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myHow Much to Rewire a House?
At a Glance
- The average cost to rewire a house is around £5,500.
- Most jobs take 5 to 7 days, larger homes may require longer.
- NEW! Use our house rewire cost calculator for an instant estimate.
- The cost of rewiring a house in 2026 by property type and location.
- How long replacing your existing wiring system will take and what's involved.
- How to find a qualified electrician via MyJobQuote.
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Looking to find out the cost to rewire a house?
Rewiring a house is necessary if you have a faulty or outdated wiring system, and is also worth considering if you live in an older building.
The total cost to rewire a house in 2026 ranges between £2,500 and £11,000 depending on the size of property.
The illustration below provides a better idea of the total cost to rewire a house by comparing a range of homes:
What additional house rewiring costs are there?
Aside from its size, the cost of rewiring a house also depends on the following:
- Current condition of your electrical system.
- Supply cost and quality of new fittings and fixtures.
- Location of your property within the UK.
- How accessible the property and electrical circuits are.
- If there's more than one circuit or any special requirements.
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£5,500
Table of Contents
- How Much Does It Cost to Rewire a House?
- House Rewire Costs by Property Type
- External Wiring Costs
- Electrician Costs
- How Long Does it Take to Rewire a House?
- House Rewiring Material Costs
- What's Involved in Rewiring a House?
- Signs Your Home Needs a Rewire
- Checklist: Hiring an Electrician to Rewire a House
- FAQs
How Much Does It Cost to Rewire a House?
The average cost of rewiring a house can vary significantly.
The biggest cost drivers for house rewires include the size of your home, ease of access, and your fitting spec.
Let's start with an overview of the overall cost to rewire a house of different sizes.
House Rewire Prices
The below table shows the total average cost to rewire a house and other properties, based on standard fittings and requirements. However, the total house rewiring costs may vary between jobs depending on the extent of work needed.
| Property Size | Average Cost to Rewire |
|---|---|
| 1-bed flat | £3,200 |
| 2-bed flat / maisonette | £4,500 |
| 3-bed flat | £5,500 |
| Bungalow | £5,000 |
| 1-bed house | £4,000 |
| 2-bed house | £4,500 |
| 3-bed house | £6,500 |
| 4-bed house | £8,500 |
| 5-bed house | £10,500 |
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How much will it cost to rewire an average-sized semi-detached house? It's an old house and we think it's about time that it was looked at by an electrician.
"It will depend on the number of rooms and points that you have in each room, but you are looking at between £2,500 and £4,000 (depending on points and finish)."
What's Included in the Cost of Rewiring a House?
A full house rewire will usually include labour and materials, but this can vary between contractors, so it's always best to check.
A rewire quote will usually include:
- Removal of existing wiring and fittings, followed by the installation of new cabling throughout the home
- Installation of new sockets and switches (typically standard white finish unless otherwise specified)
- New consumer unit installation (if required and agreed beforehand)
- Labour for first fix
- Testing and certification
Your rewiring costs won't include any painting or decorating costs, full plastering, coving/skirting boards or flooring replacement.
Ready to get a rewiring quote? Fill in our cost calculator to get a closer idea of your costs!
House Rewire Cost Calculator
House Rewire Costs by Property Type
Below we take a look at the cost to rewire each property in more detail, including what influences rewiring costs along with several factors that may influence the end price:
Cost to Rewire a Bungalow
- Typical cost: £4,500 to £5,500.
- Why it costs this much: Although typically all on one level, a bungalow often has a larger floor area compared to the average flat, hence the higher rewiring costs.
- Costs can increase if: Access is difficult, extra circuits and fittings are required or the bungalow has an unusual layout.
Cost to Rewire a Flat or Maisonette
- Typical cost: £3,200 to £5,500.
- What makes it cheaper: Smaller properties = lower overall costs with fewer rooms, circuits, and shorter cable runs.
- How the price can increase: If ease of access is restricted, labour costs can rise.
Cost to Rewire a Terrace House
- Typical cost: £3,800 to £6,200.
- What can increase overall costs: Mid-terrace properties can be harder to access, which can lead to higher labour costs.
