Conservatory Cost UK (2026): Prices by Style, Size & Roof
Quick answer
A new conservatory in the UK typically costs £9,000–£25,000 fitted in 2026, with most homeowners paying around £12,000–£20,000 for a uPVC conservatory with a dwarf wall. A small lean-to starts at about £8,500–£13,500, while a large P-shaped design with a solid tiled roof can reach £25,000–£30,000. Prices in London are typically 20–35% higher.
- Lean-to (about 3m × 3m): £8,500–£13,500 fitted
- Edwardian or Victorian (about 3.5m × 3.5m): £11,000–£19,500 fitted
- Cost per m²: roughly £900–£1,600 for standard uPVC, more for aluminium, timber or a solid roof
- Building regs: often exempt if under 30m² and separated from the house by external doors
Weighing up a conservatory against a proper extension? Use our free calculator to see what a brick-built single storey extension of the same size would cost in your region.
How much does a conservatory cost in 2026?
Conservatories are the cheapest way to add a ground-floor room to a house, because most of the structure is made in a factory and the walls and roof are glazed rather than built in brick and block. That is also why prices vary so widely: the same footprint can cost £10,000 or £30,000 depending on the style, frame material, roof type and how much groundwork your garden needs.
Published 2026 data broadly agrees on the middle of the market. MyJobQuote puts the average uPVC conservatory at about £15,000, MyBuilder says typical costs “hover around £15,000” within a range of £9,000–£25,000, and BestBuilders’ analysis of quotes collected in early 2026 found most homeowners spend £12,000–£22,000, including VAT. Unlike extensions, conservatory prices are usually quoted including VAT and installation, so check before comparing them with per-m² extension figures.
Conservatory prices by style
Style matters because it changes the number of frame sections, the complexity of the roof and the size of base you need. Here is what each common style costs fully fitted in uPVC with double glazing:
| Style | Typical size | Fitted price range (inc. VAT) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lean-to | 3m × 3m | £8,500 – £13,500 | Simplest shape, suits bungalows and low eaves |
| Edwardian (Georgian) | 3.5m × 3.5m | £11,000 – £18,000 | Square or rectangular, makes best use of floor space |
| Victorian | 3.5m – 4m × 3.5m | £12,000 – £19,500 | Faceted bay front, slightly more frame work |
| Gable-fronted | 4m × 3m – 4m × 4m | £14,000 – £20,000 | Tall upright front, more glass and roof height |
| P-shaped | 4.5m × 3.5m plus return | £15,000 – £25,000 | Combines lean-to and Victorian; good for larger homes |
| T-shaped | 5m × 3m – 5m × 4m | £15,000 – £22,000 | Central projection, usually on detached houses |
Lean-to conservatory cost
A lean-to is a simple single-pitch roof against the back wall of the house. Checkatrade puts a 3.5m × 3.5m uPVC lean-to at £9,000–£11,500, rising to about £12,750–£14,250 in timber, while MyJobQuote’s fully fitted lean-to averages £12,000. The shallow roof makes it a good choice where there is little height under upstairs windows, but it also gives the least headroom at the back.
Edwardian conservatory cost
The Edwardian style has a flat front and a hipped roof, which gives you a regular rectangle that is easy to furnish. Expect roughly £10,500–£12,000 in uPVC (Checkatrade) or about £13,500 for a 3m × 3m fully fitted model with a dwarf wall (MyJobQuote). Timber pushes it towards £15,000–£18,000.
Victorian conservatory cost
A Victorian conservatory has a three- or five-facet bay front. The extra angles add frame and roof complexity, so it usually costs slightly more than an Edwardian of similar size: £12,000–£13,500 for a 3.5m × 3.5m uPVC model according to Checkatrade, or around £16,000–£17,500 in timber.
P-shaped conservatory cost
A P-shape joins a lean-to section to a Victorian or Edwardian bay, creating two zones such as a dining area and a sitting area. It is one of the largest standard styles, so prices start around £15,000 and commonly reach £20,000–£25,000 with a glass or solid roof.
