New Windows Cost

How Much Do New Windows Cost by Material?

The material you choose for your window frames is the biggest factor influencing the total cost. uPVC is the most popular and affordable option, while timber frames are a premium choice.

The prices in this section reflect the total cost, including materials and professional installation, for a standard double-glazed casement window.

uPVC Window Costs

uPVC windows are the most popular and affordable option in the UK. A typical white uPVC casement window costs between £350 to £550 including fitting. Coloured or woodgrain-effect finishes, such as anthracite grey, tend to be 10% to 20% more.

uPVC offers excellent energy efficiency and is almost maintenance-free, as it never needs repainting. It’s the best-value choice for most homes and provides strong thermal and acoustic performance.

Aluminium Window Costs

Aluminium windows offer a sleek, contemporary appearance with slim sight-lines and outstanding durability. Expect to pay around £600 to £850 per window, including installation. Their inherent strength allows for larger panes and slimmer frames than uPVC.

Aluminium is ideal for modern homes and extensions, and while it costs roughly 25% more than uPVC, it offers excellent longevity with minimal maintenance. Powder-coated finishes are available in a wide range of colours.

Timber Window Costs

Timber frames bring a warm, natural look that suits traditional or period properties. Prices typically range from £750 to £1,100 per window, including fitting. Softwood options like pine are at the lower end, while hardwoods such as oak can exceed £1,200.

Timber requires more upkeep, including periodic repainting or varnishing, but can last for 40 years or more with proper care. It’s a premium option but one that adds timeless character and authenticity to a property.

Composite Window Costs

Composite windows combine the benefits of multiple materials, typically featuring a warm timber interior bonded to a strong, weather-resistant aluminium exterior. This hybrid design provides the natural look of wood inside the home with the durability of metal outside.

Prices usually range from £900 to £1,500 per window, including professional installation. Although they are the most expensive option, composite frames deliver exceptional longevity, excellent thermal and acoustic insulation, and require virtually no exterior maintenance. They are a choice if you're looking for top-tier performance with premium aesthetics.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

When choosing new windows, you may also want to considering the environmental impact of the materials as well as the cost.

uPVC windows are popular for their low maintenance and energy efficiency, but they’re made from plastic and can be harder to recycle at end of life. Modern manufacturers are improving this, with some now using recycled uPVC profiles.

Aluminium windows have a much higher initial energy cost to produce, but they’re extremely durable and 100% recyclable, often being reused multiple times without losing strength. Timber remains the most sustainable option overall when sourced responsibly, as it’s renewable, biodegradable, and offers excellent natural insulation.

Composite frames can also be an eco-conscious choice, combining materials for long lifespan and low maintenance, reducing the need for replacements over time. Whichever option you choose, energy-efficient glazing and professional installation will have the biggest impact on lowering your home’s carbon footprint.

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How Much Do New Windows Cost by Style?

After the frame material, the style of the window is the next biggest factor affecting the price. More complex designs cost more than simple ones. All prices below are average fitted costs for a standard-sized (approx. 900 x 1200mm), double-glazed window in white uPVC unless stated otherwise.

Casement Window Costs

Casement windows are the UK's most common and generally most affordable style. They are hinged on one side (or the top) and swing outwards. A typical white uPVC casement window costs between £350 to £550, including fitting.

Sash Window Costs

Sash windows feature one or two panels that slide vertically. They are popular in traditional and period properties but are more complex and therefore more expensive than casement windows. Expect to pay around £700 to £1,100 per uPVC sash window, installed. Timber sash windows are significantly more, often starting around £1,500 fitted.

Bay Window Costs

Bay windows project outwards from the house, usually consisting of three or more window panels. They create a sense of space and allow more light into a room but are one of the most expensive styles due to their size and structural requirements. A 3-section uPVC bay window typically costs from £1,500 to £2,500 fitted.

Tilt and Turn Window Costs

These versatile windows offer two opening functions: tilting inwards from the top for secure ventilation or opening fully inwards like a door for easy cleaning. They are slightly more expensive than standard casement windows, costing around £500 to £700 per window fitted.

Velux Window Costs

Velux is a leading brand of roof window, designed for loft conversions or extensions with sloping roofs. The cost varies significantly based on size, opening mechanism (manual, electric, solar), and the complexity of the roof work required. Velux windows typically costs from £650 to £1,100 supplied and fitted. Larger or automated models can cost considerably more.

Glazing Costs: Double vs. Triple vs. Secondary

The type of glazing you choose significantly affects your window's thermal insulation, noise reduction capabilities, and overall cost. Here's a breakdown of the main options:

This table summarises the key differences in cost and performance between the glazing types.

