How Much Does Electrical Rewiring Cost?
Electrical rewiring costs in 2026 vary from £2,500 to £10,000 depending on the property size and scope of work. A two-bedroom flat typically costs between £3,500 and £6,000, while a three-bedroom house ranges from £5,000 to £8,000.
Outdated electrical wiring wastes energy and, more importantly, poses serious fire and electric shock risks. In properties over 25 years old, a full rewire is less a matter of choice and more a necessity. In this guide you will find up-to-date 2026 prices, a work-item breakdown and the key points to be aware of.
Rewiring Costs by Property Size
Prices are for a complete rewire including cables, conduit, consumer unit and sockets/switches:
| Property Type | Budget | Mid-Range | Comprehensive |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bed Flat (40–55 m²) | £2,500 - £3,500 | £3,500 - £5,000 | £5,000 - £7,000 |
| 2-Bed House (65–85 m²) | £3,500 - £5,000 | £5,000 - £6,500 | £6,500 - £8,500 |
| 3-Bed House (90–120 m²) | £5,000 - £6,500 | £6,500 - £8,000 | £8,000 - £10,000 |
| 4-Bed House (130–170 m²) | £6,500 - £8,000 | £8,000 - £9,500 | £9,500 - £12,000 |
The main factors influencing price are cable quality, consumer unit specification, socket and switch finish, and whether smart-home integration is included.
Rewiring Work Items Breakdown
A complete rewire includes the following items:
| Work Item | Estimated Cost (2-Bed House) |
|---|---|
| Cable (Twin & Earth 1.5 mm / 2.5 mm) | £500 - £1,000 |
| Conduit and trunking | £150 - £300 |
| Consumer unit (fuse board) | £250 - £600 |
| MCB set | £100 - £250 |
| RCD / RCBO protection | £100 - £250 |
| Sockets and switches | £200 - £500 |
| Labour | £1,500 - £3,000 |
| Chasing and making good | £400 - £800 |
Adding smart-home systems (motion-sensor lighting, smart consumer unit) can increase the total cost by two to three times.
The Rewiring Process
A professional rewire follows these steps:
- Design and circuit planning: Socket, switch, circuit and consumer unit positions are determined. Separate circuits are planned for the kitchen and bathroom.
- Chasing walls: Cable channels are cut into walls. This is the noisiest and dustiest stage.
- Conduit and cable installation: Fire- and moisture-rated conduit is fitted and cables are drawn through.
- Consumer unit installation: The new consumer unit is fixed in place, and MCBs and RCDs are connected.
- Socket, switch and outlet fitting: Back boxes and faceplates are installed at every electrical point.
- Testing and certification: Every circuit is tested for insulation resistance and RCD performance. An Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) is issued.
- Making good: Chased channels are plastered over. Once dry, the surfaces are ready for painting.
Planning your lighting system at the same time is highly recommended — see our lighting selection guide for advice. Determining socket and lighting positions together prevents the need for costly additional chasing later on.
Smart Home and Energy Efficiency
A rewire is the ideal opportunity to lay the groundwork for smart-home technology:
- Smart switches and dimmers: Compatible with existing cable runs and controllable via app. From £30 to £100 per unit.
- Motion sensors: Save energy on hallway and staircase lighting. £20 to £60 each.
- Smart sockets: Remote control and energy monitoring. £20 to £50 each.
- Smart consumer unit: Energy consumption analytics and overload protection. £400 to £1,200.
Key Safety Points
Safety is non-negotiable when it comes to electrical work:
- All cables must be double-insulated and meet current BS 7671 standards.
- Bathrooms and kitchens require RCD-protected circuits.
- Each circuit must be protected by an appropriately rated MCB (6A for lighting, 32A for cooker, 16A for ring main sockets).
- The earthing system must be checked and upgraded if necessary.
- All work must be carried out by a Part P registered electrician and certified with an EIC.
If you are planning a suspended ceiling at the same time, you can route lighting cables before the ceiling is closed up — our plasterboard suspended ceiling costs guide covers this in detail. For a full renovation plan, our home renovation guide is also a useful resource.
Conclusion
Electrical rewiring in 2026 costs between £2,500 and £10,000 depending on the property size. This investment delivers long-term gains in energy efficiency, fire safety and living comfort. Choose a Part P registered electrician, insist on quality materials and ensure all work is properly tested and certified.
On builderquote.co.uk you can compare up-to-date prices for electrical rewiring services.