Free Conservatory Price Estimator – Updated 2026 Supply & Fit Prices
Enter your requirements to estimate the supply-and-fit cost of a new conservatory in the UK in 2026. All prices include standard foundations, dwarf wall, frame, glazing, and fitting. Electrical and heating extras are listed separately.
A conservatory remains one of the UK's most popular ways to add space and value to a home, blending indoor and outdoor living while typically costing significantly less than a traditional brick extension. In 2026, conservatory costs in the UK range from approximately £8,000–£12,000 for a small lean-to uPVC conservatory with polycarbonate roofing, up to £40,000–£80,000+ for a large, high-specification aluminium orangery or glass garden room with a tiled roof, underfloor heating, and premium glazing. The enormous range in cost reflects the huge variation in conservatory styles, sizes, materials, roof types, and specification levels available to UK homeowners in 2026.
The single most important factor in conservatory cost is the roof type. The shift from polycarbonate roofing (the dominant choice in the 1990s and 2000s) to glass solar-control roofing and, increasingly, solid tiled or aluminium roofs has fundamentally changed the cost profile of UK conservatories. A polycarbonate roof on a medium Edwardian uPVC conservatory might cost £12,000–£16,000 in 2026, while the same conservatory with a glass roof costs £16,000–£22,000, and with a solid tiled or insulated roof (transforming it into an orangery) costs £25,000–£35,000+. The thermal and acoustic performance benefits of glass and solid roofs are significant, and in 2026 the polycarbonate roof is increasingly seen as an inferior product not worth the short-term cost saving.
The second most important factor is frame material. uPVC remains the most widely specified frame material for UK conservatories in 2026, offering low maintenance, good thermal performance, and competitive pricing. Aluminium is growing in popularity due to its slim sightlines, modern aesthetic, and superior strength which allows larger glass panels and more contemporary designs. Hardwood timber conservatories offer a traditional warmth and character but require significantly more maintenance and cost 30–60% more than equivalent uPVC.
Different conservatory styles suit different property types and have different cost implications based on their geometric complexity, the length of perimeter wall, and the quantity of roofing materials required:
A standard conservatory supply-and-fit price from a UK installer in 2026 should include:
Items typically not included in a standard conservatory price (charged as extras or separate contracts) include: electrical first fix and lighting; heating (underfloor heating, radiators, or air conditioning); internal finishes (flooring, plastering, decorating); external paving around the conservatory; blinds; and in some cases the planning permission application fee. Always confirm exactly what is and is not included in any installer's quotation before accepting.
Find a conservatory installer UK 2026: Checkatrade – Conservatory Installers | TrustATrader | Planning Portal – Conservatory Planning Guidance | GOV.UK Building Regulations
Frame material is a major driver of cost and has a significant impact on maintenance requirements, thermal performance, and lifespan. The three main frame materials available for UK conservatories in 2026 are:
The table below provides a comprehensive price guide for conservatory supply and fit in the UK in 2026, broken down by conservatory type, floor area, and frame material. All prices are mid-range estimates including standard foundations, dwarf wall, glass roof (solar control), low-E double glazing, and installation. VAT is not included.
