Rewiring a house is one of those jobs that nobody looks forward to, but it is essential for safety. If your property has old wiring — particularly rubber or fabric-insulated cables, a dated fuse box, or has not been rewired in 25 years or more — a full rewire is not just recommended, it is a necessity. Faulty wiring is one of the leading causes of house fires in the UK, and outdated electrical systems cannot cope with the demands of modern appliances.
This guide breaks down the real costs of rewiring a house in the UK in 2026, covering everything from small flats to large family homes. Whether you are a homeowner planning the work or an electrician pricing up jobs, these figures reflect current market rates across the country.
Rewiring Cost Summary
Here is a quick overview of what a full rewire costs in 2026 based on property size. These prices include a new consumer unit, all first and second fix wiring, sockets, switches, light fittings, and testing and certification. They do not include making good (plastering and decorating) after the work is completed.
| Property Size | Typical Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Bed Flat | £2,500 – £4,000 | 3 – 4 days |
| 2-Bed House | £3,500 – £5,500 | 5 – 7 days |
| 3-Bed House | £5,000 – £7,500 | 6 – 8 days |
| 4-Bed House | £7,000 – £10,000+ | 8 – 10 days |
| 5-Bed House | £9,000 – £13,000+ | 10 – 14 days |
As with most building work, London and the South East tend to be 15 to 20 percent more expensive than the national average. Scotland and the North of England are typically 10 to 15 percent below. Rural properties can cost more due to travel time for the electrician.
What Is Included in a Full Rewire?
A full rewire replaces every cable, socket, switch, and light fitting in the property, along with the consumer unit (fuse box). Here is what the work typically involves.
First fix (the disruptive phase):
- Removing all existing wiring, sockets, switches, and the old consumer unit
- Lifting floorboards to run new cables between floors
- Chasing walls to create channels for new cable runs
- Installing back boxes for sockets and switches
- Running new cables from the consumer unit to every circuit in the house
- Installing a new consumer unit with RCDs and MCBs
- Running cables for any new circuits (such as a dedicated cooker circuit, shower circuit, or EV charger circuit)
Second fix (after plastering):
- Fitting socket faceplates, light switches, and light fittings
- Connecting the consumer unit
- Testing every circuit and the entire installation
- Issuing an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC)
- Notifying building control (via Part P self-certification if the electrician is registered)
Cost Breakdown by Component
Understanding where the money goes helps you evaluate quotes and spot anything that has been missed. Here is a typical cost breakdown for a 3-bed semi-detached house rewire.
| Component | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Consumer unit (supply and fit) | £350 – £600 |
| Cable and wiring materials | £800 – £1,200 |
| Sockets (typically 20–30 double sockets) | £300 – £600 |
| Switches and dimmers | £150 – £300 |
| Light fittings (basic) | £200 – £400 |
| Smoke and heat detectors (mains-wired) | £200 – £400 |
| Labour (first and second fix) | £2,500 – £4,000 |
| Testing, certification, and Part P notification | £200 – £350 |
Making good (plastering over chased channels and redecorating) is usually quoted separately and can add £1,500 to £3,000 depending on the extent of the chasing. Some electricians will chase neatly and minimise damage, while others are less careful — this is worth discussing upfront. See our plastering cost guide for full pricing.
Consumer Unit Upgrade: £350 – £600
If your house does not need a full rewire but the consumer unit (fuse box) is outdated, a standalone consumer unit upgrade is a common and worthwhile job. Modern consumer units contain residual current devices (RCDs) and miniature circuit breakers (MCBs) that provide significantly better protection against electric shocks and electrical fires than old rewireable fuses.
A consumer unit upgrade on its own typically costs £350 to £600 including supply, installation, testing, and certification. The work usually takes half a day. Since the 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations (BS 7671:2018, amended 2022), all new consumer units must have a non-combustible enclosure — typically a metal unit rather than a plastic one.
A consumer unit upgrade must be carried out by a Part P registered electrician or notified to building control. It is notifiable electrical work.
