Quick answer: A full house renovation in the UK typically costs £1,200–£2,800 per square metre. For a typical 3-bedroom house, budget £43,530–£110,350 for a full renovation — plus a 10% contingency.
Cost by house size
House size
Light refresh
Full renovation
1-bedroom
£8,000 – £15,000
£30,000 – £55,000
2-bedroom
£12,000 – £22,000
£45,000 – £75,000
3-bedroom
£18,000 – £35,000
£43,530 – £110,350
4-bedroom+
£25,000 – £50,000
£100,000 – £200,000+
What affects the price
Location — London/South East runs 20–40% above the UK average; the Midlands and North (including Hinckley) generally sit at or below it.
Structural vs. cosmetic work — moving walls or altering the roofline costs significantly more than redecorating in the same footprint.
Specification level — a mid-range kitchen vs. a designer kitchen can differ by £20,000+ for the same size room.
Hidden issues — old wiring, damp, or structural problems found once walls are opened up are the single biggest cause of going over budget.
How to avoid overpaying
Get at least 3 quotes from local, vetted tradespeople — prices can vary 20–30% for the same job.
Add a 10% contingency to whatever your final quote comes to.
Check what needs planning permission or building regs approval before you set a start date.
FAQ
What costs the most when renovating a house?
Kitchens, bathrooms, and any structural work are consistently the most expensive parts of a renovation.
How long does a full house renovation take?
Typically 3–6 months, though extensions and loft conversions can extend this to 6–12 months.
Do I need planning permission for a house renovation?
Most cosmetic and internal work doesn’t need it, but extensions, loft conversions, and structural changes usually do.
