Last updated on December 21st, 2023
How much does it cost to build a supermarket?
This cost guide was written in partnership with our professional estimators here at Checkatrade. Our estimators are Chartered Members (MRICS) of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and Members of the Chartered Institute of Building (MCIOB).
Many budding homeowners dream of building a home from scratch. But what if you have even bigger dreams to build your own supermarket? Here, we’ll break down the average cost to build a supermarket to help you budget.
How much does it cost to build a supermarket per m²?
As a ballpark estimate, you can expect to spend around £900 per m² on the basic build of your supermarket (to get it to a shell). Then, you’re looking at around £1,600 per m² for the fit out.
| Cost provided item | Unit | Cost (lower range) | Cost (higher range) | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic build cost (shell) | Per m² | £750 | £1,000 | £900 |
| Fit out cost | Per m² | £1,400 | £1,800 | £1,600 |
| Total cost (built and fit out) | Per m² | £2,150 | £2,800 | £2,500 |
Last updated: May 2024
Our costs are ballpark averages – get a local tradesperson to quote now
These costs are based on gross internal floor area.
What’s the total cost of building a supermarket?
The total cost of building a supermarket will depend on a number of factors. These include the:
- Size
- Location
- Layout
- Complexity of the design
- Quality of the finish
However, you can expect to pay a total cost of around £2,500 per m² for the build and fit out. This comes to around £7,500,000 in total to build a new 3,000m² supermarket.
What to budget for when building a supermarket
Building a new structure from scratch – whether it’s a house or a supermarket – involves lots of different processes.
For instance, the site will need to be surveyed, foundations will need to be dug, your construction crew will need to build the substructure, lay drains and pour the floor slab. And that’s just the beginning!
Here’s a breakdown of some of the building costs per m² that make up the total cost of building a supermarket.
| Cost provided item | Unit | Average cost |
|---|---|---|
| Sanitary appliances | Per m² | £2 |
| Mains water supply | Per m² | £40 |
| Heating and air conditioning | Per m² | £25 |
| Ventilation | Per m² | £7.50 |
| Main electrical fit out | Per m² | £100 |
| Gas mains connection | Per m² | £4.50 |
| Fire fighting system/sprinklers | Per m² | £1.50 |
| Communications, security and control systems | Per m² | £25 |
Last updated: May 2024
Additional costs to build a supermarket
The £2,500 average cost per m² to build a supermarket doesn’t factor in every single cost involved. You’ll also need to pay for a few services and jobs outside of this – such as hiring an architect, structural engineer and project manager.
It’s usually recommended that you budget an extra 15% of the total building cost to pay for these. It can also be wise to save an extra 8% for any permits, permissions or consents you might need.
Key takeaways
- You can expect to pay roughly £2,500 per m² to build a supermarket, including build and fit out costs
- Your total cost will depend on factors such as your supermarket’s size, location and complexity
- Remember to budget extra for design fees, permits and consents
Working with professional estimators, we collate cost estimates for the common home improvement and repair jobs in the UK.
All the costs are estimates only. For accurate costs for your particular requirements, you are encouraged to reach out to professional tradespeople to receive a quote for your job.
Our estimators are Chartered Members (MRICS) of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and Members of the Chartered Institute of Building (MCIOB). See full disclaimer.
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