Conservatory cost by size
Bigger conservatories cost more in total but less per square metre, because surveys, delivery, the installation team’s set-up and doors are fixed costs. MyJobQuote notes that smaller designs have noticeably higher per-m² prices for exactly this reason.
| Size | Floor area | Typical style | Fitted uPVC, glass roof (inc. VAT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3m × 3m | 9m² | Lean-to or small Edwardian | £9,000 – £14,000 |
| 3.5m × 3.5m | 12m² | Edwardian or Victorian | £11,000 – £18,000 |
| 4m × 3.5m | 14m² | Victorian or gable | £13,500 – £20,000 |
| 4m × 4m | 16m² | Gable or large Edwardian | £15,000 – £22,000 |
| 5m × 4m | 20m² | P-shaped or T-shaped | £17,000 – £25,000 |
| 6m × 4m | 24m² | Large P-shaped or lantern | £22,000 – £30,000+ |
Conservatory cost per m²
Per-m² figures are less standard for conservatories than for extensions, and sources measure different things. MyJobQuote’s structure-only prices (frame, roof and glazing) work out at about £810–£1,050 per m². Once the base, dwarf wall, installation and electrics are added, most fitted quotes land between £900 and £1,600 per m² for uPVC. BestBuilders quotes a higher £1,500–£2,500 per m² for standard uPVC including base and glazing, and £2,500–£4,000 for hardwood and orangery-style builds. For comparison, our single storey extension rates start at around £1,800 per m² before VAT.
Frame materials: uPVC vs aluminium vs timber
| Frame | Typical premium over uPVC | Indicative fitted price | Pros and cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| uPVC | Baseline | From about £10,000 | Cheapest, low maintenance; bulkier frames |
| Aluminium | +25% to +40% | About £15,000 | Slim sightlines, strong, long life |
| Composite (alu outside, timber inside) | +40% to +60% | Usually bespoke | Timber look inside, weatherproof outside |
| Timber (hardwood, oak) | +50% to +80% or more | About £20,000+ | Traditional look, suits period homes; needs regular upkeep |
Roof types and solid roof conservatory costs
The roof has the biggest effect on how comfortable a conservatory is to use, and a big effect on price.
| Roof type | Extra cost on a new build | Replacing an existing roof | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polycarbonate | Baseline | £2,000 – £4,500 | Noisy in rain, poor insulation, cheapest |
| Glass (solar-control, self-cleaning) | +£1,800 – £3,500 | £3,500 – £8,000 | Lighter and quieter; can still overheat |
| Solid tiled (lightweight) | +£2,200 – £5,800 | £6,000 – £15,000+ | Best year-round comfort, plastered ceiling |
| Hybrid (solid with glazed panels) | Similar to solid | Varies by system | Balance of light and insulation |
A solid roof conservatory is now the most popular upgrade because it fixes the main complaint about conservatories: too hot in summer, too cold in winter. Be aware that replacing a glazed roof with a solid one normally needs building regulations approval, because the structure no longer counts as a conservatory (see below), and the existing frames or base may need strengthening, which BestBuilders estimates at £800–£2,500.
Base, foundations and dwarf walls
Every conservatory needs a proper base. A standard strip foundation and concrete slab typically costs £2,200–£4,400, with a dwarf brick wall adding around £1,000–£3,000 (BestBuilders). Poor ground, nearby trees or drains can push this up: piled foundations add roughly £1,800–£4,200, and lifting an existing patio costs £600–£1,400. MyJobQuote’s lowest fully-installed quotes start with groundwork and base from about £2,500.
If there is a public sewer or shared drain under the footprint, you may need a build-over agreement from your water company before work starts.
DIY conservatory kit vs fully installed
Supply-only kits are sold by most large suppliers. MyJobQuote’s supply-only prices for a 3m × 3m conservatory with a dwarf wall start at about £9,750 for a lean-to and £11,000–£11,500 for Edwardian, Victorian and gable styles, compared with £12,000–£14,000 fully fitted. That suggests a typical saving of about £2,000–£3,000, but only if you can build an accurate, level and square base and dwarf wall, which is where most DIY projects go wrong. ExpertSure estimates labour at 40–50% of a fully installed price, so most of the “saving” assumes your own time is free. A professionally installed conservatory from a competent-person-registered installer also comes with the glazing certification and insurance-backed guarantee you will need when you sell.
