A new kitchen in the UK can cost from approximately £5,000 for a straightforward budget replacement to more than £50,000 for a large, high-specification renovation. A complete professionally managed project involving new units, worktops, appliances, fitting and associated building work often costs considerably more than the kitchen showroom price alone.
The eventual cost depends on the layout, number of cabinets, installation method, appliances, worktop material and whether plumbing, electrical services or walls need to be moved. For this reason, homeowners should compare quotes using an identical design and specification rather than relying on a single national average.
What Is the Average Cost of a New Kitchen in the UK in 2026?
The phrase “new kitchen cost” can describe several very different projects. Replacing cabinet doors and worktops is not comparable with stripping out a room, changing its layout and installing new services.
The following ranges are practical planning estimates rather than fixed supplier prices:
| Type of Kitchen Project | Typical 2026 Planning Range | What It May Include |
| Cosmetic kitchen update | £2,500–£6,000 | Replacement doors, handles, paint, basic worktop or splashback |
| Budget kitchen replacement | £5,000–£12,000 | Standard units, laminate worktop, basic appliances and straightforward fitting |
| Mid-range fitted kitchen | £12,000–£25,000 | Better cabinetry, integrated appliances, improved lighting and professional installation |
| Full kitchen renovation | £25,000–£45,000 | Strip-out, units, worktops, appliances, fitting and some plumbing or electrical changes |
| Premium or bespoke renovation | £45,000–£80,000+ | Bespoke joinery, premium appliances, stone surfaces and structural alterations |
These categories overlap because suppliers do not all quote on the same basis. A £10,000 “kitchen price” may cover cabinets and worktops only, while a £30,000 renovation quote may include demolition, labour, VAT, flooring, decorating and new electrical circuits.
What Does Current Project Data Show?
One of the more substantial 2026 datasets comes from Beams, which analysed 1,461 kitchen projects priced between January and July 2026. Its reported typical complete project cost was approximately £34,400 including VAT, rising to around £36,600 in London.
Those figures should not be confused with the price of cabinets from a kitchen retailer. They relate to broader renovation projects and may include construction, installation and professional project costs.
Which? has also used licensed BCIS construction data and a survey of 541 members, as well as separate mystery-shopping and appliance-testing exercises. These different methods help explain why its figures may not match supplier advertisements or builder estimates.
No single official UK government statistic tracks the average price of a kitchen renovation. Any article presenting one exact national figure without explaining what is included should therefore be treated cautiously.
Why Do Kitchen Cost Estimates Vary So Much Online?
Published figures can range from £5,000 to £80,000 because different estimates measure different things.
A kitchen retailer may advertise the price of a selected cabinet range without appliances, worktops or fitting. A fitter may quote for labour only. A main contractor may provide one figure covering the entire renovation, including VAT, removal, electrical work, plumbing, flooring and decoration.
The main reasons estimates disagree are:
- Different project scopes
- VAT being included in some figures but excluded from others
- Cabinet-only prices being compared with complete renovation costs
- Discounts changing between showrooms and customers
- Labour, appliances and worktops being excluded from advertised prices
- Linear-metre, square-metre and whole-project prices being mixed together
Before comparing two quotes, place every cost into the same categories. If one quote does not identify installation, appliances, waste removal and VAT separately, it is not yet suitable for a like-for-like comparison.
How Much Does a Kitchen Cost by Layout?
Layout can predict the final price more accurately than floor area alone. A compact U-shaped kitchen may require more cabinets, corners and worktop joins than a larger single-wall design.
The following figures were reported from the Beams dataset of 1,461 priced projects:
| Kitchen Layout | Reported Typical Project Cost | Why the Cost Changes |
| Single-wall kitchen | £28,000 | One main run of cabinets and fewer corners |
| Galley kitchen | £33,000 | Two cabinet runs and a greater number of units |
| L-shaped kitchen | £36,000 | More worktop, a corner unit and possible service changes |
| U-shaped kitchen | £42,000 | Three fitted sides, corner mechanisms and more cabinetry |
| Kitchen with an island | £54,000 | Extra cabinets, worktop and potentially new plumbing or electrics |
These are complete-project benchmarks rather than retail cabinet prices. A simple flat-pack galley kitchen installed without changing the services could cost substantially less.
Single-Wall Kitchens
A single-wall design usually offers the lowest-cost route because the sink, oven and storage can remain on one run. It also reduces the number of corner cabinets and worktop joints.
However, moving the sink or cooker to the opposite end of the room can still increase plumbing and electrical costs.
Galley Kitchens
A galley kitchen normally has units on two facing walls. Although it may occupy a small floor area, it can contain as many cabinets as a larger L-shaped room.
Accurate measurements are particularly important because narrow clearances and uneven walls can complicate installation.