- Biggest cost driver: The condition and age of your current wiring. If a full replacement is required, expect costs to rise.
Cost to Rewire a Semi-Detached House
- Typical cost: £6,000 to £7,500.
- Why it's more expensive: Semi-detached properties typically have higher square footage than flats or terraced houses.
- Costs can rise even higher if: You choose to upgrade your consumer unit, or select premium fittings.
Cost to Rewire a Detached House
- Typical cost: £6,500 to £10,500.
- The high cost is due to: Significant floor area, more circuits, and longer cable runs.
How much does it cost to rewire a house that's around 8m²? I am purchasing a cottage and I think it needs a full rewire. I would also like some new sockets added, and some light fixtures moved/added.
"On average, I would say that between £4,200 and £5,200 for a basic rewire on a 2/3 bed property. This would include 3 sockets per room. I would definitely advise on getting multiple quotes and all should be coming to look at the job."
External Wiring Costs
As well as the interior of your home, you may also want your electrician to fit new external wiring for you.
External wiring is commonly used for:
- Security systems
- CCTV
- Outdoor lighting
- Automated doors/gates (such as driveways or garden gates)
Adding external wiring will add around £250 to £500 to your total rewiring bill.
Electrician Costs
The average labour only cost for an electrician is usually between £200 and £400 per day, with higher rates in London and the South East due to the higher cost of living. In most properties a full rewire can be carried out by a single electrician, although larger or more complex renovation work may require additional tradesmen, which can increase labour costs accordingly.
Below we take a look at the estimated labour only fees for rewiring a standard 3-bed house in the UK, by reviewing how much a rewiring project will cost in several major cities across the country. Please note this excludes any rewiring materials, such as electrical wires, fixtures and fittings or the supply of a modern consumer unit where required.
| Location | Estimated Labour Only Cost | Compared to National Average |
|---|---|---|
| London | £3,200–£4,400 | +25% |
| Bristol | £3,200–£3,850 | +16% |
| Leeds | £2,750–£3,400 | +2% |
| Birmingham | £2,750–£3,300 | −0% |
| Manchester | £2,750–£3,300 | −0% |
| Edinburgh | £2,750–£3,300 | −0% |
| Glasgow | £2,750–£3,300 | −0% |
| Liverpool | £2,600–£3,300 | −2% |
| Nottingham | £2,500–£2,750 | −14% |
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FYI - The cost of an electrical installation certificate may also be charged as extra.
Is there an easy way of telling whether my house needs rewiring? I suspect the electrics are quite old.
"The simplest answer, honestly, is to ask for an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report).
If you look at the fuseboard where the meters are, is it an old type with rewirable fuses instead of circuit breakers? Can you see the cables? If they are white or grey, you might get away with a fuseboard change. Are switches and sockets cracked or showing burn marks? These are some indicators.
An EICR should cost £100 to £150 and will give you a true assessment of the condition."
If you look at the fuseboard where the meters are, is it an old type with rewirable fuses instead of circuit breakers? Can you see the cables? If they are white or grey, you might get away with a fuseboard change. Are switches and sockets cracked or showing burn marks? These are some indicators.
An EICR should cost £100 to £150 and will give you a true assessment of the condition."
How Long Does it Take to Rewire a House?
The average house rewiring process can take around 4 to 7 days to complete.
However, as well as the property size and number of rooms, the total duration of a rewiring project can vary depending on whether a full or partial rewire is needed. Likewise, the number of plug sockets and power points can also impact the overall timeframe, along with replacing a consumer unit if required.
The below table is a rough guide based on a full rewire, with the assumption no additional electrical work is required.
| Property Size | Average Duration |
|---|---|
| 1-bed flat | 2–3 days |
| 2-bed flat / maisonette | 3–4 days |
| 3-bed flat | 4–5 days |
| Bungalow | 3–5 days |
| 1-bed house | 2–3 days |
| 2-bed house | 3–4 days |
| 3-bed house | 4–5 days |
| 4-bed house | 5–7 days |
| 5-bed house | 6–8 days |
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How long does a house rewire take? I have an old 3 bedroom and 2 bathroom Victorian house that needs rewiring and a new fuse box. I'd also appreciate any cost estimates.
