Kitchen Renovation Costs UK 2026: Budget to Luxury Breakdown
A kitchen renovation in the UK costs £5,000-£50,000+ depending on scope and finish level. This guide covers budget, mid-range, and luxury kitchen costs with itemised breakdowns for units, worktops, appliances, and labour.
Better Home Hub Editorial Team
TL;DR: A kitchen renovation in the UK costs £5,000-£10,000 (budget), £10,000-£20,000 (mid-range), or £20,000-£50,000+ (luxury). The average spend is around £12,000-£15,000. Units and cabinetry are the biggest cost at 30-40% of the total. Labour adds 20-35%. A new kitchen can add 5-10% to your property value.
Last updated: April 2026
Kitchen Renovation Costs at a Glance
| Budget Level | Total Cost | Units | Worktops | Appliances |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | £5,000 - £10,000 | Flatpack / basic rigid | Laminate | Standard freestanding |
| Mid-Range | £10,000 - £20,000 | Quality rigid | Solid wood or quartz | Integrated mid-range |
| High-End | £20,000 - £35,000 | Bespoke / handleless | Quartz or granite | Premium integrated |
| Luxury | £35,000 - £50,000+ | Custom handmade | Dekton, marble, or Corian | Sub-Zero, Miele, Gaggenau |
Itemised Cost Breakdown
Units and Cabinetry (30-40% of budget)
| Type | Cost (10-unit kitchen) |
|---|---|
| Flatpack (IKEA, Wickes) | £1,500 - £3,000 |
| Rigid units (Howdens, Magnet) | £3,000 - £6,000 |
| Premium rigid (Wren, Sigma 3) | £5,000 - £10,000 |
| Bespoke / handmade | £10,000 - £25,000+ |
Worktops (10-20% of budget)
| Material | Cost per linear metre | Pros |
|---|---|---|
| Laminate | £20 - £50 | Cheapest, huge range of finishes |
| Solid wood (oak, walnut) | £100 - £200 | Warm, natural look; can be sanded |
| Quartz composite | £200 - £400 | Durable, low-maintenance, non-porous |
| Granite | £250 - £400 | Heat-resistant, unique natural patterns |
| Dekton / Corian | £300 - £500 | Ultra-durable, seamless joins (Corian) |
Appliances (15-25% of budget)
| Appliance Set | Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic (oven, hob, hood, fridge-freezer, dishwasher) | £1,500 - £3,000 |
| Mid-range (integrated) | £3,000 - £6,000 |
| Premium (Bosch, Neff, Samsung) | £5,000 - £10,000 |
| Luxury (Miele, Gaggenau, Sub-Zero) | £10,000 - £25,000+ |
Labour Costs (20-35% of budget)
| Trade | Cost |
|---|---|
| Kitchen fitter (installation) | £1,500 - £3,500 |
| Plumber | £400 - £1,000 |
| Electrician (Part P certified) | £500 - £1,500 |
| Tiler (splashback / floor) | £500 - £2,000 |
| Plasterer | £300 - £800 |
| Decorator | £300 - £600 |
| Skip hire / waste removal | £200 - £400 |
What Affects Kitchen Renovation Costs?
Layout Changes
Moving the sink, cooker, or boiler adds significant cost. Relocating plumbing adds £500-£1,500. Moving gas appliances requires a Gas Safe registered engineer (£300-£800). If possible, keep the existing layout to save money.
Structural Work
Removing a wall to create an open-plan kitchen-diner costs £1,000-£3,000 for a non-load-bearing wall, or £2,500-£5,000 for a load-bearing wall requiring a steel beam (RSJ). Structural engineer fees add £300-£500.
Flooring
Kitchen flooring costs £20-£80/m² installed. Vinyl is cheapest (£20-£35/m²), tiles cost £30-£60/m², and engineered wood costs £40-£80/m². A typical 15m² kitchen floor costs £300-£1,200.
How to Save Money on a Kitchen Renovation
- Keep the existing layout — avoid moving plumbing and electrics
- Replace doors only — if carcasses are sound, new doors and handles can transform the look for £1,000-£3,000
- Choose laminate worktops — modern laminates look excellent and cost a fraction of stone
- Buy ex-display kitchens — kitchen showrooms sell display models at 50-70% off
- Install yourself where possible — flatpack kitchens can save £1,500-£3,000 in fitting costs
- Time your purchase — kitchen retailers run major sales in January and September
Building Regulations
A standard kitchen refit does not need Building Regulations approval. However, you will need sign-off if:
- Installing new electrical circuits (Part P — must use a certified electrician)
- Moving gas appliances (must use a Gas Safe registered engineer)
- Removing load-bearing walls (structural engineer required)
- Changing drainage or soil pipe connections (Part H)
Next Steps
Ready to get quotes for your kitchen renovation? Get free, no-obligation quotes from experienced kitchen fitters through Better Home Hub. Tell us about your project and budget, and we'll connect you with trusted specialists in your area.
