Yes, you have thought about it. The entire family can agree that you need a conservatory. Maybe you’ve dreamt of a conservatory as the place where you can sip a cup of coffee first thing in the morning. Or perhaps you can retire to it with your favourite book after work, escaping into a tranquil oasis.
A conservatory offers the best of both worlds: an extension to your home, while still letting you enjoy some of the garden. You’ve seen the models, and imagined the possibilities. You can get one that’s large enough for your current needs. One that you can even expand into when you need more space in the future.
It’s a great addition. But the question is: how much does a conservatory really cost today in the UK?
Prices can vary dramatically, for many good reasons. Size and style, materials, finishes, your location and more all play a role in what you pay. In this guide, we’ll run through current prices, what you can expect to pay (and why) and how you can budget and plan to avoid overspending. There is no need to look any further for your conservatory cost guide.
Types of Conservatories
First things first: what actually is a conservatory?
A conservatory is an extension room which usually has a glass-walled construction. It attaches to the rear or side of your home and allows in large amounts of natural light. There are different types of conservatory you can choose from, based on shape and the era the building was in vogue.
The most basic conservatories are lean-tos, with sloped roofs and contemporary, streamlined designs. Victorian conservatories have elegant, sloped front bays. Edwardian or gable-end conservatories have a squared-off shape and roof for a more uniform look. Some orangeries even feature more enclosed, solid designs with brick pillars and solid roofing or glazing that often make them appear like an extension.
Conservatory Prices UK
There is no straightforward answer to how much a conservatory costs in the UK. For a simple, small uPVC lean-to conservatory, the starting price can be as little as £9,000 to £11,500. This will provide a small, basic, no-frills conservatory but you won’t be compromised on functionality.
If you prefer more character in the design, such as a Victorian or Edwardian style, you can expect to pay closer to £12,000 to £18,000.
Moving into larger sized or more customised conservatories – with specialist features like underfloor heating, bespoke design and upgraded glass for energy efficiency – then the price can quickly soar to £30,000 to £50,000. Premium conservatories with bespoke brickwork and solid roofing (think skylights, orangeries, bi-fold doors) can easily hit £60,000 and above.
However, average UK conservatory prices today fall in the £15,000 to £25,000 range. This will get you a mid-range conservatory that is well-built, with good materials and reliable standard glazing and glass roofing (alternatively tiled, if you go upmarket). Costs rise and fall for many reasons, but size is the biggest. Larger conservatories cost more, by and large.
Installation & Extras
Labour and installation costs also depend on where you live. A conservatory is more expensive to build in London or the South East than in the North of the country, for example. Regional differences in cost can range from 10 to 20 percent.
Extra costs are associated with custom features, too. Electric underfloor heating, blinds for the roof, plastered interior walls, integrated lighting or internal/external structure knock-throughs can add on several thousand pounds each. And if you are altering or removing an existing exterior wall to open up your conservatory to the rest of your home, you may need to work with building control and a structural engineer, with associated fees.
Site preparation and groundwork are also factored in, which will cost extra if there is existing drainage to remove, or if the site requires additional foundation work. If you have a sloped or uneven garden, the labour is greater and so is the price.
Extension vs Conservatory Costs
Generally speaking, a conservatory is cheaper than a brick extension. In fact, the average cost per square metre of a conservatory is £1,300 to £1,500, while the average cost per square metre of a single-storey extension is £2,000 to £3,500.
However, a traditional extension will provide more thermal efficiency and year-round usability. You can more than recoup the higher initial costs with the value extensions add to a property. A high quality extension can add 10 to 15 percent value to your home. Conservatories will still add value (5 to 7 percent on average), but extensions increase value more.
So, in some ways, a conservatory costs less and in other ways it costs more. You need to decide what kind of space you want – and how long you are planning to stay in the property – before making a decision.
Conservatory Roof Prices by Size
Still not sure which type of roof to go with? Wondering whether to replace your existing conservatory roof with an upgrade? Confused about pricing by square footage? Compare Companies breaks it all down for you.
It can be especially helpful if you’re retrofitting a roof or need to replace your existing one. It’s not just a great reference to see what each option costs by size. You’ll also get a much better idea of what to expect, and what a good price should look like when you approach conservatory roof installers for a quote.
Planning Permission and Building Regulations
Planning permission is often not necessary for conservatories (but you do need to check your council’s permitted development rules). These rules often dictate how large the conservatory can be and how far it can extend towards your property boundaries, among other things.
Of course, if you live in a conservation area or a listed building, or you want to make structural changes to the main building (such as removing walls to create a larger open plan space), then you will need planning permission and building regulations approval. Always best to check with your local council.
How To Save Money on Conservatory Costs
You can save money without skimping on quality. Always get multiple quotes and, ideally, from both national companies and local builders. Compare what each offers to get a good feel for what is a reasonable price.
Self-build conservatory kits are another option that will save you between 30 and 50 percent. They come with detailed instructions and full plans, but unless you’re confident in your abilities and have the time and patience, it’s best to hire a professional.
Be wary of very low prices, too. If a company quotes you a great starting price, make sure you’re not being charged extra for insulation, electrics, flooring and other additional items which are often included in the costs of other companies.
In Summary
A conservatory is one of those extensions which really does enhance your home. You get that extra space which helps to make a home less cramped and busy. It offers a fresh and calming place to spend time in and enjoy, thanks to the additional natural light it brings and a garden view.
With the right research and planning, and a realistic understanding of current costs, your conservatory dreams can become a sunny, peaceful reality that is just outside your back door.