Double Glazing Costs (Standard)

Double glazing is the UK standard for new window installations. It uses two panes of glass separated by an insulating air or argon gas layer. A standard white uPVC double-glazed casement window costs around £350 to £550 fitted.

Modern double glazing can reduce heat loss by up to 50% compared to single glazing, with typical U-values between 1.4 and 1.6 W/m²K. It also helps cut outside noise and lower energy bills, saving the average semi-detached home around £150 to £200 per year in heating costs.

Triple Glazing Costs

Triple glazing adds a third pane of glass and an additional insulating gap, improving both thermal and acoustic performance. It’s the most energy-efficient option, with U-values as low as 0.8 to 1.0 W/m²K.

A comparable triple-glazed uPVC window typically costs between £550 to £900 fitted, depending on the frame material and glass specification. While the upfront cost is higher, it’s ideal for cold climates or north-facing rooms where heat retention is critical. However, the extra weight can require stronger frames or reinforced hinges.

Secondary Glazing Costs

Secondary glazing is a retrofit option, installed inside existing windows to create a large insulating air gap. It’s often the best solution for listed buildings or conservation areas where replacing original frames isn’t allowed.

Secondary glazing costs around £300 to £500 per window opening fitted. It provides surprisingly strong thermal performance (U-values around 1.8–2.0 W/m²K) and is especially effective at reducing noise. In fact, the wider gap between the panes often delivers better soundproofing than standard double glazing.

New Window Costs by House Size

To help you budget for the whole project, understanding how costs scale with property size and material choice is crucial. The benchmark figure for replacing all 8-10 windows in a typical 3-bedroom semi-detached house with standard white double glazed uPVC is around £3,750.

The table below provides estimated total costs (including fitting) for replacing all windows in across different housing types. Remember these are estimates; the exact number of windows, sizes, style choices, and your location will influence the final quote.

Should You Hire a Window Fitter or a Joiner?

For most standard window installation projects, a dedicated window fitter or a window fitting company is the right choice. They specialise in efficiently installing standard-sized uPVC, aluminium, and composite windows. Most reputable fitters are also FENSA registered, meaning they can self-certify that the installation complies with building regulations, saving you a separate inspection.

Their quotes typically include the window, materials, and labour as a single price per window.

You should hire a joiner if your project involves timber windows or requires custom work. Joiners are woodworking specialists, making them the ideal choice for fitting traditional wooden frames, creating bespoke windows for non-standard openings, or repairing existing timber frames.

Unlike window companies, joiners usually charge a day rate for their labour, with materials sourced separately. The average cost of a joiner is around £200 to £300 per day.

Window Fitting Labour Costs

Window fitters in the UK typically include labour costs in the total new window price that you're quoted by them. Installing new windows usually follows a consistent process, so tradespeople tend to be comfortable with quoting homeowners a fixed price per window.

If the quote is structured this way, then you can expect around 20% to 30% of the total cost of new windows to be labour costs.

This puts the average cost of window fitting labour per window at between £100 to £150. This figure contributes to the overall window installation cost.

In some cases, you may instead be quoted a day rate for window fitting labour costs. It's less common, but it might be the case if you're negotiating with a sole trader or your project is complex or unusual.

The average window fitting day rate is between £175 to £300, which equates to about £20 to £40 per hour for a standard workday. Labour costs can be higher in London and the South East compared to other regions.

Keep in mind: Window fitting is usually carried out by a team of two people for efficiency and safety. Therefore, the total daily labour cost for the team would typically be double the individual rate, ranging from £350 to £600.

Additional Costs When Fitting New Windows

While quotes for new windows often include standard fitting and materials, several additional costs might arise depending on your specific project. It's wise to factor these possibilities into your budget:

Scaffolding Hire

If you live in a multi-storey property or access to some windows is difficult, scaffolding will likely be required for safety. The cost of hiring scaffolding can add several hundred pounds per week to your project, although sometimes a smaller tower scaffold might suffice.

Windowsill Replacement

Fitting new windows is the perfect time to replace old, damaged, or rotten windowsills, especially timber ones. The cost to replace windowsills averages around £175 each but varies significantly depending on the material (uPVC, wood, stone).

Plastering

Removing old window frames can sometimes cause minor damage to the surrounding plasterwork on internal walls. You may need to budget for a plasterer to 'make good' these areas after the new windows are fitted. This could cost around £35 to £40 per hour.

Painting & Decorating

Following the installation and any necessary plaster repairs, you will likely need to redecorate the internal window reveals (the area around the window frame) and potentially touch up paintwork externally.

Waste Disposal / Skip Hire

Most reputable window companies will include the removal and responsible disposal of your old windows in their quote. However, always confirm this. If not included, you may need to arrange for disposal or hire a small skip, which could cost £100 to £200.