L-Shaped and U-Shaped Kitchens
L-shaped and U-shaped layouts use more corner units, end panels and worktop joins. Internal corner-storage mechanisms can also be significantly more expensive than standard shelves.
The final cost depends on whether the existing sink, hob and major appliances remain in their original positions.
Kitchens With Islands
An island containing storage only is much less expensive than one containing a sink, hob, extractor or electrical sockets. Moving water, waste pipes or electricity into the centre of a room can require floors to be opened and reinstated.
Allow space around the island before ordering it. An oversized island can make a kitchen less practical despite increasing the project cost.
How Much Do Kitchens Cost by Brand?
There is no reliable fixed price for an IKEA, Howdens, Wren or Magnet kitchen without specifying the same room, cabinet count, doors, worktops, appliances and fitting arrangement.
Some brands publish product prices, while others use showroom appointments, promotions or trade pricing. Quoting one national figure for each supplier would therefore create a misleading comparison.
| Kitchen Brand | General Market Position | How Pricing Usually Works | Important Comparison Point |
| IKEA | Entry-level to mid-range | Modular product prices are generally visible | Assembly and fitting may materially increase the total |
| B&Q | Budget to mid-range | Retail pricing with periodic offers | Check whether end panels, trims and fitting are included |
| Wickes | Budget to mid-range | Showroom design and package quotations | Compare the post-discount price, not the headline discount |
| DIY Kitchens | Budget to mid-range | Direct product pricing | Installation must usually be arranged separately |
| Howdens | Mid-range | Primarily trade-account pricing | Ask the installer to disclose the cabinet and fitting elements |
| Benchmarx | Mid-range and trade-focused | Trade quotations and account pricing | Confirm who provides the warranty and aftercare |
| Wren | Mid-range to premium | Design appointment and promotional pricing | Compare the final payable price after every promotion |
| Magnet | Mid-range to premium | Showroom quotation with multiple ranges | Separate cabinetry, appliances and installation costs |
The most accurate comparison method is to prepare one measured plan and ask each supplier to price the same:
- Number and size of cabinets
- Door style and cabinet construction
- Drawer and corner mechanisms
- End panels, plinths, cornices and handles
- Worktop material and total length
- Sink, tap and appliances
- Delivery, fitting, disposal and VAT
This approach is more useful than comparing heavily discounted showroom totals based on different specifications.
What Is Included in a New Kitchen Price?
A full-service quotation may include design, cabinets, worktops, appliances and installation, but there is no standard definition of a “fitted kitchen”.
The quotation should state whether it covers:
| Cost Element | Commonly Included? | What to Check |
| Site survey and design | Sometimes | Whether the design fee is refundable |
| Cabinets and doors | Usually | Carcasses, hinges, drawers, panels and handles |
| Worktops | Sometimes | Templating, cut-outs, upstands and installation |
| Appliances | Sometimes | Model numbers, delivery and connection |
| Sink and tap | Sometimes | Waste kit and plumbing connection |
| Kitchen fitting | Sometimes | Assembly, scribing and worktop fitting |
| Plumbing and electrics | Often excluded | New circuits, pipework and certification |
| Gas work | Often excluded | Gas Safe registered work where required |
| Flooring and decorating | Often excluded | Preparation, materials and finishing |
| Old-kitchen removal | Sometimes | Dismantling, skip hire and disposal |
| VAT | Varies | Whether the displayed total includes VAT |
Request a written, itemised quotation rather than relying on a showroom total. It should also explain how unexpected work will be approved and charged.
How Should a Kitchen Budget Be Divided?
The proportions vary, but cabinetry and installation are usually the largest costs. A practical initial allocation for a conventional renovation is:
| Budget Area | Suggested Starting Allocation |
| Cabinets, doors and internal storage | 25%–35% |
| Installation and joinery | 15%–25% |
| Worktops | 10%–15% |
| Appliances | 10%–20% |
| Plumbing, electrics and gas work | 5%–15% |
| Flooring, lighting and decoration | 5%–10% |
| Contingency | 10%–15% |
This is a budgeting framework, not a national survey result. A kitchen with inexpensive cabinets and premium appliances will produce a very different split.
A contingency is particularly important in older properties, where removing existing cabinets may reveal defective wiring, damaged plaster, damp or an uneven floor.
How Much Does Kitchen Fitting Cost?
Fitting costs depend on the cabinet system and the amount of site work required. Flat-pack cabinets may be cheaper to purchase but can take longer to assemble than rigid units.
A straightforward dry fit is different from a complete renovation involving plumbing, electrical circuits, tiling and decoration. When reviewing labour costs, homeowners can compare the likely charges for a self-employed plumber and a self-employed electrician.
