Cost of Rewiring a House in the UK: Typical Prices

What a full or partial house rewire typically costs in the UK, how long it takes, the disruption involved and the signs that a rewire is due.

A rewire is the biggest electrical job most homeowners will face, and the number on the first quote can be a shock. The price depends on the size of the property, the way it is built and how much finishing work you want included. This guide explains typical ranges, what drives them and how to plan for the disruption.

Typical price ranges

Rewire costs are very location dependent, and the following is a rough guide only for an average property with reasonable access.

Property	Typical range
Flat or small one-bed	Around £2,500 to £4,500
2 to 3 bed house	Around £4,000 to £7,500
4 to 5 bed house	Around £6,500 to £11,000 or more

London and the South East are typically higher, and period or listed properties can cost more again. Plastering and redecorating afterwards are often not included, so ask directly.

What drives the price

Number of circuits and points. More sockets, lights and spurs mean more cable and more time.
Construction. Solid brick or stone walls take longer to chase than timber or plasterboard.
Access. Fitted carpets, floorboards and loft boarding all affect speed.
Consumer unit. A new consumer unit is normally part of a rewire.
Extras. Extra sockets, outdoor power, smoke alarms and additional lighting add to the total.
Making good. Filling and replastering chased walls is a large cost if included.

How long it takes

A typical house rewire often takes somewhere between five and ten working days, depending on size. It is usually done in two stages: first-fix (cables, back boxes, routes) and second-fix (sockets, switches, consumer unit, testing). Plastering often sits between the two. Allow extra time for any redecoration afterwards.

Is a full rewire always needed?

Not always. A condition report may show the wiring is serviceable, with only some circuits needing upgrades. Partial rewires, where problem areas are done in stages, can spread the cost. An EICR is the usual starting point because it gives an independent view of the installation.

Signs that a rewire may be due include:

Old rubber-insulated or fabric-covered cable.
Round-pin sockets or sockets that look much older than the rest.
Repeated tripping, scorching or a fishy or burning smell.
A very old fuse board with no RCD protection.
A condition report that gives the installation an unsatisfactory result.

See signs of dangerous wiring for more detail.

Living with the work

Most people stay at home for a rewire, but expect no power for parts of each day, dust and floorboards lifted. Practical steps:

Clear rooms and move furniture before the first day.
Protect floors and take down fragile items.
Agree which rooms are done first so the kitchen is back soon.
Plan temporary cooking, charging and heating.
Decide lighting and socket positions early.

Getting accurate quotes

Ask each electrician to price the same written specification: number of sockets and lights, consumer unit, smoke alarms, making good and testing. Check whether the work will be certified and which scheme the electrician is registered with. How to compare electrician quotes gives a checklist.

A worked example

Consider a 1930s three-bed semi with a mix of old and newer cabling, no RCD and a rewirable fuse board. The electrician quotes a full rewire including a new consumer unit, 30 double sockets, 15 light points, smoke alarms and testing at a figure within the mid-range above. The quote excludes plastering and decoration, so the homeowner also obtains a plasterer's price. The total for the whole project, including making good and redecoration, ends up noticeably higher than the electrical figure alone. Planning the full budget at the start avoids the common surprise. All figures are illustrative.

What to ask for in a written quote

Number of sockets, lights, switches and spurs.
New consumer unit specification.
Smoke and heat alarm provision.
What is included for chasing, making good and lifting floorboards.
Certification and notification to building control through a scheme.
Timeline, working hours and access needed.
Payment stages.

Budgeting beyond the electrics

Cost	Who normally does it
Plastering chased walls	Plasterer
Redecoration	Decorator or you
Carpet lifting and relaying	Flooring fitter
Skip or waste removal	Often electrician or separate
Alternative accommodation	You, if needed

Edge cases

Rented homes: a landlord must arrange and pay for a rewire. Tenants should not commission one without consent.
Flats: parts of the installation may be shared, so check responsibilities with the freeholder.
Listed or period homes: be more careful about routing and surface finishes, and ask about consent for alterations.
Houses with asbestos-containing materials: work in older homes may disturb them, so ask the electrician to follow current guidance.

When to call a professional

A rewire is for a registered electrician who can test and certify the work. Do not attempt to remove or modify old cabling yourself, and keep the supply isolated until the work has been tested.

Frequently asked questions

Does a rewire need building control approval?

A rewire is notifiable work in England, so it must be carried out either by an electrician registered with a competent person scheme, who will notify for you, or be inspected through building control. Rules differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Will I need to move out?

Often not, but it can be easier if you have young children, health needs or a very small property. Ask the electrician how they will phase the work.

Does a rewire add value to a home?

It removes a common concern for buyers and surveyors, but you should not expect to recover the full cost in the sale price.

Can I get a partial rewire?

Yes, some homes are done in stages, for example the ground floor first. A condition report can help show what is most urgent, though staging can cost more overall than a single job.

Find home help near you

Related guides

EV Charger Installation at Home: Costs and Process in the UK — A plain guide to home EV charger installation in the UK: typical costs, what the survey checks, the wiring involved and what to ask installers.
Cost to Replace a Consumer Unit (Fuse Box) in the UK — Typical UK prices for a new consumer unit, what affects the cost, how long the job takes and how to tell when your fuse box needs replacing.
Electrician Call-Out Charge: What to Expect in the UK — What an electrician call-out fee usually covers, typical UK ranges, when emergency rates apply and how to avoid paying more than you need to.
EICR Explained: Electrical Installation Condition Reports — What an EICR is, what it checks, how the codes C1, C2, C3 and FI work, who needs one, how often and typical costs for landlords, owners and buyers.
Electric Shower Installation: What It Involves in the UK — What fitting an electric shower involves in a UK home, from dedicated circuit and consumer unit checks to cost, notifiable work and choosing a kilowatt rating.