| Conservatory Type | Floor Area | uPVC (Glass Roof) | Aluminium (Glass Roof) | Timber (Glass Roof) | uPVC (Solid/Tiled Roof) | Aluminium (Solid Roof) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lean-To | 8 m² | £11,000–£16,000 | £16,000–£22,000 | £18,000–£26,000 | £16,000–£22,000 | £22,000–£32,000 |
| Lean-To | 12 m² | £14,000–£20,000 | £20,000–£28,000 | £22,000–£32,000 | £20,000–£28,000 | £28,000–£40,000 |
| Edwardian | 8 m² | £13,000–£18,000 | £18,000–£25,000 | £20,000–£28,000 | £18,000–£25,000 | £25,000–£36,000 |
| Edwardian | 12 m² | £16,000–£24,000 | £24,000–£33,000 | £27,000–£38,000 | £24,000–£34,000 | £34,000–£48,000 |
| Edwardian | 16 m² | £20,000–£29,000 | £29,000–£42,000 | £33,000–£48,000 | £28,000–£40,000 | £40,000–£58,000 |
| Edwardian | 20 m² | £24,000–£35,000 | £35,000–£50,000 | £40,000–£58,000 | £34,000–£48,000 | £48,000–£70,000 |
| Victorian | 12 m² | £18,000–£26,000 | £26,000–£36,000 | £30,000–£42,000 | £26,000–£37,000 | £37,000–£52,000 |
| Victorian | 16 m² | £22,000–£32,000 | £32,000–£46,000 | £37,000–£52,000 | £32,000–£46,000 | £46,000–£64,000 |
| Gable-End | 16 m² | £24,000–£34,000 | £34,000–£49,000 | £39,000–£56,000 | £32,000–£46,000 | £46,000–£66,000 |
| P-Shape | 20 m² | £26,000–£38,000 | £38,000–£54,000 | £43,000–£62,000 | £36,000–£52,000 | £52,000–£74,000 |
| Orangery | 16 m² | £28,000–£44,000 | £40,000–£62,000 | N/A (rarely specified) | £32,000–£50,000 | £46,000–£72,000 |
| Orangery | 25 m² | £38,000–£58,000 | £54,000–£84,000 | N/A | £44,000–£66,000 | £62,000–£96,000 |
| Glass Extension / Garden Room | 16 m² | N/A | £46,000–£74,000 | N/A | N/A | £52,000–£86,000 |
| Glass Extension / Garden Room | 25 m² | N/A | £64,000–£104,000 | N/A | N/A | £74,000–£120,000 |
All prices are South East England mid-range 2026 estimates, supply and fit, excl. VAT. Deduct approximately 10–15% for North England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Add approximately 15–25% for Greater London. Prices include standard single-storey conservatory work; complex ground conditions, retaining walls, or multi-level sites will increase costs.
The following additional costs are commonly encountered when pricing a UK conservatory project in 2026 and are typically quoted separately by installers or specialist sub-contractors.
| Extra / Option | Typical Cost Range (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Planning permission application (if required) | £258–£528 (England fee) + agent fees | Most standard conservatories are permitted development – check first |
| Building Regulations application (if required) | £100–£250 (Building Notice fee) | Required if conservatory exceeds permitted development thresholds or has solid roof |
| Electric underfloor heating (per m²) | £60–£120/m² installed | Popular for conservatories; typical 12 m² = £720–£1,440 supply and fit |
| Water underfloor heating (per m²) | £80–£150/m² installed | More efficient long-term; requires connection to existing boiler circuit |
| Wall-mounted electric radiator | £300–£700 per unit supply and fit | Budget heating option; easy to install; electric running costs higher |
| Air conditioning unit (heating + cooling) | £1,200–£2,800 per unit supply and fit | Heat pump type; ideal for glass-roofed conservatories; cooling also available |
| LED lighting (basic – 4–6 downlights) | £350–£700 | Includes first fix, distribution board extension, and light fittings |
| Electrical installation (full – lights, sockets, heating) | £800–£2,500 | Depends on complexity; consumer unit upgrade may be needed |
| Tiled floor (porcelain, 600×600mm) | £40–£90/m² supply and fit | Most popular floor finish; works well over UFH |
| Engineered timber floor | £50–£120/m² supply and fit | Warm underfoot; confirm UFH compatibility with manufacturer |
| Venetian or roller blinds (roof glazing) | £80–£200 per panel | Specialist conservatory blinds required for roof; manual or motorised |
| External paving / patio around conservatory | £80–£200/m² supply and fit | Depends on material (block paving, porcelain, natural stone) |
| Bi-fold or sliding doors upgrade | £2,500–£6,000 per opening | Replaces standard French doors; opens fully to garden |
| Aluminium roof upgrade from polycarbonate | £2,500–£8,000 | Replace polycarbonate with glass on existing conservatory |
| Tiled roof conversion (existing conservatory) | £5,000–£15,000 | Replace existing roof with insulated solid roof – major improvement |
The average cost of a new UK conservatory in 2026 is approximately £20,000–£30,000 supply and fit for a medium-sized (12–16 m²) Edwardian or Victorian design in uPVC with a glass roof. Orangeries and glass garden rooms typically cost £35,000–£70,000+.