Factors that increase fitting costs include:
- Uneven floors or walls
- Flat-pack cabinet assembly
- Bespoke panels or non-standard dimensions
- Stone worktop templating
- Moving sinks, ovens or radiators
- Installing a kitchen island
- Replacing electrical circuits
- Removing walls or supporting structures
The quality of installation matters as much as the cabinet brand. Poorly sealed worktops, badly aligned doors and inadequately supported units can cause expensive problems later.
How Much Do Worktops and Appliances Cost?
Worktop Costs
Worktop prices are affected by material, thickness, total length, cut-outs and installation.
| Worktop Material | Relative Cost | Main Considerations |
| Laminate | Low | Affordable, low-maintenance and widely available |
| Solid wood | Low to medium | Requires periodic oiling and careful moisture protection |
| Compact laminate | Medium | Thin appearance and better water resistance |
| Quartz | High | Requires professional templating and fabrication |
| Granite | High | Durable but heavy, with natural variation |
| Solid surface | High | Can provide seamless joins but needs specialist fitting |
| Porcelain or sintered stone | Premium | Durable but can be expensive to fabricate |
Stone prices should be compared using the complete templated and installed cost. A per-metre price may not include sink cut-outs, drainage grooves, edge polishing, upstands or delivery.
Appliance Costs
A basic appliance package can be kept relatively modest, while premium integrated products can add tens of thousands of pounds to a luxury kitchen.
Ask suppliers to list the full model number of every appliance. This makes it possible to compare energy use, warranties and prices accurately.
In a Which? member survey, 8% of respondents said they regretted not spending more on appliances. This does not mean that the most expensive appliance is always the best choice, but it supports budgeting around reliability and everyday use rather than appearance alone.
Do Kitchen Renovations Qualify for 5% VAT?
Most kitchen work in an occupied home is charged at the standard 20% VAT rate when supplied by a VAT-registered business. However, qualifying renovation work on certain residential properties that have been empty for at least two years may be eligible for the reduced 5% rate.
The reduced rate is not an automatic discount for every old or unoccupied home. HMRC’s conditions generally require:
- A qualifying residential property
- No residential occupation during the two years immediately before work starts
- Qualifying renovation or alteration services
- Appropriate supporting evidence
- A contractor that applies the correct VAT treatment
Evidence may come from council tax records, the Electoral Roll, utility companies or a local authority Empty Property Officer. A letter from an Empty Property Officer confirming the qualifying empty period can be particularly useful.
There is also a limited rule for a person who acquires a qualifying single household dwelling that had already been empty for two years. Among other conditions, qualifying work must be supplied directly to the new occupier and take place within one year of acquisition.
Which Kitchen Items Can Receive the Reduced Rate?
When the conditions are satisfied, the contractor may be able to apply 5% VAT to qualifying renovation services and qualifying building materials supplied as part of those services.
Fitted kitchen cupboards, kitchen sinks and work surfaces can count as building materials. Most ordinary electrical or gas appliances—including ovens, hobs, fridges, freezers, dishwashers and microwaves—do not qualify as building materials and normally remain standard-rated.
Materials purchased directly by the homeowner are also not automatically reduced-rated merely because a contractor’s services qualify. The VAT treatment depends on how the goods and services are supplied.
Homeowners considering this relief should obtain a written VAT breakdown before work begins. Further context is available in the site’s coverage of 5% VAT on building work.
Does a New Kitchen Cost More in London?
London projects frequently cost more, but applying a blanket 10%–20% premium to the entire kitchen budget can exaggerate the difference.
Materials, branded appliances and national delivery prices may be similar across the country. The strongest regional differences are usually found in labour, contractor overheads, parking, access, waste removal and accommodation.
The 2026 Beams project data reported a typical overall cost of approximately £34,400 across its dataset and £36,600 in London. That represents a London difference of around 6%, not 20%.
This does not mean every London quotation will be only 6% higher. A difficult central London site with restricted access and parking could produce a larger premium. The data instead shows why regional adjustments should be applied to the labour-sensitive part of the project rather than automatically increasing every material and appliance cost.
What Hidden Kitchen Renovation Costs Should Be Expected?
Removal and Waste
Confirm whether dismantling the existing kitchen, skip hire and licensed waste disposal are included. Disposal costs may increase when access is restricted or materials need to be separated.
Plumbing and Electrical Upgrades
Moving a sink, dishwasher, oven or hob may require new pipework or circuits. Older electrical installations might also need upgrading before new appliances can be connected safely.
Wall and Floor Repairs
Removing cabinets and tiles can reveal damaged plaster, damp, rotten flooring or an uneven subfloor. These repairs should be completed before the new kitchen is installed.
Structural Work
Removing or altering a wall may require advice from a structural engineer and approval under the Building Regulations. Planning permission is not normally required for an internal kitchen replacement, but extensions and some external alterations may need consent.
Temporary Living Costs
A renovation can leave the home without cooking or washing facilities. Temporary accommodation, takeaway food or hiring portable equipment can become a genuine project expense.
