Cost of Rewiring a House in the UK (2025)
Rewiring a house is a significant investment but often unavoidable in older properties. Costs range from £3,000 for a small flat to over £12,000 for a large detached house.
What does a full house rewire involve?
A full rewire replaces all the electrical cables, sockets, switches, light fittings, and the consumer unit (fuseboard) in your home. The electrician will need to chase channels into walls and ceilings to run new cables, then make good the plasterwork afterwards. You will typically need to vacate the property for the duration — most electricians will not work around occupied rooms during a full rewire.
Do I need to rewire my house?
Signs that your wiring may need replacing include rubber-insulated or fabric-covered cables (pre-1960s), a fusebox with old-style rewirable fuses rather than modern circuit breakers, single-socket outlets throughout, round-pin sockets, or a failed Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). An EICR inspection costs £150–£300 and will tell you definitively whether a rewire is necessary.
How long does a rewire take?
A 2-bedroom flat typically takes 3–5 days. A 3-bedroom semi-detached house takes 5–10 days. Larger or older properties with more complex layouts can take 2 weeks or more. The electrician will also need to notify Building Control (or self-certify under a competent persons scheme) and provide an Electrical Installation Certificate on completion.
Getting quotes for a rewire
Always get at least three quotes from Part P registered electricians. Quotes can vary significantly — sometimes by 30–40% — for the same job. Make sure each quote includes making good the plasterwork, disposing of old materials, and providing the necessary certificates.
Cost Breakdown
All prices are indicative UK averages for 2025. Actual costs vary by location, specification, and contractor. London and South East rates are typically 20–35% higher.
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed flat / studio | £3,000 | £5,000 |
| 2-bed flat | £3,500 | £6,000 |
| 3-bed semi-detached | £4,500 | £8,000 |
| 4-bed detached | £7,000 | £12,000 |
| Consumer unit only | £400 | £700 |
| EICR condition report | £150 | £300 |
What Affects the Cost?
- ✓Size and age of property — older homes with original wiring take longer
- ✓Number of circuits, sockets, and light fittings required
- ✓Whether the property is occupied during the work
- ✓Ease of access to floor voids and roof spaces
- ✓Location — London and South East rates are typically 20–30% higher
- ✓Whether making good is included in the quote
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Post a Job — It's FreeFrequently Asked Questions
Can I live in my house during a rewire?
Most electricians recommend vacating the property. Power will be disconnected for extended periods, walls and ceilings will be opened up, and dust will be significant. For a partial rewire (one floor or specific circuits), it may be possible to stay.
Do I need planning permission to rewire my house?
No — rewiring does not require planning permission. However, the work must comply with Part P of the Building Regulations, which means it must be done by a registered electrician who can self-certify, or notified to your local Building Control.
How long does rewired wiring last?
Modern PVC-insulated wiring should last 25–40 years with no issues. The consumer unit may need upgrading before the wiring if it becomes obsolete, but good quality rewiring work should serve you for decades.
What happens after a rewire is complete?
The electrician will test all circuits, provide an Electrical Installation Certificate, and notify Building Control. You will then need a plasterer to make good the walls and ceilings where cables were chased in.