Key Takeaways
- A full house renovation in London costs £1,500 to £3,500 per m² in 2026, with mid-range work at £1,200 to £1,800 per m².
- A realistic budget for most London homes is £130,000 to £200,000 for a complete refurbishment.
- London carries a 25 to 40% premium over national averages.
- A whole-house refurbishment usually means new kitchen, bathrooms, rewiring, replumbing, plastering and decorating throughout.
- Always allow a 10 to 15% contingency for hidden issues in older homes.
Taking on a whole-house renovation is a major project and a major investment. This guide explains what a full renovation costs in London in 2026, what is typically included, and how to budget so the project runs smoothly from start to finish.
How much does a full house renovation cost in London?
A full house renovation in London costs £1,500 to £3,500 per square metre in 2026, with mid-range work, including a new kitchen, bathrooms, full rewiring, replumbing, plastering and redecoration, typically falling between £1,200 and £1,800 per m². That puts the realistic budget for most London homes at £130,000 to £200,000. London carries a 25 to 40% premium over national averages due to higher labour rates, restricted site access, and parking and scaffold permits.
| Specification | Cost per m² |
|---|---|
| Basic refresh | £800 to £1,200 |
| Mid-range full refurbishment | £1,500 to £2,200 |
| High-end / structural changes | £2,500 to £3,500+ |
What does a full renovation include?
A complete whole-house renovation usually covers:
- New kitchen and bathrooms
- Full or partial rewiring and a new consumer unit
- New plumbing, heating and often a new boiler
- Plastering, flooring, joinery and decorating throughout
- Structural changes such as opening up the ground floor with an RSJ
- Roof, windows, insulation and damp works where needed
Room by room or all at once?
Renovating the whole house in one programme is usually more cost-effective and far quicker than doing it room by room, because the trades work in an efficient sequence and you only strip out and set up once. Phasing spreads the cost but increases the total and the disruption. We advise on the right approach for your budget and whether you plan to live in during the works.
Budgeting and contingency
The golden rule of older London homes is to expect surprises. Once walls and floors are opened up, issues such as outdated wiring, damp, rot or weak structure often appear. Always set aside a contingency of 10 to 15% on top of the build cost so the project can absorb these without painful compromises. A detailed, itemised quote and a single accountable contractor keep costs predictable.
GS Renovation delivers full house renovations across all of London. For a free, itemised quote, contact us or call 07472 424 226.