Upgraded Glass

Standard quotes are for energy-efficient double glazing. Upgrades like triple glazing, acoustic glass (for noise reduction), toughened safety glass, or solar control glass will increase the cost per window.

Enhanced Hardware

While standard handles and locks are included, you might choose to pay extra for premium finishes (e.g., chrome handles), enhanced security locks, or specific types of trickle vents.

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How Long Does Window Fitting Take?

The average window fitting team can replace around 4 to 6 standard-sized windows per day. This means that a window fitting team can usually complete one window replacement for every 1 to 2 hours on a job.

This estimate assumes that your windows are easily accessible, no complications arise, and no custom work is required.

The time required to replace all your windows depends mainly on the number of windows and the complexity of the job. For example, completing a full installation for the average 3-bedroom semi-detached house usually takes between 2 to 3 days. Here's a more detailed look at typical timeframes for different property sizes:

It can take up to a week to install new windows in a larger property, as there are not only more windows, but a higher number of bigger windows, which tend to take longer for a specialist to install.

Complex installations, such as large bay windows, multi-storey work requiring scaffolding, or non-standard openings, will naturally take longer than simple ground-floor casement replacements.

Building Regulations and Planning Permission for New Window Installations

All new window installations in England and Wales must comply with the following key regulations:

• Thermal Performance: Windows must achieve a minimum energy efficiency rating of 'C' or above (usually a U-value of 1.6 W/m²K or better).
• Safety Glass: Toughened or laminated safety glass is required in areas where there’s a risk of impact, such as near doors, stairways, or low-level glazing.
• Ventilation: Trickle vents or equivalent ventilation must be included in habitable rooms to maintain air quality and reduce condensation.
• Fire Escape Windows: In certain rooms, particularly bedrooms on upper floors, windows must open wide enough to serve as an emergency escape route.

The best way to ensure compliance is to hire a registered installer who can self-certify the installation and provide a compliance certificate once the work is complete.

Always keep your FENSA or Building Control certificate in a safe place, you’ll need it if you decide to sell your property, as it proves the installation meets building regulations.

Planning Permission for Windows

Planning permission is generally not required for straightforward window replacements if they are similar in appearance to the originals. This falls under 'Permitted Development' rights.

However, you will likely need planning permission if:

• You live in a listed building.
• You live in a conservation area (restrictions often apply to materials and styles).
• You live in a property with an Article 4 direction removing permitted development rights.
• You are creating a new window opening that wasn't there before.
• You are installing a bay window where there wasn't one previously.
• The new windows are significantly different in appearance from the originals (especially on the principal elevation facing a highway).

If any of these apply, or if you are unsure, contact your local council's planning department before starting any work.

Key Factors When Choosing New Windows

Choosing new windows involves more than just picking a style and material. Several key performance factors will influence your comfort, security, and the final quote you receive. Considering these aspects upfront will help you get the right windows for your home and budget.

Energy Efficiency

New windows in the UK come with a Window Energy Rating (WER) shown on a rainbow label, similar to those on appliances .

Ratings range from A++ (most efficient) down to G. Higher-rated windows (typically A or above) provide better thermal insulation, reducing heat loss in winter and keeping your home cooler in summer. While A++ windows might have a slightly higher upfront cost, they can lead to greater savings on your energy bills over the window's lifespan.

Look for windows with low U-values (a measure of heat loss) and consider options with warm edge spacer bars and argon gas fillings for optimal performance.

Security Features

Modern replacement windows are designed with security in mind, offering significant improvements over older frames and locks. The most secure options are those tested to British Standards, particularly PAS 24, which verifies that the complete window unit, including frames, locks, and glazing, can resist common burglary techniques such as forced entry or levering.

When comparing quotes, ask installers which security features are included as standard. Common upgrades include:

• Multi-point locking systems: Secure the window at several points along the frame, all operated by a single handle. They make it much harder to force the sash open compared to older single-latch locks.
• Internally beaded glazing: Holds the glass unit in place from the inside, preventing anyone from removing the pane from outside the property.
• Key-lockable handles: Provide extra protection, allowing you to lock windows shut when away or at night.
• Reinforced or steel-core frames: Found on some premium uPVC and aluminium models, these offer extra rigidity against impact or tampering.

Most windows include several of these features as standard, but higher-spec systems, particularly those with laminated glass or specialist locking hardware can add around £50 to £150 per window to the overall replacement cost. For peace of mind, look for products certified by the Secured by Design scheme, which recognises windows meeting police-endorsed security standards.

