COST GUIDES
How much does it cost to rewire a house in the UK?
Updated 01/26
By: Content Team
House rewiring costs
Typically range from £3,900 for a 1-bed flat, up to around £10,000 for a 5-bed house
Before rewiring
Book an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). This determines whether rewiring is required
EICR costs
Usually range from £150 for a 1-bed flat to £375 for a 5-bed house
Rewiring a house brings your electrics up to modern safety standards and reduces the risk of electrical faults, fires, and power failures.
This guide explains the average cost to rewire a house in the UK, what affects pricing, how long rewiring takes, and how to budget accurately using our house rewiring cost calculator.
If your home is over 30 years old and hasn’t been rewired, factor this cost into future renovation plans — it’s often more cost-effective to combine projects.
House rewiring costs 2026 prices
The cost of rewiring a house depends on the size of the property, the complexity of the job, and where you live. As a guide:
| Size of property | Average UK cost (+VAT) |
|---|---|
| 1-bed flat | £3,900 |
| 2-bed flat | £4,800 |
| 3-bed flat | £5,650 |
| 1-bed house | £4,200 |
| 2-bed house | £4,800 |
| 3-bed house | £6,225 |
| 4-bed house | £7,730 |
| 5-bed house | £10,000 |
| Last updated: June 2026 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | |
Costs by property size
On average, here's what you should expect to pay for the rewiring of various-sized properties:
1-bedroom flat: £3,000–£4,800
2-bedroom flat: £3,800–£5,800
3-bedroom house: £4,450–£8,000
4-bedroom house: £6,080–£9,380
5-bedroom house: £7,500–£12,500
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What affects rewiring costs?
Several factors influence the cost of rewiring a property, including:
Property size and layout – larger or complex homes cost more
Age and condition – older properties often need additional work
Type of fittings – premium sockets and switches increase costs
Location – labour rates are higher in London and the South East
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Rewiring timelines
Rewiring times vary depending on property size and layout, but typical timelines are:
1-bedroom flat: 4–7 days
2-bedroom flat: 4–7 days
3-bedroom house: 6–10 days
4-bedroom house: 1–2 weeks
5-bedroom house: 10–15 days
Understanding timeframes helps explain the labour costs involved and whether temporary accommodation may be needed while the work is carried out.
Labour costs for house rewiring
Labour is often included in a rewiring quote, but typical rates are:
Electrician daily rate: £320 per day
Electrician hourly rate: £25–£50 per hour
Because rewiring involves opening walls and lifting floors, you may also need follow-on trades:
Carpet fitter: £240 per day
Plasterer: £37.50 per hour
Additional costs to budget for
A full rewire is disruptive, so it’s important to plan ahead. In addition to rewiring itself, you may need to account for:
Temporary accommodation (if you move out)
Furniture removal or storage
Flooring replacement
Redecoration after plastering
Skip hire if waste removal isn’t included
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Ways to reduce rewiring costs
You may be able to lower the cost of your rewiring project by:
Clearing rooms in advance to speed up work
Combining rewiring with other electrical upgrades
Comparing a selection of quotes before committing
House rewiring cost calculator
Planning your budget? Use our calculator to estimate the cost of rewiring your home based on property size, labour, and optional extras.
Job Estimate Calculator
This calculator provides a guide price only. Final costs depend on access, layout, and compliance requirements.
What’s included in rewiring costs?
Most quotes include:
Removal of old wiring and fittings
New wiring throughout the property
Standard white sockets and switches
Installation of a metal consumer unit
Circuit testing and certification
Quotes usually exclude:
Major plastering or redecorating
Carpet or flooring replacement
Always confirm what’s included before work begins.
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Additional electrical work to consider
Many homeowners bundle these upgrades with a rewire:
| Additional job | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Replace a light fitting | £65 |
| Install security light with motion sensor | £125 |
| Install CCTV system | £1,375 |
| Last updated: June 2026 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | |
Does your house need rewiring?
The most reliable way to check whether your home needs rewiring is with an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR):
1-bed flat: from £150
5-bed house: up to £375
Homeowners should arrange testing every 10 years (every 5 years for rented properties).
Signs your house may need rewiring
Frequent tripping of the consumer unit
Flickering lights
Burning marks near sockets
Outdated fuse box
Cracking or buzzing sounds
If you notice these, contact a qualified electrician without delay.
House rewiring cost checklist
Find qualified electricians near you
Rewiring is a major safety upgrade, so hiring a fully qualified electrician matters.
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House rewiring cost FAQs
How much does it cost to rewire a 3-bed house in the UK?
The average cost to rewire a 3-bedroom house is £4,450–£8,000 depending on location, fittings, and the complexity of the job.
How much does it cost to rewire a 4-bedroom house in the UK?
A whole house rewiring cost for a 4-bedroom house is around £6,080–£9,380.
Can I live in my house during rewiring?
It is possible to live in your house during a rewire, but many homeowners move out due to disruption and limited power.
Is rewiring covered by home insurance?
Rewiring costs are not usually covered by home insurance, unless linked to an insured event such as fire or flooding. Check your policy or speak with your insurance provider for details.
Do I need permission to rewire my house?
Planning permission is not required to rewire a house, but work must comply with Part P building regulations.
What’s the difference between a full and partial rewire?
A full rewire replaces all wiring in a property; a partial rewire updates specific circuits or rooms.
How often should a house be rewired in the UK?
As a general rule of thumb, electricians advise rewiring every 25–30 years. This is because wiring systems can start to deteriorate and may no longer meet modern safety standards.
Can I rewire my house in stages?
It is possible to rewire your house in stages, but you're likely to face higher labour costs.
What government grants are available for rewiring a house?
Government grants for rewiring a house are very limited, although they are sometimes available under very specific circumstances, such as low income, age, disability, or energy efficiency upgrades.
How long does it take to rewire a house?
Depending on the size of the property, rewiring can take anything from 4–15 days.
How disruptive is rewiring a house?
Expect some disruption during rewiring, as floorboards and walls may need opening. Some homeowners choose to move out if it's a complex job.
Are rewiring costs tax-deductible for landlords?
Rewiring is considered a maintenance expense — read our guide on landlord electrical safety certification for more details.
Do I need to rewire my house to sell it?
It's not mandatory to rewire your house before selling, but it can improve safety and increase property value. Outdated wiring may deter potential buyers and affect insurance eligibility.
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