Blog>Cost Guides>How much does it cost to build a pond?
Last updated: 10 February 2025
How much does it cost to build a pond?
A pond can add a welcome feature to an outdoor space, but how much does it cost to build a pond? We have all you need to know in this helpful guide.
Fast Facts
The average cost to build a pond in the UK ranges from £2,100 to £6,000
The cost to build a koi pond is around £11,500
The total pond construction cost will depend on the size, shape, and specification of your pond
Whether you’re looking to add a garden feature or you plan to keep fish, a pond can be a great addition to your home. But how much does it cost to build a pond in the UK?
To help you plan your budget we've put together a handy guide to the average pond construction costs for various pond styles and sizes.
How much does a pond cost in the UK?
| Type of pond | Range - Low | Range - High | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small garden pond | £1,200 | £3,000 | £2,100 |
| Medium garden pond | £2,000 | £4,000 | £3,000 |
| Large / luxury garden pond | £5,000 | £7,000+ | £6,000 |
| Koi pond | £8,000 | £15,000+ | £11,500 |
| Last updated: May 2024 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | |||
There isn’t a fixed cost to build a pond. You can easily flex your choice of pond to suit your budget – from small ready-made ponds to large luxury koi ponds.
The average price for building a small garden pond with landscaping is around £2,100. The job usually takes roughly 3 - 5 days to complete.
To build a medium-size garden pond you can expect the average cost to be around £3,000. However, the exact cost will depend on the size and specification of the pond.
If you want to build a garden pond that packs more of a punch, a luxury pond with water features and landscaping is the answer.
On average, the cost to build a luxury pond is in the region of £6,000 and will take around 6 - 10 days to finish.
If you’re looking for inspiration, check out our collection of garden pond ideas.
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How much does it cost to build a small pond?
If you have a small garden and want a suitably-sized garden pond, the costs can vary quite a bit depending on the type of pond you’re going for.
The average cost to build a small pond, based on the supply and installation of a prefabricated pond, can start at around £500.
At that price, you’d most likely be expected to have already done the excavation yourself – so get your shovel ready!
To hire a professional to build a small garden pond, including the excavation, you’re looking at an average price of around £1,200 - £3,000.
How much does a koi pond cost?
For homeowners looking to build a koi pond in the garden, you’ll be looking at a higher price tag as the requirements for a pond to be suitable for koi carp to live in are more specific – and cost more.
The average koi pond cost can range from £8,000 to £15,000+.
How much does it cost to build a farm pond?
The average cost to build a farm pond ranges from £3,000 - £7,000+, depending on its size, shape, and specification.
In general, you can expect prices for farm ponds to be very similar to those of a garden pond.
How much does it cost to build a raised pond?
In general, a raised pond often costs less than an excavated pond because you don’t have to dig up the ground to make the hole for the pond.
That said, there is still some ground preparation to be done when building a raised pond but it will be cheaper than a sunken pond.
On average you can expect to pay around £700 - £1,200 for a small raised pond, and £1,000 - £2,500 for a medium raised pond.
Want some ideas for your pond? Check out our favourite raised pond ideas.
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Factors affecting the cost to build a pond
Here are some of the most common factors that will affect the cost of building a garden pond:
Size and shape
Type of pond (excavated or raised)
Quality of materials, including pump and filter
Any excavation and/or landscaping needed
Additional features such as bridges, fountains, or decorative statues
Price of any fish and pond plants
Find the best garden pond builders near me
Are you ready to hire someone to build your pond? Well, you're in luck. You're in the ideal place to find the best pond builders in your area.
All our members have to pass up to 12 checks, so you can be confident you're hiring an experienced and reliable tradesperson.
Enter your postcode in the box below to browse our online directory of approved local tradespeople.
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Get quotes for pond construction costs
We always recommend obtaining at least three quotes from our approved tradespeople. That way you can be sure you're being quoted fair and competitive prices.
And we've made it easy to get multiple quotes with our free request a quote feature.
Just add a few details about your pond project to the form and we'll get multiple local tradespeople to contact you directly. Give it a try now!
Key takeaways for building a pond
The overall cost of a pond will depend on a range of factors including its size, shape, and style
We recommend hiring a professional to install your pond, especially if it's for keeping fish
An average pond will take around 3 - 5 days to build, compared to a large luxury pond taking 6 - 10 days
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FAQs
Where is the best place to put a pond in your garden?
The ideal spot for a garden pond is somewhere it can be part in shade and part in full sunshine.
A sunny position will warm the water and attract a variety of wildlife. And the shade is good for many pond plants and helps to reduce problems with algae.
Letting long grass grow near your pond will provide the perfect spot for amphibians to enjoy after swimming in your pond.
What’s the cheapest way to build a raised pond?
The quickest and often cheapest way to build a raised pond is to buy a pre-made pond from a local pond supplier.
The average cost of a ready-to-go raised pond starts from around £200.
Do I need permission to build a pond?
As a general rule, garden ponds don't typically require planning permission. That said, it's always worth checking with your local planning office just to be safe.
Does a pond add value to a property in the UK?
If done properly, a garden pond can be a lovely addition to a home. And some buyers will find it an attractive feature.
However, research conducted by estate agency eXp UK revealed that a pond could actually reduce the value of a property by up to 1-2%. They found that 87% of buyers would avoid a property with a pond.
Does a pond need a pump?
It depends on the type of pond you want. For a fish pond, yes, you ideally need to install a pump to ensure the water circulates and gets filtered properly.
For a wildlife pond, you don't need a pump as frogs and other wildlife prefer a more natural, bog-like pond for their habitat.
Can I build a pond myself?
If you're a confident DIY enthusiast and physically able, you may choose to build your own pond.
Even if you plan to do the work yourself, we always recommend speaking to local pond experts to get their professional advice and guidance.
For our top tips, take a look at our step-by-step guide on how to build a pond.
How much does a pond cost to clean?
The average cost of professional pond cleaning is in the region of £250 - £400.
For more information on prices, check out our guide to pond cleaning costs.
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