Signs Your House Needs Rewiring
Not sure whether your property needs a rewire? Here are the key warning signs to look for.
Old fuse box. If your property still has a fuse box with rewireable fuses (the type with fuse wire wrapped around a ceramic holder), the wiring is almost certainly outdated. Modern consumer units with MCBs and RCDs became standard in the 1990s.
Rubber or fabric-insulated cables. If you can see cables with black rubber or fabric insulation (rather than modern grey or white PVC-sheathed cable), the wiring dates from before the 1960s and needs replacing urgently. Rubber insulation degrades over time and becomes brittle, exposing live conductors.
Round-pin sockets. If your property has old round-pin sockets (as opposed to modern rectangular 13-amp sockets), the wiring predates the current standard and needs replacing.
Frequent tripping or blown fuses. If circuits regularly trip or fuses blow, it can indicate overloaded circuits, deteriorating insulation, or faulty connections. An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) will identify the specific issues.
Burning smell or scorch marks. Any burning smell near sockets or switches, or brown or black marks on faceplates or surrounding walls, is a serious warning sign that should be investigated immediately.
No earth wire. Properties wired before the mid-1960s often have no separate earth conductor. Two-core cables (live and neutral only) without an earth are dangerous and must be replaced.
Age. As a general rule, if your property has not been rewired in the last 25 to 30 years, it is worth having an EICR carried out to assess the condition of the installation. An EICR costs £150 to £300 and is valid for 5 years for rented properties or 10 years for owner-occupied homes.
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Part P of the Building Regulations governs electrical safety in dwellings in England and Wales. A full house rewire is classified as notifiable electrical work, which means it must either be carried out by an electrician registered with a competent person scheme (such as NICEIC, NAPIT, or ELECSA) or be notified to your local authority building control.
If your electrician is registered with a competent person scheme, they can self-certify the work and issue an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) directly. This is the standard approach and is included in the cost of the rewire. The electrician will also notify building control on your behalf.
If you use an electrician who is not registered with a competent person scheme, you will need to apply to your local authority for building control approval before the work starts. This typically costs £250 to £400 and requires a building control inspector to visit and inspect the work. This adds cost and complexity, so it is strongly recommended to use a registered electrician.
In Scotland, the rules are slightly different. Electrical work must comply with the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004, and a building warrant may be required for a full rewire. Your electrician should advise on the specific requirements for your area.
What Affects the Cost of Rewiring?
Property size. The single biggest factor in the cost of a rewire is the size of the property. More rooms means more circuits, more cable, more sockets and switches, and more labour time.
Number of storeys. A three-storey house costs more to rewire than a two-storey house of the same floor area because of the additional vertical cable runs and the extra difficulty of accessing the upper floors.
Property age and construction. Older properties, particularly Victorian and Edwardian houses, can be more complex to rewire due to lath and plaster walls, solid floors, and unusual construction details. Modern plasterboard walls are easier to chase and repair.
Accessibility. If the property is occupied during the rewire, the electrician may need to work room by room to maintain a live supply, which takes longer. An empty property is quicker and therefore cheaper to rewire.
Specification. The number of sockets, switches, and circuits affects the cost. A basic rewire might include 15 to 20 double sockets, but a modern specification with USB sockets in every room, dedicated circuits for high-power appliances, outdoor lighting, and smart home wiring can push the number to 30 or more.
Additional circuits. Dedicated circuits for electric showers, cookers, immersion heaters, electric vehicle chargers, and outdoor power sockets all add to the cost. Each additional dedicated circuit typically costs £150 to £300.
Location. Electricians in London and the South East charge higher rates than those in other parts of the UK. Day rates for qualified electricians currently range from £250 to £400 in London versus £200 to £300 in most other regions. Our day rate calculator can help you benchmark these rates.
Partial Rewire: Is It an Option?
A partial rewire replaces some of the wiring in a property but not all of it. This can be a cost-effective option if the existing wiring is in reasonable condition but some circuits need upgrading or extending. Common scenarios include rewiring a single floor, adding new circuits for a kitchen or bathroom renovation, or replacing specific circuits that have failed an EICR.
