LAST UPDATED: JANUARY 05, 2026
Cost to Renovate a Flat in London
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The cost to renovate a flat in London varies widely. Two flats of the same size can end up with very different budgets depending on the building, access, condition, and level of finish.
This page explains realistic cost ranges, what drives price, and how to budget properly for a flat renovation — without guesswork or misleading figures.
If you’re looking for how flat renovation works in practice, see our
Typical Flat Renovation Cost Ranges (London)
Flat renovation costs are usually best understood by scope, not just size.
Light Refurbishment
£800 – £1,200 per m²
Usually includes:
- Painting and decorating
- Flooring replacement
- Minor repairs and making good
- Limited electrical or plumbing changes
Often suitable for rental refreshes or cosmetic upgrades.
Standard Full Refurbishment
£1,200 – £1,800 per m²
Common scope includes:
- New kitchen and/or bathroom
- Electrical upgrades
- Plumbing adjustments
- New flooring throughout
- Full redecoration
This is the most common range for London flats undergoing a full internal refresh.
Example Budget — 1-Bed Flat Renovation in London
To make the ranges above more tangible, here is an illustrative example.
Example Assumptions (Illustrative Only)
Size: ~45 m²
Location: London (inside the M25)
Scope: full internal refurbishment
– Kitchen and bathroom replacement
– Flooring throughout
– Decorating and repairs
– Electrical upgrades
– Specification: mid-range
No major structural alterations assumed
Indicative Build Cost (Works Only)
£54,000 – £81,000
This is a budgeting guide, not a quote.
Access, building restrictions, and the condition of services can move this figure up or down.
What Has the Biggest Impact on Flat Renovation Cost
Building Type and Restrictions
Leasehold flats often come with working-hour rules, protection requirements, and approval processes that affect time and cost.
Access and Floor Level
No lift, tight staircases, restricted parking, and delivery limitations all increase labour and logistics time.
Condition of Existing Services
Older flats may need more work to electrics, plumbing, ventilation, or subfloors than expected once finishes are removed.
Kitchen and Bathroom Scope
These areas combine multiple trades and are usually the largest cost drivers in a flat renovation.
Finish Level
Flooring type, tiles, sanitary ware, kitchens, doors, and joinery choices all significantly affect the final budget.
Layout Changes and Wall Removal
Layout changes are one of the factors that can significantly affect flat renovation costs. Where internal walls are altered or removed, additional assessment, approvals, and structural work may be required.
You can read more about this in our
Why Flat Renovation Often Costs More Than Expected
More Coordination
Building management, neighbours, and shared areas require planning that doesn’t apply to houses.
Higher Risk of Delays
Restricted hours, access issues, and approvals can extend timelines, which affects cost.
Shared Structure and Services
Any change must account for neighbouring flats and shared systems.
What Your Budget Should Usually Allow For
Contingency
A contingency of 10–20% is sensible for most London flats, especially in older buildings.
VAT
Many projects are subject to VAT. For safe budgeting, assume 20% unless confirmed otherwise.
Professional Input and Compliance
Some projects require Building Control involvement or additional documentation. Not every flat needs the same level of input, but it should be identified early.
Real questions London homeowners ask before renovating a flat
FAQ
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How much does it cost to renovate a 1-bed flat in London?
For a mid-range full refurbishment, many 1-bed flat renovations fall roughly between £55,000 and £80,000 for build costs only. The final budget can increase once VAT, contingency, and any approvals are included. The exact figure depends on the building, access, and scope.
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Why do flat renovation quotes vary so much?
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Is renovating a flat more expensive than a house?
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Do I need to budget extra for approvals or Building Control?
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What is a sensible contingency for a flat renovation?
Local flat renovation services
Areas we cover in London
We cover all boroughs, including:
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Central London (Westminster, Camden)
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South London (Croydon, Lambeth, Greenwich)
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East London (Hackney, Tower Hamlets)
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North London (Barnet, Islington)
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West London (Ealing, Hounslow, Kensington)
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What to Do Next
If you want to understand how flat renovation works, return to our
👉 Flat Renovation Services in London page.
If cost clarity is your priority, use a smart tool or speak to a specialist.
No pressure — just structured, realistic guidance.