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myHow Much to Rewire a House?
At a Glance
- The average cost to rewire a house is around £5,500.
- The rewiring process typically takes 5 to 7 days, larger homes may require longer.
- NEW! Use our house rewire cost calculator for an instant estimate.
- A breakdown of the average costs you can expect to pay for qualified electricians to replace your existing wiring system.
- How long it will take a local electrician to complete the electrical rewiring of various-sized homes (from a small flat or bungalow to a three-bedroom house).
- The warning signs that indicate when an electrical rewiring project needs to be explored.
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Looking to find out the cost to rewire a house?
Rewiring a house can be an expensive project, but it's necessary if you have a faulty or outdated wiring system. This is particularly worth considering if you live in an older property.
The total cost to rewire a house in 2026 typically ranges between £2,500 and £11,000, with the average cost now being around £5,500.
This is a wide price range as house rewiring costs are determined by the size of the home that requires new wiring.
The illustration below provides a better idea of the total cost to rewire houses of different sizes.
What else does house rewiring costs depend on?
Apart from the size of the property, the cost to rewire a property depends on the current state of the system, the standard of new fitting and fixtures you're after, and where you're located in the UK.
This guide to house rewiring costs breaks down everything you need to know — from the more significant factors that impact the price of house rewiring jobs to frequently asked questions from UK homeowners.
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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
- House Rewiring Building Regulations
- Can I Rewire a House Myself?
- 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
This table shows total average rewire costs with standard fittings for different property sizes.
| House Size | Average Rewire Cost |
|---|---|
| One-bed flat | £3,200 |
| Two-bed maisonette | £4,200 |
| Two-bed terraced house | £5,000 |
| Three-bed semi-detached house | £6,500 |
| Detached house with four bedrooms | £8,500 |
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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
Cost to Rewire a Flat, Bungalow, or Maisonette
- Typical cost: £2,800 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: Your property's existing wiring condition and age. If a full replacement is required, expect costs to rise.
Cost to Rewire a Semi-Detached House
- Typical cost: £6,200 to £7,800.
- 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 £10,000.
- 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 80SQM? 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
Labour costs for electricians are between £200 to £400 per day.
Rewiring a house is often done by a single qualified electrician.
You should budget for an extra electrician if: Your home has four bedrooms or more split across multiple levels, or if you're planning a large extension. Labour costs tend to be higher in the capital and larger cities within the UK.
How Long Does it Take to Rewire a House?
The average duration of a house rewire is around 7 days.
Your timeframe can increase or decrease based on:
- Your property size
- Complete or partial house rewire
- Whether any complications are found during the work
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 costs 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
Material costs for electrical sockets, light fittings, switches, and other electrical components can vary significantly.
That's because there's a lot of customisability (e.g. colour, shape, material, finish) that gives you the freedom to get the look and feel that you want. However, more premium materials will increase the final price of a house rewire.
For a two-bed medium terrace house being fully rewired, if basic quality white plastic fittings are used, material costs will be around £800.
But for the same property, yet with premium quality components with a stylish finish (such as brushed steel), material costs increase to £1,500 or more.
This table outlines the cost ranges for typical 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 |
How can you make supply costs more effective?
When purchasing components for a house rewiring, it's usually more cost-effective to ask the electrician to purchase what you want. They'll usually get better prices from suppliers as they purchase from them frequently.
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What's Involved in Rewiring a House?
Budgeting
The first step is going to be planning a budget.
This is a very important step, as there is no point in starting a project that you cannot afford to complete.
This guide to home rewiring costs is an excellent starting point - and will give you an idea of what you can expect the total costs to rewire will be, but also a breakdown of where that money will be going.
Planning
In the planning stages, you will need to decide on the amount of materials you need for each room and the style you want to have installed.
This will move you closer to understanding the total price of the materials needed to complete a rewiring job in your home.
Quotes
Not all electricians charge the same amount for the same jobs.
This makes it essential to get at least three quotes from three different electrical services businesses that are local to you.
If possible, getting up to six quotes will give you valuable insight into the price range offered by electricians within your area.
Price isn't everything though, and you want to consider each quote on its own merits.
Can work by a tradesperson be paid for over time, or must it be paid all at once?
"I think you would struggle to find a company that will allow you to do this. It depends on how big the job is though and how long it's going to take to complete. Most builders will allow stage payments, but not for less than £1,000, so it's pretty much job dependent."
Assessing the Existing Wiring and Components
Does the property really need to be rewired?
Before undergoing a full rewiring, it is always advisable to undertake an electrician's survey. The survey will cost you around £150.
This will tell you the standard of the existing wiring within your property, the age of the wiring, and any damage to the installation which will need attention (or replacement).
Installation of Wires
If the electrical survey has found that faulty wires require replacing, this is the stage in which the electrician will remove the old wires and install the new ones.
An electrical rewire is done in a variety of ways - from chasing out the old cables to pulling them from the spaces they run within. The new wires are then fed through the space where the original wires were fitted.
Component Fitting
Once the new wires have been fitted, it's time to install all of your materials (like the sockets, light fittings, and switches).
This should normally be a simple and quick process, as it's just a matter of replacing the original pre-existing components.
However, it'll take longer if new components are being installed, as they may need space to be cut into the walls and ceilings.