Conservatory prices by region
Because frames and glass are factory-made, regional variation is smaller than for brick extensions, but labour, base work and access still cost more in London and the South East. Here is a typical 14m² Victorian or Edwardian uPVC conservatory with a glass roof:
| Region | Typical fitted price (inc. VAT) | vs UK average |
|---|---|---|
| London | £17,500 – £24,000 | +20% to +35% |
| South East | £15,500 – £21,500 | +10% to +15% |
| South West & East of England | £14,500 – £20,000 | around average |
| Midlands | £13,500 – £18,500 | about −2% to −8% |
| North of England & Wales | £13,000 – £17,500 | about −8% to −18% |
| Scotland & Northern Ireland | £13,500 – £18,000 | about −4% to −15% |
Full conservatory cost breakdown
Most conservatory companies quote a single fitted price, but it helps to know what sits inside it and what is extra:
| Cost item | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Frames, glazing and doors | £5,000 – £11,500 | Depends on style, size and frame material |
| Roof | £1,400 – £6,000+ | Polycarbonate cheapest, solid tiled dearest |
| Base, foundations and dwarf wall | £2,200 – £5,000 | More for piling, slopes or drains |
| Installation labour | £1,800 – £3,800 | Usually included in the fitted price |
| Electrics, plastering and finishing | £1,200 – £2,000 | Sockets, lighting, sills |
| Heating | £500 – £1,500+ | Independent radiator or electric heaters; underfloor costs more |
| Flooring | £300 – £1,300 | Vinyl at the low end, solid oak at the top |
| Blinds | Up to about £2,650 | Checkatrade’s average for fitted roof and wall blinds |
| Building control (only if not exempt) | £400 – £1,200 | Solid roof, opening to the house, or shared heating |
| Lawful development certificate (optional) | £274 | Confirms permitted development; England, from 1 April 2026 |
| Planning application (if needed) | £548 | Householder application, England |
| Removing an old conservatory | £800 – £2,000 | Plus skip hire |
| Contingency | 10% | For ground conditions and extras |
Real example: Edwardian conservatory on a 1980s semi
Project: 3.5m × 3.5m (about 12m²) white uPVC Edwardian, dwarf wall, solar-control glass roof, French doors to the garden, existing patio doors kept between house and conservatory
Region: South West
Finish: standard
- Patio removal, foundations and slab: £3,400
- Dwarf wall: £1,400
- Frames, double glazing and doors: £7,000
- Glass roof: £2,600
- Installation: £2,300
- Electrics, independent electric heating and finishing: £1,500
- Flooring: £700
- Subtotal (inc. VAT): about £18,900
- 10% contingency: about £1,900
Estimated total: about £18,900–£20,800. Because it is under 30m², separated by the existing external doors and has its own heating, it should be exempt from building regulations. This is a modelled example built from published 2026 component costs, not a quote.
What affects the price of a conservatory?
Style and footprint
Each extra facet, corner or return adds frame sections and roof complexity. A lean-to or Edwardian gives the most floor area for the money.
Roof and glazing specification
Solar-control low-E glass adds roughly £1,400–£2,800 and triple glazing £2,400–£4,800 (BestBuilders). A three-pane aluminium bifold adds £1,600–£2,800.
Ground conditions and access
Clay soil, trees, drains and sloping gardens all increase foundation costs. Mid-terrace houses with no side access can add £600–£1,400 for carrying materials through.
Opening up to the house
Knocking through the back wall to make the conservatory part of the living space needs a steel or lintel, building regulations approval and usually a structural engineer, so it changes a conservatory project into an extension project in cost terms.
Planning permission and building regulations
Do you need planning permission for a conservatory?
In England a conservatory is treated as a single storey extension, so the same permitted development rules apply. Typically you can add one without planning permission if it extends no more than 3m from the original rear wall of a semi-detached or terraced house (4m for a detached house), is no more than 4m high, has eaves of no more than 3m if within 2m of a boundary, and does not cover more than half the land around the original house. Side conservatories must be single storey and no wider than half the width of the original house. Flats and maisonettes have no permitted development rights, and conservation areas, listed buildings and Article 4 areas have tighter rules. Our extension planning permission guide covers the rules in full.
Are conservatories exempt from building regulations?
According to the Planning Portal, a conservatory is normally exempt if it is built at ground level, is under 30m², is single storey, is separated from the house by external-quality walls, doors or windows, has an independent heating system with its own controls, and the glazing and any fixed electrics meet the relevant requirements. Any new structural opening between the house and the conservatory needs approval even if the conservatory itself is exempt.
Building control bodies generally treat a structure as a conservatory only if roughly half of its new wall area and three-quarters of its roof are glazed or translucent (Ultraframe). So a solid roof conservatory, or a new solid roof on an old conservatory, normally needs building regulations approval. Electrical work must comply with Part P whatever the size.