A partial rewire for a single floor of a 3-bed house typically costs £1,500 to £3,500. However, if the EICR identifies widespread issues, a partial rewire can end up costing almost as much as a full rewire by the time you factor in the testing, certification, and making good. In many cases, a full rewire is the more cost-effective long-term solution.
Your electrician should advise on whether a partial or full rewire is appropriate based on the EICR findings. Be cautious of electricians who recommend a full rewire without first carrying out an EICR — a reputable electrician will always assess the existing installation before recommending a course of action.
How Long Does Rewiring Take?
The duration of a rewire depends on the property size, the number of circuits, and whether the property is occupied.
1-bed flat: 3 to 4 working days for first fix. Second fix is usually 1 day after plastering is completed.
2-bed house: 5 to 7 working days for first fix. Second fix is 1 to 2 days.
3-bed house: 6 to 8 working days for first fix. Second fix is 1 to 2 days.
4-bed house: 8 to 10 working days for first fix. Second fix is 2 to 3 days.
There is typically a gap of 1 to 3 weeks between first fix and second fix to allow the plasterer to make good the chased walls. During this gap, you will usually have a temporary supply from the new consumer unit, so the house is not without power.
If you are a tradesperson quoting for rewiring work, including a clear timeline with first fix, plastering, and second fix phases in your proposal demonstrates professionalism and helps the customer plan. Our scope of work guide explains how to structure this effectively.
Tips for Getting Rewiring Quotes
Getting accurate quotes for rewiring requires a bit of preparation. Here is how to make the process smoother.
Get an EICR first. An Electrical Installation Condition Report costs £150 to £300 and gives you an objective assessment of your wiring. It will identify which parts of the installation are satisfactory and which need attention, which helps electricians price the work accurately.
Get at least three quotes. Prices for rewiring vary significantly between electricians, so getting three detailed quotes from different contractors is essential. Make sure each quote specifies the number of sockets, switches, and circuits included so you can compare like for like.
Check registration. Ensure the electrician is registered with a competent person scheme such as NICEIC, NAPIT, or ELECSA. This means they can self-certify the work under Part P, saving you the cost of separate building control inspection.
Ask about making good. Some electricians include basic making good (filling chased channels) in their quote, while others do not. Clarify this upfront to avoid surprise costs. For a full rewire, you will almost certainly need a plasterer to skim the affected walls, and a decorator to finish.
Consider timing. Electricians tend to be busiest from spring to autumn. Booking a rewire for the quieter winter months may get you a better price and shorter lead time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to rewire a house in the UK in 2026?
Rewiring costs in the UK in 2026 range from £2,500 to £10,000 or more depending on the size of the property. A 1-bed flat costs £2,500 to £4,000, a 2-bed house costs £3,500 to £5,500, a 3-bed house costs £5,000 to £7,500, and a 4-bed house costs £7,000 to £10,000 or more. These prices include a new consumer unit, first and second fix wiring, and testing and certification.
How long does it take to rewire a house?
A full house rewire typically takes 5 to 10 working days depending on the size of the property. A 2-bed house usually takes 5 to 7 days, while a 4-bed house can take 8 to 10 days. First fix takes the majority of the time as this involves lifting floorboards, chasing walls, and running new cables throughout the property.
How do I know if my house needs rewiring?
Common signs that a house needs rewiring include an old fuse box without RCDs or MCBs, rubber or fabric-insulated cables, frequent blown fuses or tripping circuits, brown or black marks around sockets, a burning smell near outlets, two-pin sockets without an earth, and the property not having been rewired in the last 25 to 30 years. An EICR will confirm whether a rewire is needed.
Do I need to move out during a rewire?
You do not necessarily need to move out during a rewire, but it is disruptive. The electrician will need to turn off the power for extended periods, lift floorboards, and chase walls. Many homeowners choose to stay and have the electrician work room by room, keeping one circuit live at all times. However, if you have young children or elderly family members, it may be more practical to stay elsewhere for the duration.