Testing the Installation
Once the house rewiring has been performed and the materials installed, it's necessary to have the installation tested.
This is most frequently done by the electrician who completed the house rewire and is critical to conform with building regulations in the UK.
The electrician will use specialist equipment to perform this test and then provide you with a certificate that you should keep somewhere safe.
If you fail to have the new rewiring tested and decide to sell your home in the future, then you will be required to pay a test electrician to do the same thing at an additional cost of around £500.
Is one coat plaster okay for patching walls after a house rewire?
"Yes, it's fine, but if the channels are wide deep, get some Carlite bonding to fill first. If you use plaster alone, it might get airline cracks. You can get both from any DIY store."
Signs Your Home Needs a Rewire
How do you know that you may need a total rewire for your property?
If your electrical system is old, faulty, or is struggling to cope with your usage, you may need a rewire.
Here's what you should look out for:
- Your fuses are blowing and breakers tripping regularly
- You can hear a crackling or buzzing noise around your electrical components or equipment
- Noticing flickering or dimming lights
- Visual cues such as discolouration or scorch marks around sockets and switches
- If you know you have an outdated fuse box
- If you have wires with rubber or woven fabric coatings rather than modern PVC
If you've noticed any of these, then you'll find your issues are often caused by faults within your existing electrical system.
They're a clear sign that something isn't right with your wiring, and that you require an electrician to take a closer look.
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."
However: It's possible you need a rewire even without the presence of any issues:
- If your electrics are over 25 to 30 years old
- If you're planning an extension, renovation, or loft conversion that may adjust your electrical usage
- If following an EICR, your electrician recommends a rewire
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."
House Rewiring Building Regulations
Do you need planning permission to rewire your house?
In short? No, you don't need planning permission to schedule and perform this sort of work.
However, you need to contact your local authority if you live in a listed building and are planning to have your house rewired (or any other electrical work done).
All other building regulations concerning electrical installations should be covered by a competent and qualified electrician, as this is something covered in their trade qualifications.
For example, final installation testing and certification of the completed work will be supplied by the electrician after the job is finished.
How can I tell or know if someone is competent to perform electric work in my house? Will they need some sort of certificate or qualification?
"The electrician should be registered with a governing body such as NICEIC, NAPIT or with other approved Part P scheme providers. This shows they have been assessed and deemed competent and qualified. Unfortunately, it doesn't always mean they are 100% competent, but it is a good basis to go by.
If they are registered, the work is backed by a warranty. It is simple to verify a contractor's status online or by phone. When they tell you who they are with, you can check that on the scheme's website to make sure.
You can also check reviews or ask for references. I personally don't have any issue providing references or showing photos of my work if asked, and I suspect anyone who does is probably worth avoiding."
If they are registered, the work is backed by a warranty. It is simple to verify a contractor's status online or by phone. When they tell you who they are with, you can check that on the scheme's website to make sure.
You can also check reviews or ask for references. I personally don't have any issue providing references or showing photos of my work if asked, and I suspect anyone who does is probably worth avoiding."
Can I Rewire a House Myself?
No, rewiring your home yourself is extremely dangerous and is not recommended.
- Rewiring work must comply with the Building Regulations, particularly Part P, which governs electrical safety in dwellings.
- Errors with electricity can have fatal consequences.
- Only registered electricians can self-certify the rewiring work.
Electrical systems should never be interfered with by anyone without the knowledge of the dangers involved. The smallest mistake can result in injury or death.
The best choice is to hire a registered and qualified electrician to undertake all electrical work within your home.
Checklist: Hiring an Electrician to Rewire a House
Below is an easy step-by-step guide for you to follow when seeking a professional electrician to carry out a property rewire:
- Look out for qualifications - You should be looking for Level 3 NVQs in Electrotechnical Services, Installing Electrotechnical Systems & Equipment, or a Diploma in Electrical Installations. Most electricians will complete an apprenticeship while continuing their studies.
- Check that they are registered with a government-competent person scheme - An important requirement for hiring an electrician is that they are registered with a government competent person scheme, such as BESCA, Blue Flame Certification Certsure, or NAPIT.
- Check what insurance the tradesperson has - Make sure they possess, at the least, third-party liability, which covers building work. At best, you want to find a tradesman who has personal injury, property damage, and work guarantee cover.
- Evidence of previous work is also important when hiring any tradesperson - If they have references from previous clients, photos, or a portfolio of their work, it will prove they are proud of the level of skill they can provide.
- Does the tradesman offer any form of guarantee for the work they are going to undertake? - Most will offer to make sure you are happy with the job before they finish. However, it can be worth looking for a tradesman who offers a five-year guarantee (or greater). This means that if any problems arise in the future due to any faults in their processes, they will fix their mistakes at no expense to you.
FAQs
How Disruptive Is Rewiring a House?
Rewiring a property is messy and disruptive work. Make sure you protect your furniture and other important items - or remove them completely if they're sensitive, valuable or sentimental.
Can My House Be Rewired While I Am Still Occupying It?
Yes, you can stay in the property while it is being rewired, although be aware you will be without electricity during the process as it needs to be shut off for the safety of the electrician working on the system.
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. In cases of major flood damage, rewiring parts of the installation is often necessary, and it’s wise to consider flood-proofing measures like raising the consumer unit and sockets or using waterproof equipment.
