How Much Does Home Rewiring Cost UK 2025

Rewiring a home isn’t the most glamorous part of a renovation, but it’s one of the most important. Old wiring can be unsafe, inefficient and simply not up to the demands of modern living. Whether you’re updating a Victorian terrace or bringing a 1970s semi into the 21st century, understanding what rewiring costs and what’s involved is key to planning your project (and your budget) properly. Here’s what you need to know in 2025, from average UK prices to what actually drives them.

How much does it cost to rewire a house in the UK?

The cost of rewiring depends on a few key things — the size of your home, its age and condition, whether it’s empty or occupied, and how complex the job is. But here’s a realistic guide to what homeowners across the UK are paying in 2025.

Note: These are typical UK guide prices, not Beams’ renovation rates. Your final cost will depend on the property, specification, location, and any unexpected issues that appear once work begins.

For most standard homes, you’re looking at £4,500–£8,000 for a full rewire. That includes removing old wiring, installing new cabling, replacing the consumer unit (fuse box), earthing and bonding upgrades, and full testing and certification at the end.

What affects the cost of rewiring a home?

If you’ve ever wondered why one neighbour paid £4,500 and another nearly £10,000 for what sounds like the same job, the answer is in the details. Rewiring isn’t a one-size-fits-all job — several factors quietly nudge that price up or down:

Size and layout of the property – Bigger homes need more cabling, more circuits, more sockets and more time. A small flat can be done in under a week, while a sprawling five-bed could stretch beyond two.

Age and construction – Victorian terraces and older properties tend to cost more because they’re, well, more awkward. Solid brick walls are harder to chase into, suspended timber floors hide surprises, and old features like picture rails and coving take longer to work around.

Access and occupancy – It’s faster and cheaper to work in an empty property. If you’re living there during the rewire, electricians have to make the house safe at the end of each day and work around your furniture and schedule.

Level of specification – A simple rewire with standard sockets and a basic consumer unit will cost less than one with designer switches, smart home wiring, external circuits or EV charger points.

Condition of the existing installation – If the old wiring is in a poor state, or if there’s asbestos, hidden junction boxes or poor-quality previous work, that will add time and cost.

Location – Labour costs vary across the UK, with London and the South East typically at the top end.

What’s included in a full home rewire?

A proper rewire isn’t just about swapping old cables for new ones. It’s a full modernisation of your home’s electrical system to meet current safety standards and the demands of modern living. Here’s what that usually involves:

• Stripping out old wiring: Removing outdated, unsafe or inadequate wiring throughout the property.
• Installing new cabling and circuits: For lighting, sockets, kitchen appliances, heating, and any additional features like data cabling or EV chargers.
• Fitting a new consumer unit (fuse box): With modern RCD/RCBO protection, surge protection, and labelled circuits.
• Upgrading earthing and bonding: Ensuring the system is safe and compliant with current regulations.
• Testing and certification: Electrical safety testing and an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) or Minor Works Certificate issued at the end.

This is also the perfect time to think about future-proofing like adding extra sockets, outdoor lighting points, or smart home infrastructure while the walls are open.

How long does a rewire take?

How disruptive a rewire feels depends on two main factors: the size of your home and whether you’re living in it at the time.

• A small flat can usually be done in 3–5 days.
• A 3-bed house typically takes 5–10 days.
• Larger or more complex properties can stretch to 2 weeks or more.

If the property is empty, work can usually proceed faster. If you’re staying put, allow extra time for safety checks, tidy-ups, and working around your daily routine. Many homeowners choose to stay elsewhere for the messiest parts — especially if plaster is being chased out and ceilings need to come down.

Do you really need a full rewire?

Not always. Sometimes a property’s wiring can be updated with partial rewiring or selective upgrades. For example, you might only need to replace the consumer unit or add new circuits to accommodate a kitchen extension.

However, full rewires are strongly recommended when:

• Your property is more than 30–40 years old and hasn’t been updated.
• The wiring uses rubber, lead, or fabric insulation.
• You’re seeing signs of problems (frequent tripping, flickering lights, discoloured sockets).
• You’re already renovating and walls/floors will be exposed anyway.

If you’re unsure, an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) — typically costing £100–£300 — will tell you whether a full rewire is needed.

Are there any hidden costs to watch out for?

Yes — and this is where homeowners are often caught off guard. A rewire isn’t just about electrical work; there are often additional costs around it:

Frequently Asked Questions About Home Rewiring

Do I need to rewire my home before a renovation?

If your wiring is more than 30–40 years old, or if you’re planning major work like a new kitchen or extension, rewiring before the rest of the renovation is a smart move. It’s far easier (and cheaper) to run new cabling while walls and ceilings are open than to retrofit later. Plus, modern electrics are safer and better equipped to handle today’s energy-hungry homes.

For a broader picture of how rewiring fits into your renovation plan — and how it impacts your overall budget — take a look at our guide on how much a home renovation costs in the UK.

Is it worth rewiring an old Victorian terrace?

Absolutely. Victorian terraces often have outdated wiring — sometimes still using fabric or rubber insulation — and may not meet modern safety standards. Rewiring not only reduces fire risk and improves efficiency but also lets you future-proof the property with additional circuits for modern appliances and tech.

If you’re budgeting for a larger project, our in-depth guide on Victorian home renovation costs breaks down typical budgets, common issues, and how to approach upgrading a period property step by step.

Should I rewire before installing a new kitchen?

Yes — without question. A new kitchen often requires additional sockets, new lighting, upgraded circuits and higher electrical loads for appliances. Installing these safely means having a compliant, up-to-date electrical system in place first. Trying to retrofit wiring after the kitchen is fitted is messy, expensive and disruptive.

If you’re budgeting for both, it’s worth reading our breakdown of kitchen renovation costs in the UK so you can plan the electrical work and installation together.