"A house rewire for a three-bedroom Victorian house with two bathrooms could take around 7 to 10 days, depending on access and complexity. You're looking at roughly £6,500 to £8,000, especially if you're including a new consumer unit and modern fittings."
House Rewiring Material Costs
As well as labour fees, a rewiring project often comes with additional costs for materials aside from just the wire itself. For example, the likes of electrical sockets, light fittings, switches, and other electrical components - all of which can vary significantly in price.
If we were to look at a three-bedroom house being fully rewired, material costs for standard white plastic fittings will be around £1,050. Yet, for the same property premium quality components and a stylish finish for modern appliances can potentially increase the material cost to at least £2,000 or more.
This table outlines the cost ranges for standard rewire supplies:
| Supply | Typical Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plug sockets | £2.50 – £15 each | Price depends on finish (e.g., white plastic vs designer styles) |
| Light switches | £2 – £8 each | Available as single, double, or triple gang switches |
| Light fittings | £3 – £30 each | Can range from ceiling roses to pendant or feature lights |
| Electrical wiring (50m) | £25 – £35 | 1.5mm wire is used for the lighting system, and 2.5mm is used for the power distribution |
| Consumer unit (fuse box) | £50 – £90 | Unit cost only |
| Clips and conduit | £5 – £25 | Depends on routing and wall/floor construction |
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How can you save money on rewiring costs?
To save money on the supply costs, it's often cost-effective to ask your electrician to purchase all the fixtures and fittings on your behalf. This is due to the various costs involved and the fact they're more likely to be able to buy items at trade price.
If you do agree for your electrician to cover the additional costs, always ensure this is confirmed in writing as part of your agreed quote, in order to avoid being invoiced for any hidden costs that you weren't made aware of.
What's Involved in Rewiring a House?
It is not recommended to work on your own electrical system as any mistakes cannot only prove costly, but can also be highly dangerous. Hiring a fully qualified electrician will not only ensure compliance with any relevant Building Regulations, but they can also self-certify their electrical work (providing they're registered with a competent person scheme).
With the help of MyJobQuote you can find local and registered electricians in your area, requesting a number of quotes in the process. Furthermore, the experience is fast, free, and without any further obligations.
Below is a summary of what's usually involved in the rewiring process:
Before the Job
- Inspection of Existing Wiring — An electrician’s survey (around £150) can identify the condition of your current wiring, and if it needs replacing altogether or if a partial rewire is sufficient.
- Review of Fuse Box and Plug Sockets - They will also check if your fuse box needs updating with a modern consumer unit, and may also take a look at any plug sockets and switches.
- Power Turned Off — The power is safely isolated. Be mindful this will cause disruption around your home as you won't have any electricity until it is turned back on.
During the Job
- Electrical Installations - If the survey finds faulty wiring, old wires will be removed. This can involve chasing out cables or pulling them from their existing location before feeding through the replacement wiring.
- Fixtures and Components - Once wiring, sockets, switches, and light fittings are installed, replacing like-for-like components is usually relatively quick, although new fittings may take longer if additional work is required.
After the Job
- Testing - The electrician will then test the electrical system is working, is in compliance with UK building regulations and to ensure the work reaches modern safety standards.
- Certification - Finally, you will receive an official electrical installation certificate. Without this certification, selling your home later could require paying around £500 for a separate inspection by a test electrician.
What does it cost to rewire a two-bed bungalow with attached garage and conservatory?
"Hi standard cost to rewire a 2 bedroom bungalow is between £2000 to £ 2500 depending if plaster work has to be touched up if channels have been cut in walls or ceilings. It will need a look at 1st to give true quote"
Signs Your Home Needs a Rewire
If your electrical system is old, has faulty wiring, or is struggling to cope with your usage, you may need a rewire.
Here's what you should look out for:
- Fuses are blowing regularly or breakers are tripping.
- Crackling or buzzing noises around electrical equipment.
- Lights are flickering or dimming automatically.
- Discolouration or scorch marks around plug sockets and switches.
- You have an old fuse box/consumer unit or outdated wiring.
- Your electrics are over 25 to 30 years old.
