![How much does it cost to rewire a house? [February 2025]](https://d21dfqs8hl0txa.cloudfront.net/cost-guides/main/house_rewiring_service_hero.jpg)
The short answer
- Rewiring is an important step in ensuring the electrical safety of your home
- The cost of a full electrical rewire can cost anywhere between £2,500 - £10,000 (inc VAT) outside of London
- In London, a full home rewire can cost on average between £3,000 - £11,000 (inc VAT)
- A partial rewire is great for fixing specific wiring faults, costing on average between £1,500 - £6,500 (inc VAT)
- You should typically rewire your home every 25 years, but there are usually signs you need an electrical rewire before then
- Rewiring can make your home more energy efficient, helping you save on electricity bills
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Contents
- What is an electrical rewire?
- How much does it cost to fully rewire a house?
- How much does a partial rewire cost?
- What other factors affect the cost of rewiring a house?
- What’s included in an electrical rewire?
- What are the signs you need an electrical rewire?
- How often should you rewire your home?
- Does electrical rewiring add to property value?
- Can I rewire my house myself?
- Can rewiring save on my electrical bill?
- Where can I find an electrician to rewire my house?
- Sources
What is an electrical rewire?
An electrical rewire is the process of removing and replacing wiring within the home. Over time, electrical wiring can become worn and damaged, increasing the risk of fires or electrical hazards. In the UK, faulty electrics, appliances, wiring, and overloaded sockets contribute to an estimated 7,000 house fires annually. [1] Therefore, rewiring is important to ensure that your home’s electrical system remains safe, reliable, and fully compliant with current regulations.
How much does it cost to fully rewire a house?
The total cost of rewiring your home will most likely depend on many factors, with your property size probably being the most considerable factor.
Electricians will typically charge an hourly rate (£60-£100 inc VAT), plus any materials and new fittings. The full rewiring service can take anywhere from 3 to 17 days, depending on your property size and whether your home is empty or occupied.
Here's what you can expect to pay for a full electrical rewire in London and outside of London.
Property size | Estimated time | Price range (outside London) | Price range (London) |
---|---|---|---|
Studio flat | 3 - 5 days | £2,500 - £3,000 (inc VAT) | £3,000 - £3,600 (inc VAT) |
2 bed flat | 5 - 7 days | £3,000 - £4,000 (inc VAT) | £3,600 - £4,800 (inc VAT) |
3 bed flat/house | 7 - 10 days | £4,000 - £5,500 (inc VAT) | £4,800 - £6,600 (inc VAT) |
4 bed flat/house | 10 - 14 days | £6,000 - £7,500 (inc VAT) | £7,200 - £9,000 (inc VAT) |
5 bed house | 14 - 17 days | £8,000 - £10,000 (inc VAT) | £9,000 - £11,000 (inc VAT) |
How much does a partial rewire cost?
A partial rewire is ideal when you only need to replace specific wires that are causing issues. The cost of a partial rewire can be tricky to estimate, as it varies significantly based on factors such as the number of rooms or areas being rewired and the complexity of the work involved. However, you can expect a partial rewire to cost on average anywhere from £1,500 - £6,000+ (inc VAT).
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Get a quote onlineWhat other factors affect the cost of rewiring a house?
There are many other factors that can influence the total cost of rewiring a home, including where you live, whether the property is occupied and the quality of new fittings.
1. Where you live
The hourly rate of an electrician will typically very depending on where you live. You can expect to pay around 20% more for rewiring services in London, compared to other areas.
2. Whether your property is empty or occupied
An electrician will generally find it easier to rewire an empty house compared to a property that is occupied. Rewiring can be highly disruptive, as wires are often routed beneath carpets and within walls. In an occupied property, accessing these hard-to-reach areas becomes more challenging with furniture and belongings in the way. As a result, rewiring can take longer and incur higher costs.
Given the disruptive nature of rewiring, it’s important to also consider the need for any repainting, plastering or other touch-ups once the work is completed. Depending on the extent of the disruption, these additional costs can amount to several hundred pounds.
3. Number & quality of new fittings
When rewiring your home, you have the option to install new fittings if desired. However, keep in mind that the more fittings you choose, the longer the installation will take, which could increase labour costs.
