How much does house rewiring cost in the UK?

House rewiring costs in the UK typically range from £3,000 to £9,000. The exact cost depends on your property size, age, and whether you need a full or partial rewire.

Here is a quick breakdown by property size:

• 1 bedroom flat rewiring cost will be £1,500 to £3,000
• 2 bedroom house rewiring cost will be  £2,500 to £4,500
• 3 bedroom house rewiring cost will be £3,000 to £6,000
• 4 bedroom house rewiring cost will be £5,000 to £8,000
• 5 bedroom house rewiring cost will be £7,000 to £9,000 and above

These figures include labour and new cabling. London and South East rates are typically 20 to 30 percent higher than the UK average.

Full rewire vs partial rewire: what is the difference?

A full house rewire replaces all electrical wiring throughout the property. This includes every socket, switch, light fitting, cable, and the consumer unit (fuse box). It is the most thorough option and is recommended when your home is over 25 years old or has never been rewired.

A partial rewire targets specific circuits or rooms where wiring is damaged, unsafe, or outdated. It costs less upfront but may not resolve all underlying issues. Your electrician will advise which option is right for your property after an inspection.

Full rewire typical cost: £3,000 to £9,000
Partial rewire typical cost: £500 to £2,500 depending on scope

Is it worth rewiring an old house?

Yes — almost always. If your home is over 25 years old and has never been rewired, the wiring may be unsafe and non-compliant with current UK electrical regulations.

Signs your home may need rewiring:

• Flickering or dimming lights
• Burning smell from sockets or switches
• Old round-pin plug sockets
• Fuse box with no RCD protection
• Discoloured or scorched sockets
• Frequently tripping circuits

Outdated wiring is one of the leading causes of house fires in the UK. It also fails Part P electrical compliance checks, which are required when selling a property. Rewiring an old house protects your family, adds value to the property, and removes a common reason for failed surveys.

What factors affect your rewiring cost?

Several factors influence the final cost of a house rewire:

Property size

 More rooms means more circuits, more cabling, and more labour hours. A 5 bedroom house takes significantly longer to rewire than a 2 bedroom flat.

Property age

Older homes often have more complex wiring to remove. Properties built before 1970 may have rubber-insulated cables that require careful handling.

Full vs partial rewire

 A full rewire costs more upfront but is often more cost-effective in the long run. A partial rewire may need to be extended later.

Location

 London and South East labour rates are 20 to 30 percent higher than the national average. Rural areas may also carry additional call-out charges.

Access difficulty

 Properties with solid walls, tight floor spaces, or complex layouts take longer to rewire, increasing labour costs.

Consumer unit upgrade

 If your fuse box also needs replacing, this adds £300 to £500 to the overall cost but is often done at the same time.

How long does a house rewire take?

A full house rewire typically takes 5 to 10 days depending on property size:

• 1 to 2 bedroom property — 3 to 5 days
• 3 bedroom house — 5 to 7 days
• 4 to 5 bedroom house — 7 to 10 days

You may need to vacate the property during the work as power will be off for extended periods. Your electrician will advise on access requirements before starting.

Can you get a grant for house rewiring?

Yes. Several UK schemes offer free or subsidised rewiring for eligible households:

ECO4 scheme

 The UK government’s Energy Company Obligation scheme funds electrical and energy improvements for low-income households in energy-inefficient homes. Eligibility is based on household income and your property’s EPC rating.

Local council grants

 Many local authorities offer home improvement grants that cover electrical work. Contact your local council to check what is available in your area.

British Gas and energy supplier schemes

 Some energy suppliers including British Gas run rewiring assistance programmes for qualifying customers. Check directly with your supplier.

Warm Homes Local Grant

 Launched in 2025, this scheme helps homeowners and private renters with low incomes fund energy efficiency improvements including electrical upgrades.

To check your eligibility, contact your energy supplier or visit the government’s Help for Households page.

What does a house rewire include?

A full house rewire typically covers:

• Removal of all old wiring and cables
• Installation of new cables throughout the property
• New sockets and light switches in every room
• New consumer unit (fuse box) with RCD protection
• New light fittings where required
• Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) on completion
• Part P building regulations sign-off certificate

Your electrician should be NICEIC or NAPIT registered. This ensures the work meets UK safety standards and that you receive a valid completion certificate.

Frequently asked questions

How accurate is an online rewire calculator?