Key Takeaways
- Water (wet) underfloor heating costs £70 to £110 per m² to install; electric systems £50 to £85 per m² (Checkatrade / GreenMatch, 2026).
- Electric systems suit small areas like bathrooms; wet systems suit whole floors and new extensions.
- Underfloor heating is best installed during a renovation or extension when floors are up.
- It frees wall space, gives even heat and pairs well with stone and tile floors.
- Wet systems are cheaper to run long term and work efficiently with modern boilers and heat pumps.
Underfloor heating delivers even, comfortable warmth and frees up wall space, which is why it is so popular in London kitchen and bathroom renovations. Here is what it costs in 2026, the difference between systems, and when to fit it.
How much does underfloor heating cost?
Installation costs depend on the system. Water (wet) underfloor heating costs £70 to £110 per m², while electric systems cost £50 to £85 per m², with retrofits at the higher end, according to Checkatrade and GreenMatch 2026 data.
| System | Install cost per m² | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Electric (dry) | £50 to £85 | Bathrooms, en-suites, small areas |
| Water (wet) | £70 to £110 | Whole floors, kitchens, extensions |
Electric vs water systems
Electric systems use heating mats or cables and are cheaper and simpler to install, ideal for a bathroom or en-suite floor, but cost more to run. Water systems circulate warm water through pipes in the floor build-up, cost more to install, but are cheaper to run and pair efficiently with modern boilers and heat pumps, making them the right choice for whole floors and new extensions.
When to install it
Underfloor heating is best installed when the floor is already up, during a renovation or in a new extension, because retrofitting into a finished room means lifting the floor and can raise the floor level. Planning it into a kitchen renovation, bathroom renovation or extension is the most cost-effective route.
The benefits
Beyond comfort, underfloor heating frees up wall space, distributes heat evenly with no cold spots, and works beautifully under the tile and stone floors common in London kitchens and bathrooms. For advice on the right system for your project, contact us or call 07472 424 226.