How much does it cost to build a pond?

Whether you’re looking to add a feature to your garden or are planning to keep fish, a pond can be a great addition to a home. In this article, we look at how much it costs to build a pond in the UK.

The great thing about ponds is that they come in all shapes and sizes, so you can build one to perfectly suit your needs – from small raised ponds to large excavated ponds.

If you’re looking for inspiration, check out our collection of garden pond ideas.

How much does it cost to build a pond in the UK?

There isn’t really a fixed price for a pond, as 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 garden pond with landscaping is around £3,000 and will take roughly 3 – 5 days to complete the job.

To build a medium size garden pond you can expect the average cost to be around £4,500, depending on the exact size and specification of the pond.

If you want to build a garden pond that packs more of a punch, the average cost of a luxury pond with water features and landscaping will be somewhere in the region of £5,000 – £7,000+ and will take around 6 – 10 days to finish.

Factors affecting the price of building a pond

Here are some of the 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

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 range 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 shovels 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 it cost to build a koi pond?

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 cost to build a koi pond 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 ranges from £3,000 – £7,000+, depending on size, shape and specification. In general, you can expect prices to be very similar to those for 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 before. 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.

Building a pond quotes

We always recommend obtaining at least three quotes from our trusted tradespeople. Our request a quote feature is perfect for getting quotes – you post details about the job you want doing and we’ll send it out to local tradespeople in your area. Try it out!

Key takeaways

• The overall cost of a pond will depend on a range of factors including size, shape and style.
• We recommend hiring a professional to install your pond, especially if you’ll be keeping fish in there.
• An average pond will take around 3 – 5 days to build, compared to a large luxury pond taking 6 – 10 days.