Complete cost guide from budget flat-pack kitchens to luxury bespoke designs — with interactive cost estimator and full breakdown.
| Element | % of Total Cost | Budget (£10k) | Mid (£18k) | Premium (£35k) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Units & carcasses | ~40% | £4,000 | £7,200 | £14,000 |
| Appliances | ~20% | £2,000 | £3,600 | £7,000 |
| Worktops | ~15% | £1,500 | £2,700 | £5,250 |
| Fitting labour | ~15% | £1,500 | £2,700 | £5,250 |
| Plumbing & electrics | ~10% | £1,000 | £1,800 | £3,500 |
Your choice of worktop material has a major impact on both cost and the overall look of your kitchen. Here is a guide to worktop prices for a medium-sized kitchen (approximately 5–7 linear metres):
| Material | Cost (Supply & Fit) | Durability | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laminate | £100 – £400 | Good | Low — wipe clean |
| Solid wood (oak, walnut) | £500 – £1,800 | Good with care | Medium — oil regularly |
| Corian / solid surface | £1,500 – £3,500 | Very good | Low — seamless, repairable |
| Quartz (Silestone, Caesarstone) | £1,500 – £4,500 | Excellent | Low — non-porous |
| Granite (natural stone) | £1,800 – £5,000 | Excellent | Low-medium — seal annually |
| Porcelain slabs | £2,000 – £5,000 | Excellent | Very low |
| Marble | £2,500 – £7,000+ | Medium (etches) | High — seal regularly |
A new kitchen is consistently ranked by estate agents as one of the most important factors in property value. A well-designed, modern kitchen in keeping with the property's value typically adds 5–10% to the property value. For a £300,000 home, that is £15,000–£30,000.
However, over-specification carries risk. Spending £40,000 on a luxury kitchen in a £200,000 terraced house is unlikely to return full value, as buyers at that price point will not pay premium for the kitchen. The golden rule is to invest proportionally — spend roughly 3–5% of your property value on a kitchen for the best ROI.
A standard kitchen replacement in the same location within your home does not require planning permission. The work is classed as internal renovation. Planning permission would only be needed if the kitchen project involves structural changes such as removing walls, adding a rear extension, or altering the external appearance of the property.
If your home is a listed building, you will need listed building consent even for internal alterations. Always check with your Local Planning Authority before starting significant works.
Always plan for kitchen downtime. You'll need temporary cooking facilities during the installation period. Most installers offer a phased handover where the hob and sink are connected before full completion.
A complete new kitchen in the UK costs between £5,000 and £50,000+ depending on the specification. A budget kitchen using flat-pack units from IKEA or B&Q, basic appliances, and laminate worktops can be completed for £5,000–£10,000 fully fitted. A mid-range semi-bespoke kitchen with integrated appliances and quartz worktops costs £10,000–£25,000. A premium bespoke kitchen with luxury appliances and natural stone worktops costs £25,000–£50,000 or more.
No. For a standard like-for-like kitchen replacement within your existing kitchen space, planning permission is not required. The work is classed as internal renovation. Planning permission may be needed if the kitchen project involves structural changes (removing walls, adding an extension) or if you live in a listed building. Building regulations may apply if electrical or gas work is involved — your installer should hold the relevant certifications (Part P for electrics, Gas Safe for gas appliances).
The on-site fitting time for a typical kitchen is 5–10 working days. Budget kitchens from flat-pack can be ordered and delivered in 1–3 weeks, with fitting completed in 3–5 days. Semi-bespoke kitchens have lead times of 4–8 weeks from order to delivery. Fully bespoke kitchens can take 12–20 weeks to manufacture before fitting begins. Plan for at least 1–2 weeks without a functioning kitchen.
Yes. A well-specified, modern kitchen typically adds 5–10% to property value. Estate agents consistently rank the kitchen as the most influential room in property valuations. The key is to invest proportionally — for a £250,000 home, spending £8,000–£12,000 on a quality mid-range kitchen is likely to return full value and more. Over-spending on a luxury kitchen in a modest property rarely recoups the full cost.
A comprehensive supply-and-fit kitchen quote should include: all units (base, wall, and tall), worktops, sink and tap, appliances (or allowance), fitting labour, basic plumbing alterations, and first/second fix electrics. Items often quoted separately include tiling, flooring, structural work, decoration, and building regulations fees. Always ask for a fully itemised quote and confirm what is excluded before signing. Get at least three competitive quotes.
If your budget is limited, the most cost-effective upgrades in order of impact are: (1) Replace doors and drawer fronts only — keeping carcasses if sound saves thousands; (2) Replace worktops — new quartz worktop transforms the look; (3) Update the splashback with tiles or glass; (4) Paint existing cabinets with specialist kitchen paint (£200–£600 for materials); (5) Replace handles and hinges. A door replacement and new worktop combination can transform a kitchen for £1,500–£4,000.
Worktop costs (supply and fit for an average medium kitchen) in 2025: laminate £100–£400, solid wood £500–£1,800, Corian/solid surface £1,500–£3,500, quartz £1,500–£4,500, granite £1,800–£5,000, and marble £2,500–£7,000+. Quartz is currently the most popular choice in mid-range kitchens, offering excellent durability, a non-porous surface (no staining from wine or coffee), and competitive pricing versus granite.