A new conservatory typically costs between £8,000 and £30,000 in the UK, and the gap is wider than most people expect. A compact uPVC lean-to on a straightforward plot sits at the bottom. A large, bespoke P-shape in aluminium or timber, with a tiled or high-spec glass roof, pushes towards the top. This guide splits the range into three job sizes and explains what moves a quote from one end to the other.
New conservatory cost by size and specification
Indicative supply-and-fit figures within the £8,000–£30,000 range for conservatory installation. Use them to sense-check quotes, not to replace one.
| Job size | What it usually looks like | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small | Compact uPVC lean-to or small Victorian on a level plot, standard glazing | £8,000 – £13,000 |
| Typical | Victorian or Edwardian of around 3.5 x 4m, double glazed, reasonable access | £13,000 – £20,000 |
| Large or bespoke | P-shape or gable-fronted room, aluminium or timber frame, upgraded roof glass, difficult site | £20,000 – £30,000+ |
What changes the price most
- Footprint and shape. Every extra facet, corner and valley adds frame, glazing and labour, so a P-shape costs noticeably more per square metre than a simple lean-to.
- Frame material. uPVC is usually the cheapest route. Aluminium costs more and gives thinner sightlines. Timber sits at the top end and needs upkeep.
- The roof. A standard glazed or polycarbonate roof is cheapest, solar-control glass costs more, and a solid tiled roof is a different budget altogether (see the solid conservatory roof page).
- Base and groundwork. Foundations, drainage and levelling can add up fast on a sloping or poorly drained plot. A good installer digs a trial hole before pricing it.
- Dwarf walls and flooring. Brick dwarf walls cost more than full-height glazing but insulate better. Tiled floors and underfloor heating are usually extras.
- Doors and openings. French or bi-fold doors cost more than a standard door, and widening the opening into the house adds structural work.
What a quote often leaves out
Two quotes can sit £4,000 apart and still describe different rooms. Check that each covers the base and drainage, electrics, making good inside the house opening, flooring, heating, blinds and VAT. Ask who deals with building regulations if they apply, and what happens if the groundworks turn up something unexpected. Our conservatory cost calculator gives a rough range for your job size before you start collecting quotes.
Many conservatories are exempt from Building Regulations, but only if conditions such as a separating door and a size limit are met. Planning rules vary by property and by UK nation. The Planning Portal's conservatory guidance is a sensible first read, and your local authority has the final say.
Getting a fair price
Ask three installers to price the same frame, glazing and roof so you can compare like with like. A cheap quote that leaves out the base is not cheap. If you haven't settled on a shape yet, do that first, because the style moves the cost more than almost anything else. When you are ready, the free quote form lets you describe the plot once and compare the replies.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a small conservatory cost?
As a guide, a small uPVC lean-to typically costs from around £8,000 to £13,000 fitted. That assumes a level plot, standard glazing and no complicated groundwork.
Is a conservatory cheaper than a house extension?
Often, yes. A conservatory is usually quicker and cheaper to build than a brick extension of the same size, though it won't be as warm or quiet in winter unless you spend more on the roof and glazing.
Does a conservatory add value to a house?
It can make a property easier to sell, but how much it adds depends on the area, the quality of the room and whether it is usable all year. A local estate agent will tell you more than any national figure.
How long does it take to build a conservatory?
On site, typically 2 to 5 weeks. Made-to-measure frames and glass are ordered after the survey, so allow several weeks before work starts.
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