The cost of renovating a bathroom in the UK in 2026 depends on the size of the room, the quality of fixtures chosen, whether plumbing needs to move, and your location. Labour costs in London and the South East are typically 20-30% higher than in the North, Midlands and Scotland.
As a broad guide, here are the four tiers of bathroom renovation in the UK:
| Renovation Level | Typical Cost Range | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Refresh | £2,500 – £5,000 | New suite, tiling, no plumbing moved |
| Mid Renovation | £6,000 – £12,000 | New suite, full tiling, minor layout changes |
| Full Remodel | £12,000 – £22,000 | New layout, full plumbing move, premium fixtures |
| Luxury / High-end | £25,000+ | Designer finishes, wet room, underfloor heating |
Understanding the individual cost components helps you prioritise your budget and decide where to splurge versus save:
| Component | Budget Range | Mid Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bathroom Suite | £400 | £800–£1,500 | £3,000+ |
| Tiling (supply & fit) | £500 | £800–£1,200 | £2,000+ |
| Plumber (2 days) | £800 | £1,200–£1,800 | £2,500+ |
| Electrician | £400 | £500–£650 | £800+ |
| Flooring | £300 | £400–£600 | £800+ |
| Shower Enclosure | £300 | £500–£900 | £1,500+ |
| Labour (total) | 30–40% of total project cost | ||
A well-executed bathroom renovation is one of the most reliable ways to add value to a UK property. Estate agents consistently rate updated bathrooms as a key selling point, particularly in competitive markets. A quality bathroom renovation typically adds 3-5% to property value.
On a £300,000 home that equates to £9,000-£15,000 in additional value — meaning a mid-range renovation can largely pay for itself when you come to sell. In high-value areas, the returns can be even greater, particularly for en-suite additions or luxury master bathroom conversions.
Moving plumbing is the single biggest cost driver in a bathroom renovation, adding £1,500-£3,000 to the overall project. The decision should be driven by the layout improvement it delivers. If your current layout works well, keeping plumbing in place delivers significant savings. However, if moving a soil stack or repositioning a shower dramatically improves the room's flow and usability, the investment is often worthwhile.
En-suite bathrooms are typically smaller (under 3m²) and may require less tiling and fewer fixtures, but the compact space can make trade access more difficult and labour rates are rarely lower per square metre. Expect an en-suite refresh to cost £2,000-£4,500 and a full en-suite fit-out £5,000-£10,000 depending on spec.
London bathroom renovation costs are typically 25-35% higher than the national average. The South East adds around 15-20%. Northern England, the Midlands, Wales and Scotland are broadly aligned with national averages or slightly below, particularly for labour.
Electric underfloor heating under bathroom tiles costs £500-£1,200 installed including the thermostat. Water-fed (wet) underfloor heating is more expensive at £1,500-£3,000 but is more efficient in the long run and can be connected to a heat pump system.
Building Regulations require adequate ventilation in bathrooms. An extractor fan with humidistat costs £150-£400 installed. Ensuring compliant ventilation avoids damp problems and is a mandatory element of any renovation.
Older UK properties may have issues discovered during bathroom renovation including rotten floor joists (common around baths and showers), outdated wiring needing upgrade to Part P compliance, or inadequate drainage requiring replacement. Allow a 10-15% contingency in your budget for unexpected issues.
Bathroom fitters and plumbers are in high demand throughout the year. Expect lead times of 2-8 weeks for reputable local tradespeople. Booking in January or February can sometimes secure slightly better pricing as demand is lower.