Running costs, heating and comfort
Glazed roofs gain heat fast in sunshine and lose it fast in winter, which is why so many older conservatories go unused for half the year. To keep the building regulations exemption you should not simply extend the house’s central heating into it; an independent radiator circuit or electric heating with separate controls is the usual approach. Solar-control glass, roof blinds, trickle vents and a solid or hybrid roof all make the space usable for more of the year and reduce the cost of heating it. If year-round comfort is your priority, compare the price of a solid roof conservatory with an orangery or a single storey extension.
How long does a conservatory take?
- Survey, design and quote: 1–3 weeks
- Lawful development certificate (optional) or planning: up to 8 weeks
- Manufacture: usually several weeks after order, depending on the supplier
- On site: BestBuilders puts a typical installation at 1–2 weeks; MyJobQuote allows 3–6 weeks for the whole project including base and finishing
How to save money on a conservatory
- Choose a simple shape. A lean-to or Edwardian costs less per m² than a Victorian or P-shape.
- Get at least three like-for-like quotes that list the base, roof, glazing spec, electrics and VAT separately.
- Spend on the roof, not the frills. A good glass or solid roof makes a far bigger difference to comfort than decorative cresting or finials.
- Book outside spring and summer, when installers are less busy.
- Keep it exempt where you can: retaining external doors and independent heating avoids building control fees.
- Use a competent-person-registered installer so the glazing is self-certified and guaranteed.
Does a conservatory add value?
It can, but less reliably than an extension. MyJobQuote says a well-built, watertight conservatory that meets the rules could add up to 5% to a home’s value, and some suppliers claim up to 7%. BestBuilders’ 2026 analysis is more cautious: a polycarbonate-roof, mid-spec uPVC conservatory is roughly break-even to +£2,000, while a solid-roof conservatory usable all year adds about £5,000–£12,000. A leaky or overheating conservatory can put buyers off. For more value per pound, look at a loft conversion or a full house extension.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 3m × 3m conservatory cost?
A 3m × 3m uPVC lean-to or Edwardian conservatory with a dwarf wall typically costs £9,000–£14,000 fully fitted including VAT. Supply-only kits start at around £9,750 for a lean-to, but you then pay separately for the base and installation.
Is it cheaper to build a conservatory or an extension?
A conservatory is much cheaper. BestBuilders’ 2026 comparison for a roughly 14m² footprint gives £13,000–£22,000 for a conservatory against £35,000–£60,000 for a brick extension. Our calculator puts a 16m² standard single storey extension at £44,500–£59,000 all-in in the Midlands.
How much does it cost to put a solid roof on a conservatory?
Replacing a glazed or polycarbonate roof with a solid tiled roof typically costs £6,000–£9,000 for a 3m × 3m conservatory and £9,000–£13,000 for 4m × 4m, according to BestBuilders. Some sources quote from about £4,000 for small roofs. Building regulations approval is usually needed.
Do I need planning permission for a conservatory?
Usually not. Most conservatories fall under permitted development if they stay within the same size and height limits as single storey extensions. You will need permission for flats, listed buildings, many designated areas, or if you exceed the limits.
Can you use a conservatory all year round?
Yes, if it has a solid or high-performance glass roof, good double glazing and its own heating. Older polycarbonate conservatories are often too hot in summer and too cold in winter.
Do conservatory prices include VAT?
Most consumer quotes from conservatory companies include VAT at 20%, but always check. Builders quoting for the base or brickwork separately may quote excluding VAT.
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Sources and methodology
- BestBuilders, Conservatory Cost UK 2026 (updated August 2026).
- BestBuilders, Conservatory roof replacement cost UK (updated August 2026).
- BestBuilders, Conservatory vs orangery vs extension (updated August 2026).
- MyJobQuote, Conservatory Cost (updated September 2026).
- MyBuilder, How much does a conservatory cost? (updated August 2026).
- Checkatrade, How much does a conservatory cost? (2026).
- ExpertSure, UK Conservatory Prices 2026 (2026).
- Federation of Master Builders, Conservatory costs: roof replacement, upgrades and extensions (June 2026).
- Planning Portal, Conservatories: building regulations (England).
- Ultraframe, Planning and Building Regulations (trade guidance on glazed roof and wall proportions).
- National planning application fees for England from 1 April 2026.
- How we calculate our cost estimates
All prices are guide figures for 2026 and vary with your property, specification and location. Always get detailed written quotes before starting work.