Glass Options

While energy-efficient double glazing is standard, you can choose specialist glass types depending on your needs. Each type has its own performance benefits and cost implications:

• Triple glazing: Offers maximum thermal efficiency, reducing heat loss by up to 50% compared to standard double glazing. It adds noticeable weight and typically costs £150 to £250 per window more than standard double glazing.
• Acoustic glass: Features a special interlayer designed to reduce noise transmission, ideal if you live near a busy road or airport. Expect to pay £80 to £150 extra per window.
• Laminated glass: Contains a thin plastic interlayer that holds the glass together if broken, improving both safety and security. It usually adds around £60 to £120 per window.
• Toughened safety glass This is designed to shatter into small, blunt pieces when broken. It’s required by building regulations in areas such as doors, bathrooms, and low-level glazing, typically adding £40 to £100 per window.
• Solar control glass Has a special coating to reduce solar heat gain, helping prevent overheating in conservatories or south-facing rooms. It usually costs £70 to £130 more per window.
• Obscure glass Often used for privacy in bathrooms, is available in a range of patterns and textures. Prices generally add £30 to £60 per window depending on the pattern and finish.

Specialist glass types can significantly enhance comfort, safety, and energy performance, but they will increase the overall cost per window. Choosing the right option depends on your home’s location, layout, and individual priorities.

Ventilation

Building regulations require adequate ventilation in homes to prevent condensation and maintain air quality. Most new windows achieve this through trickle vents, small, controllable slots usually located at the top of the frame that allow background airflow even when the window is closed.

Standard trickle vents are typically included as part of the installation cost, though higher-end models or specific finishes may add around £10 to £25 per window. You can also opt for different designs:

• Standard plastic trickle vents: The most common and affordable option, usually included in the window price.
• Colour-matched or metal-finish vents Designed to blend with coloured frames or modern aluminium windows; typically cost £10 to £20 extra per window.
• Acoustic trickle vents: Ideal for properties near busy roads or airports, designed to reduce sound transmission while maintaining airflow; usually add £20 to £40 per window.

Homes with particularly poor ventilation or persistent condensation issues may benefit from mechanical ventilation systems. These are more advanced (and expensive) options, often costing several hundred pounds per room, but they can significantly improve air quality and reduce damp.

Discussing these options with your installer ensures your quotes reflect not only the right window style but also the ventilation performance your home needs.

Can You Install New Windows Yourself?

It’s technically possible to fit new windows yourself, but it’s not generally recommended unless you have professional-level experience.

Installing windows requires precision, as even small mistakes in alignment or sealing can lead to serious issues such as leaks, draughts, and heat loss.

Incorrect installation can also invalidate product warranties and prevent your windows from meeting building regulations, which could affect your home’s energy rating and resale value.

For most homeowners, opting for a professional window installation by a FENSA or Certass-registered installer is the safest option to ensure compliance and long-term performance.

If you’re looking to reduce overall costs, you can still take on some of the preparation work. Removing the old frames and clearing the area before your installer arrives can help speed up the job and lower labour costs slightly.

Ultimately, the risks associated with DIY often outweigh the potential savings. The peace of mind that comes from a guaranteed, regulation-compliant professional window installation is usually worth the investment.

Checklist: Hiring a Window Fitter in the UK

Ready to hire a local window fitter? Here's what you should keep in mind:

• Are they qualified? Check that your fitter has recognised qualifications or is registered with a professional body such as FENSA, Certass, or BM TRADA. This ensures the installer meets current building regulations for energy efficiency and safety.
• Do they have insurance? Make sure your fitter holds public liability insurance (typically £1 million or more) to cover accidental damage or injury during the job. Ask to see proof before work begins.
• Can they provide references? Ask for examples of previous installations, especially for similar property types or window styles. Reputable fitters will be happy to share photos or customer feedback.
• Have they provided a written quote? Always request a detailed written quote outlining materials, labour, VAT, and any optional extras like coloured frames or upgraded glazing. Avoid paying large deposits upfront.
• Are the product specifications clear? Check that your quote includes details of the exact products being fitted, such as frame material, glazing type, energy rating, and locking systems. This ensures you’re comparing like-for-like between quotes.
• Will they register your installation? FENSA and Certass-registered installers can self-certify your new windows and issue a certificate to confirm compliance with building regulations. If your fitter isn’t registered, you’ll need to arrange inspection through your local council instead.
• Do they offer a warranty? Look for companies that include a written guarantee on both the frames and glazing, ideally backed by an insurance policy. Most reputable installers offer at least a 10-year warranty.
• Are payment terms clear? Confirm when and how payments are due. Avoid paying the full amount upfront — a small deposit (typically 10% to 25%) is standard, with the balance due after completion and satisfaction checks.
• Are they clear about timescales? Confirm how long the installation will take, including lead times for manufacturing the windows. A typical replacement window job takes one to two days for a full house.

Following these steps will help you choose a qualified, fully insured window fitter who offers value, compliance, and peace of mind.

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