It's also important to consider the cost of the fittings themselves. You can save money by selecting budget-friendly options, or opt for more expensive, durable fittings that may offer better long-term value. If your budget allows, you can even choose bespoke fittings. You have the option to source these yourself or ask your electrician to find them locally. Note that electricians typically add a 20-25% surcharge on the purchase price to cover travel and time spent sourcing the fittings.
What’s included in an electrical rewire?
The rewiring process can be broken down into two stages - the first fix, and second fix. The first fix involes replaces wiring, cables and circuits. The stage will also involve installing blackboxs and making connections to your fuse box. The second fix is when your electrical fittings are installed, such as switches and outlets. This stage will also involve testing to ensure the new electrical system is fitted correctly and safely.
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What are the signs you need an electrical rewire?
The easiest way to determine if you need a rewire is to have a professional Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out. During the inspection, the electrician will assess all wiring, fuses, switches, and sockets, and identifying any underlying issues. Homeowners should get a EICR every 10 years, while landlords are legally required to ensure a rewire whenever the tenancy changes or every 5 years.
Even without an EICR, there are several tell-tale signs that suggest rewiring may be necessary. If you notice any of these warning signs, it's important to contact a qualified electrician as soon as possible.
Rewiring warning signs | Details |
---|---|
Crackling noise around outlets |
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Flickering lights |
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Discoloured outlets |
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Frequent fuse blowing |
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Wires covered in black rubber |
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How often should you rewire your home?
Generally, you should aim to rewire your home every 20 - 25 years. Older wires are likely to be worn and degraded which can be a major safety hazard. Older electrical systems may also not be able to handle the electrical load of modern appliances. Of course, if you notice any of the warning signs above, you should book for an electrician straight away, even if it's not been 20 years.
Does electrical rewiring add to property value?
Rewiring your property is unlikely to add heaps of direct value, but it will make your home more appealing to potential buyers. If your electrical system is old, and can’t handle modern appliances, your home may be harder to sell. You may even find potential buyers will offer much under the asking price to account for the cost of rewiring the property themselves.
Can I rewire my house myself?
Although it is possible to rewire your own property, it’s certainly not recommended. All electrical work done in the home must comply with industry regulations to ensure safety.
Rewiring a property is classed as ‘notifiable work’ under Part B of the Building Regulations. This means that you are legally required to have any work done approved and inspected. After the rewiring work is complete, you must obtain a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate and a signed BS 7671 electrical safety certificate. [2] If you're rewiring yourself, you’ll need to notify Building Regulations of your plans, and arrange for an inspection of the electrical work to ensure it meets safety regulations.
Most electricians can self-certify, as long as they are a "qualified & competent person”. This just means electricians who are registered with recognised trade bodies such as the NICEIC or Electrical Contractors Association.
Can rewiring save on my electrical bill?
Rewiring can certainly improve the electrical efficiency of your home. New wires will be more efficient and are less likely to overheat and drain electricity. Therefore, saving you money on your electricity bill over time.
There are even some government schemes that are in place to help homeowners increase their home's energy efficiency. For example, the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) offers grants to fund the rewiring of properties built before 1960 that have not yet been updated. [3]
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Where can I find an electrician to rewire my house?
If you're looking for an electrician to rewire your home, a good starting point is checking local neighborhood groups or social media boards. These often feature recommendations, reviews, and photos of previous work. You can also ask friends and family for referrals if they've recently had electrical work done.
You can also easily find a qualfied electrician through trade boards such as the NICEIC.
Another easy way to find an electrician is to book through a professional electrician service such as Housekeep. Just let us know what need's doing, and we'll match you with a fully qualified electrician to come at a date and time that suits you.
Book a qualified electrician to rewire your home now
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Written by Georgina Shepherd & Henry Paterson
Georgina is one Housekeep's home services experts. She's interviewed thousands of the UK's best cleaners and tradespeople - so whether you need advice on a stubborn stain, or you're looking for tips to find the perfect plumber, Georgina's got you covered.
With years of experience in the industry, Henry has delivered talks at industry events including the Ideal Home Show and regularly features as an industry expert for publications including the Sun, Mail Online, Martha Stewart and many more.
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