- Following an EICR, your electrician recommends a rewire.
If you're planning an extension, renovation, or loft conversion you will need to contact your local building control authority. That's because there's more involved than just a full rewire, especially as you will be adding new power points and additional wiring, potentially across multiple floors.
The electrical wires in my fuseboard are red and black in colour. Is this old wiring? Do I need to have a rewire?
"Red and black cables predate 2004. So it could be fifteen years old or it could be fifty years old. It’s impossible to give advice beyond that. I have found fifty-year-old wiring in better condition than five-year-old wiring before.
Whether or not you need a rewire is impossible to advise simply based on your visual inspection. You should hire an electrician to carry out a full Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) to determine the suitability of your wiring for continued use."
Whether or not you need a rewire is impossible to advise simply based on your visual inspection. You should hire an electrician to carry out a full Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) to determine the suitability of your wiring for continued use."
Checklist: Hiring an Electrician to Rewire a House
Below are some questions to ask when looking to hire a professional electrician for your house rewiring:
- Do they have the right qualifications? As well as hands-on apprenticeships, other qualifications include Level 3 NVQs in Electrotechnical Services, Installing Electrotechnical Systems & Equipment, or a Diploma in Electrical Installations.
- Are they a registered electrician? Professional electricians should always be listed on a government-competent person scheme, and those who appear on the likes of Blue Flame Certification Certsure, BESCA or NAPIT are also able to self-certify their work.
- Are they fully insured? Most reputable tradesmen carry public liability insurance to cover personal injury or accidental property damage; they may also hold third-party liability.
- Do they have positive reviews? Online presence will prove valuable for customer feedback, or again check their MyJobQuote profile for any reviews.
- Have you seen examples of previous work? Check their MyJobQuote profile, online testimonials and their company website, or ask if they have a portfolio of work they can share.
- Do they offer any form of guarantees? Electrical rewiring should at least come with a guarantee that if any initial issues occur as a direct result of the rewiring work, they will be resolved at no extra cost.
- Do they offer an extended warranty? In addition to covering their initial work, some tradesmen may provide an additional guarantee, meaning they can also assist if any problems arise within a set timeframe.
- Have you received more than one quote? With the help of MyJobQuote it is strongly recommended to request at least three quotes from local electricians so you can gauge the best price for the work.
Can one rewire a property without pulling the floorboards up?
"You can rewire a property without pulling the floorboards up. It depends if you want the cables hidden i.e. chased into the wall or surface with mini trunking, but lifting the floorboards here and there saves you a lot of chasing out walls. It really depends what way you want to go about it"
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FAQs
Can I Rewire a House Myself?
No. Rewiring must comply with UK Building Regulations (Part P) and only a registered electricians can legally self-certify rewiring work. For safety and compliance, always hire a qualified, registered electrician for any electrical work in your home.
Can My House Be Rewired While I Am Still Occupying It?
Yes, many homeowners stay in their property during the rewiring process, although be aware your electricity will need to be shut off for the duration and until safe to turn it back on.
Should I Inform My Neighbours of My House Rewire Plans?
Although it isn't a legal requirement, it's always best to inform your neighbours of any plans to undertake refurbishment projects, largely due to the noise and any other disturbance it may cause.
Does House Rewiring Add Value to Your House?
Getting your home rewired will likely boost the value of your home if you're looking to sell it in the near future. It gives potential buyers confidence that the house is compliant with the latest standards.
My House Has Been Flooded. Do I Need to Rewire It?
If your electrical system has been flooded, you will likely need at least a partial rewiring, which should be assessed by an electrical survey costing around £150. If further flooding is expected, consider additional measures such as raising the consumer unit and plug sockets.
Do You Need Planning Permission To Rewire Your House?
No, you don’t normally require planning permission to rewire your house. The exception being if your property is a listed building or in a conservation area, in which case always contact your local authority before carrying out any electrical work.
Are There Any Building Regulations To Follow for a Full Rewire?
Yes. A full rewire (including your consumer unit) must comply with modern safety standards. The work must be certified by a fully qualified electrician, and in the event the work significantly changes the look of your property you may need to notify your local building control authority.