Quote Variations
The contract should explain how variations are priced and approved. No additional work should proceed solely on an informal conversation if it materially changes the budget.
How Can Homeowners Reduce the Cost of a New Kitchen?
The biggest saving usually comes from retaining the existing layout. Keeping the sink, cooker and major appliances in approximately the same places limits plumbing, electrical and flooring work.
Other cost-control options include choosing standard cabinet sizes, using laminate worktops, buying appliances separately and completing decorating after installation.
Obtaining at least three itemised quotes remains important, but homeowners should not automatically accept the lowest. In the Beams dataset, approximately 60% of customers did not select the cheapest quotation, illustrating that scope, confidence and perceived quality can matter alongside price.
If borrowing is necessary, compare the total repayable amount rather than the advertised monthly payment. The site’s information on finding a lower-interest personal loan may help homeowners assess the wider financing cost. Borrowing should remain affordable even if the renovation exceeds its original budget.
Is a New Kitchen a Good Investment?
A well-designed kitchen may improve saleability and make a home more practical, but it does not guarantee that every pound spent will be recovered through a higher sale price.
The appropriate budget depends on the property’s value, local market and how long the homeowner expects to remain there. Installing a highly bespoke £60,000 kitchen in a modest property may overcapitalise, while a visibly poor kitchen can discourage buyers.
Homeowners planning to sell soon should normally prioritise a neutral appearance, reliable appliances, adequate storage and good installation over expensive personalised features.
How Should Kitchen Quotes Be Compared?
Use the same measured plan and specification for every supplier. Then compare the quotations line by line.
A reliable quote should identify:
- The cabinet range, dimensions and construction
- Door, panel, handle and internal-storage specifications
- Worktop material, thickness and installation
- Appliance model numbers
- Plumbing, electrical and gas work
- Fitting, flooring and decoration
- Removal and waste disposal
- Project timescale and payment schedule
- Product and workmanship warranties
- VAT and the final amount payable
Check whether the contractor carries appropriate insurance and who is responsible for correcting measurement or installation errors. Avoid making a large final payment before inspecting the completed work.
Can a Kitchen Be Renovated in Stages?
Yes. Staging the work can spread the cost, particularly when the existing cabinets remain structurally sound.
Doors, handles, worktops, lighting and appliances can sometimes be replaced separately. However, installing a new floor before changing the cabinet layout may create extra work later. A staged project therefore needs one overall plan, even if the purchases occur at different times.
The safest order is to decide the final layout first, complete structural and service work, install cabinets and worktops, and then finish flooring, decorating and lighting.
What Is the Final Cost of a New Kitchen in 2026?
A realistic starting budget is approximately £5,000–£12,000 for a simple replacement, £12,000–£25,000 for a mid-range fitted kitchen and £25,000–£45,000 for a more complete renovation. Large layouts, islands, bespoke cabinets and structural changes can take the cost beyond £50,000.
The most useful number is not a broad UK average but a complete, itemised price for the homeowner’s exact layout. Compare identical specifications, confirm whether VAT and fitting are included, and retain a contingency for work that cannot be seen until the old kitchen is removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Buy the Kitchen and Pay for Fitting Only?
Yes. Homeowners can purchase cabinets, worktops and appliances separately and employ an independent fitter. Confirm who is responsible for measurements, damaged products, missing components and warranty claims before ordering.
Is IKEA Cheaper Than Howdens or Wren?
IKEA often provides more visible modular pricing, while Howdens uses trade-based pricing and Wren commonly provides showroom quotations. The cheapest option depends on the exact cabinet count, door range, worktop and fitting cost. Compare all three using the same plan.
Is It Cheaper to Renovate a Kitchen or Move Home?
Renovating is usually less expensive than moving solely to obtain a better kitchen, once legal fees, surveys, removals and property taxes are considered. However, renovation cannot resolve wider problems such as insufficient overall space or an unsuitable location.
Can a Kitchen Renovation Be Completed in Stages?
Yes. Doors, worktops and appliances can be updated gradually, but plumbing, electrical and layout decisions should be planned at the beginning to avoid repeating work.
How Long Does a Kitchen Renovation Take?
A straightforward replacement may take one to three weeks once all products are available. A project involving structural work, bespoke surfaces or significant service changes may take six weeks or longer.
Should a Kitchen Quote Include VAT?
The quotation should state clearly whether VAT is included. If the supplier is VAT registered, ask for the applicable rate and final VAT-inclusive total in writing.
How Much Contingency Should Be Added?
A contingency of approximately 10%–15% is sensible for many projects. Older properties or renovations involving structural work may justify a larger allowance.
How Can an Accurate Kitchen Quote Be Obtained?
Arrange a measured survey, finalise one specification and request at least three itemised quotes based on that same design. Check cabinets, worktops, appliances, labour, waste, VAT and warranties separately.
