How much does it cost to install a light fitting? [March 2025]

How much does the actual light fitting cost?
 

The cost of the fitting itself can vary quite a bit, depending on the type, brand, and quality. For instance, a single spotlight might only set you back £25 and £50, while a chandelier can easily cost £500 or more.

Most people opt to pick out their own light fittings, but your electrician can usually recommend the best options for your space and might even be able to source them locally for you. Just keep in mind, they might charge an extra fee for their time and effort in sourcing the fittings. Some retailers also offer discounts when you buy in bulk (most commonly with spotlights and downlights) so it’s definitely worth considering if you’re planning to install a large number, like in a renovation project.

Here's a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for the actual light fitting per unit. 

What other factors affect the cost of installing a light fitting?
 

There are several other factors that need to be considered when determining the cost of installing a light fitting, such as when you book, the placement of the fitting and the condition of your existing wiring. 
 

1. When you book
 

What day of the week, and when you book tend to affect electrician rates. You’ll usually pay more for unsociable hours, like early mornings, evenings, weekends, and bank holidays. Same-day or next-day callouts also tend to cost extra, so if you want to keep costs down, it’s best to book in advance.

2. How many light fittings you plan on installing

Since electricians usually charge by the hour, it’s more cost-effective to have all your light fittings installed in one go rather than spreading them out over weeks or months. If you’re redecorating or renovating, it’s best to wait until you’re ready to install all your lights at once.
 

3. Whether you’re replacing like-for-like or adding a new fitting
 

Another cost to consider is whether you're replacing an existing fitting or installing a brand-new one. Like-for-like replacements are usually straightforward, even if the new fitting is a different shape or size, since the wiring is already in place. Adding a new light where none existed before, however, may require extra wiring and labour. Your electrician will need to cut a hole in the wall and connect the new fixture to the existing wiring. If the new location is too far from any current wiring, additional wiring may be necessary, increasing the complexity and cost of the installation.
 

4. Condition of existing wiring 

When installing your new light fitting, your electrician might discover faulty or worn wiring. Before proceeding, they’ll need to replace the wires to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. If they’re concerned about the overall condition of your wiring, they may recommend an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report). If your home needs rewiring, costs can run into the thousands, depending on whether it’s a partial or full rewire.
 

5.  Additional work

Your electrician will do their best to minimise damage when installing a new light fitting, but some wall or ceiling repairs may be unavoidable - especially if the new fitting is a different shape or size. Any gaps will need to be plastered and repainted. If you’re relocating a light fitting, the old gap will also need to be patched and repainted or wallpapered. Most electricians don’t offer this service, so you’ll likely need to hire a painter and decorator or do it yourself.

6. Whether you book with an independent electrician or an established company

Booking an independent electrician will often be cheaper than going with a larger, more established tradesperson company. Many sole traders will operate below the VAT threshold too, meaning you could save 20% VAT by going with a self-employed electrician. 

While professional tradesperson services often come at a premium, they typically have heaps of benefits. Established companies, like Housekeep, come with access to flexible booking, same-day call-outs, and a responsive customer service team to help if anything goes wrong. Many professional services guarantee their work for 72 hours, meaning if there’s issues with their work, they’ll return to fix it free of charge.

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How can I make my lighting more energy-efficient? 

Replacing your light fittings is a great opportunity to make your lighting more energy efficient and save on your energy bill. 
 

Switch to LED bulbs
 

Switching to LED light bulbs is a simple yet effective way to cut down on energy costs. A 5W LED, for example, consumes 90% less energy than a traditional 50W halogen spotlight, leading to significant savings on your electricity bill. Plus, with a lifespan of around 10 years, LEDs reduce the hassle and expense of frequent replacements. ^[1]

Smart lighting 
 

Smart lights are an innovative technology that gives you complete control over your lighting through a smartphone or tablet. You can dim the lights, turn them off remotely, and even set timers or schedules to automate when they switch on and off. This feature is especially useful if you leave home and forget to turn off the lights.  

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Can I install a light fitting myself?

When it comes to dealing with electricity and wires, it’s important to hire a qualified electrician. Incorrect handling can put yourself and others in your household at risk, so it’s strongly recommended not to attempt any DIY installations. 

A qualified electrician will ensure the new light fitting is securely mounted (which is especially important for heavy ceiling lights) and wired up to the right switches correctly and safely. They’ll also be able to recommend the best placement for your light fittings, to get the most out of them. 

Another perk of hiring an electrician is that they can spot electrical faults while on the job, such as wiring issues, faulty plug sockets, or problems with your fuse box. Since most electricians charge by the hour, they can often fix minor issues on the spot or schedule a follow-up visit if needed.

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Where can I find an electrician to install a light fitting?
 

If you know where to look, it's pretty striaghtforward to find a qualified electrician to install a light fitting. Often you can find good recommendations through social media or neighbourhood boards. If you know anyone whose had any electrical work done recently, you can ask them for recommendations too.

However, it's essential to ensure that any electrician you book is fully qualified. It's best practice to choose a 'qualified' and 'competent' electrician - this just means they're a memeber of a trusted trade body such as the NICEIC or the Electrical Competent Person Scheme. Checking their directories is a great way to find trusted electricians, as almost all reputable electricians are registered with these trade bodies. 

If you're looking to book with a established tradesperson service, you can get a quote through the Housekeep website. We'll match you with a local, vetted and qualified electrician to come at any time that suits you.

Sources

1. Evergreen Energy: Why should you make the switch to LED