How much does it cost to re-wire a house?

How Much Does It Cost to Rewire a House in 2026?

Electrical wiring doesn't last forever. Most homes need a full rewire every 25–30 years to keep up with current safety standards — and if your fuses blow regularly or your sockets feel warm to the touch, it could be a sign yours is overdue.

Here's what you need to know about the cost of rewiring a house, what affects the price, and how to find a qualified electrician to do the job safely.

What Does It Cost to Rewire a House?

Rewiring costs vary depending on the size and layout of your property, but here are typical figures for 2026:

• £3,500–£5,000 + VAT — average for a two-bedroom flat or bungalow
• £5,000–£8,000 + VAT — average for a three-bedroom house
• £7,500–£12,000+ + VAT — larger or more complex properties

These prices typically include a new consumer unit, sockets, switches, lighting points and certification. They don't cover plastering or redecorating once the work is done. Bear in mind that London and South East properties typically run 20–30% higher than the national average.

What Affects the Cost of a House Rewire?

Several factors can push the price up or down:

• Property size — more rooms means more cable runs, sockets and lighting points
• Cable accessibility — if cables are hard to reach, more floorboards need lifting and more walls need chasing
• Specification of fittings — chrome sockets and designer switches cost more than standard white plastic
• Regional labour rates — electricians in London and the South East typically charge more than those elsewhere in the UK

How Do I Know if My House Needs Rewiring?

The most reliable way to find out is to have an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out by a qualified electrician. This is a formal inspection of your home's wiring and electrical systems, and it will flag any faults or areas that don't meet current standards.

Common signs that rewiring may be needed include:

• Fuses that blow frequently or circuit breakers that trip regularly
• Sockets or switches that feel warm or show scorch marks
• Flickering lights that aren't caused by a faulty bulb
• Old-style round-pin sockets or a fuse box with ceramic fuses
• Wiring that hasn't been updated in 25 years or more

What Does the Rewiring Process Involve?

Rewiring is a disruptive job — there's no way around it. Floorboards will need to be lifted and walls chased to run new cables throughout the property. For this reason, it makes sense to plan your rewire alongside other refurbishment work such as plastering, decorating or a kitchen or bathroom renovation, so the disruption happens all at once.

Most rewires take between 3-10 days depending on the size of the property. You may need to vacate the property during the work.

Do I Need to Use a Registered Electrician?

Yes. Electrical work in the home must comply with Part P of the Building Regulations, which means it needs to be carried out by a competent person and either certified or notified to your local authority.

Always use an electrician registered with NICEIC or NAPIT. These are government-approved schemes that assess electricians against the current wiring regulations. A registered electrician will issue the correct certification on completion, which you'll need if you ever sell your home.

Find a Qualified Electrician Near You

Whether you need an EICR or a full rewire, it's important to use a trusted, vetted professional. Find an electrician in your area through our directory and get the job done safely and to the correct standard.