room in a UK home for both daily living and property value. A well-designed kitchen renovation can add 5–10% to your home's value and transform how you live. UK kitchen costs range enormously — from a flat-pack IKEA or Howdens kitchen at £5,000–£10,000 fitted, to a mid-range handmade kitchen at £15,000–£30,000, to a fully bespoke kitchen at £40,000–£100,000+.
Most homeowners spend £10,000–£20,000 for a complete kitchen overhaul including units, worktops, appliances, tiling, plumbing, and electrics in a typical UK kitchen (10–20 m²). London and South East prices typically run 15–25% higher.
Key decisions that drive cost: whether to move plumbing or the cooker position (adds £1,000–£3,000), appliance specification (integrated appliances cost more but look cleaner), and worktop material (laminate vs quartz vs granite).
Know someone considering this project?
Share this cost guide in 5 seconds.
Calculate your estimated costs
This is an estimate based on average 2026 prices. Actual costs may vary. Always request multiple quotes for an exact price.
Cost factors
Kitchen renovation costs in the UK by specification tier. Labour typically accounts for 30–40% of total cost.
- Budget kitchen (flat-pack, basic appliances): £5,000–£10,000
- Mid-range kitchen (rigid units, quartz worktop): £12,000–£25,000
- High-end kitchen (handleless, integrated appliances): £25,000–£50,000
- Bespoke handmade kitchen: £50,000–£120,000+
- Kitchen extension (to create open plan): £30,000–£80,000 additional
- Appliances only (oven, hob, fridge, dishwasher): £1,500–£8,000
Planning and buying all appliances from one supplier (e.g., Bosch, Siemens, Miele) typically offers package discounts. Allow a 10–15% contingency for unexpected costs such as hidden plumbing, damp, or structural issues.
Why do prices vary?
- Kitchen supplier: Howdens and Magnet offer trade kitchens via local branches — good mid-range quality. John Lewis, Wren, and Winkleigh offer mid-market ready-to-order. Martin Moore, Plain English, and Neptune are premium handmade UK brands.
- Worktop material: Laminate: £100–£400 for a typical kitchen. Solid timber: £500–£1,500. Quartz (Silestone, Caesarstone): £1,500–£4,000. Granite: £1,500–£4,500. Corian or dekton: £2,000–£6,000.
- Appliance specification: Entry-level freestanding appliances: £1,500–£3,000. Mid-range integrated (Bosch, Zanussi): £3,000–£6,000. Premium integrated (Siemens, Neff, Miele): £6,000–£15,000+.
- Open-plan conversion: Removing a load-bearing wall requires a structural engineer, RSJ steel beam, and temporary support. This adds £3,000–£8,000 but dramatically changes the feel of the space.
- Layout changes: Moving the sink, dishwasher, or gas cooker position involves significant plumbing and gas work — add £1,000–£2,500. Keeping the same layout saves money.
Subsidies & incentives
No specific UK government grant exists for kitchen renovation. Disability adaptations to kitchens (accessible units, lowered worktops) may qualify for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) of up to £30,000 in England. VAT at 20% applies to all kitchen renovation work. If the kitchen renovation is part of a newly built extension, standard construction VAT rules apply to the extension element.
Regional price differences
Choose a city to view local prices and availability.
Is your city not listed?
View all carpentry professionalsFrequently asked questions
Related cost guides
Heat pump installation
Air source heat pump installation in the UK costs £7,000–£18,000 on average. Find out what affects the price and how to...
Bathroom renovation
A bathroom renovation in the UK costs £5,000–£25,000 depending on size and specification. Find out what drives costs and...
Roof insulation
Loft insulation costs £300–£1,000 in the UK, but may be free through ECO4 or the Great British Insulation Scheme. Find o...