Glass solar-control roofing adds approximately £3,000–£8,000 to a conservatory cost versus polycarbonate, but dramatically improves thermal comfort, reduces glare, looks far better, and adds significantly more property value. In 2026, most installers recommend glass as the minimum specification.
Most standard conservatories in England are permitted development — no planning permission required — provided they: are single-storey; do not exceed 50% of the original garden; are not forward of the principal elevation; and have a maximum height of 4m. Always check with your local planning authority before work begins.
A conservatory with a polycarbonate or glass roof that is separated from the house by an external-quality wall/door/window does not require Building Regulations approval in England. A solid-roof conservatory (orangery), or one that removes the separating wall/door, does require Building Regulations approval — confirming with your Building Control office before proceeding.
A standard uPVC conservatory takes approximately 1–2 weeks to install from groundwork start. An orangery or glass garden room takes 3–6 weeks. Lead time from order to installation start is typically 6–12 weeks depending on the installer's order book.
A well-specified conservatory typically adds approximately 5–7% to a property's value, according to UK estate agent surveys. A poorly specified conservatory (particularly one with a polycarbonate roof) may add little value or even detract from saleability. Glass-roofed and orangery-style structures consistently add the most value.
Conservatory supply and fit is generally subject to 20% standard rate VAT. However, if the work forms part of a new build or if the dwelling has been empty for at least 2 years, a reduced VAT rate may apply. Confirm the applicable VAT rate with your installer and HMRC guidance before budgeting.
A conservatory with a glass roof and low-E double glazing typically achieves a U-value of approximately 1.6–2.0 W/m²K for the roof — significantly better than old polycarbonate (typically 3.5+). A solid tiled roof achieves approximately 0.18–0.28 W/m²K, comparable to a modern insulated extension roof.
Conservatory prices vary enormously between installers — variation of 30–50% is common for equivalent specifications. Always obtain a minimum of three independent written quotes, ensuring they are truly like-for-like in specification. Beware of discounts that are conditional on signing on the day — reputable installers do not use this tactic.
Since 2010, the government has permitted replacement of conservatory roofs with solid insulated roofs without requiring planning permission in most cases (subject to standard Permitted Development rules). However, Building Regulations approval is required for solid roof conservatories to ensure structural adequacy of the existing conservatory frame.
Look for installers who are members of the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) or FENSA-approved for window and door replacements. For larger orangery and garden room projects, ensure the contractor holds appropriate public liability insurance (minimum £2 million) and can provide references from recent comparable projects.
Conservatory costs in North England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland are typically 10–20% lower than in South East England, and Greater London prices are 15–25% higher than the South East average. Always use a local installer for accurate regional pricing.
| Issue | Planning Permission Required? | Building Regulations Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard conservatory (glass / polycarbonate roof) | No – usually permitted development | No – if thermally separated from house and not exceeding size limits | Must comply with PD rules: height, size, position limits |
| Conservatory with solid / tiled roof (orangery) | No – usually permitted development | Yes – solid roof requires Building Regulations approval | Structural adequacy of frame must be confirmed |
| Conservatory on flat (Article 4 area) | Yes – Article 4 removes PD rights | Depends on roof type | Conservation areas, AONB, listed buildings – check with LPA |
| Conservatory on listed building | Yes – Listed Building Consent required | Yes | LBC is needed in addition to any planning permission |
| Conservatory that removes the separating wall to the house | No (usually) | Yes – integral to house; thermal continuity required | If fully opened to house, treated as extension under Building Regs |
| Conservatory exceeding 50% of original garden area | Yes – exceeds PD limit | Depends on roof type | All extensions count towards the 50% calculation |
| Conservatory on side of house (facing highway) | Yes – forward of principal elevation not permitted | Depends on roof type | Side additions within 2m of boundary limited to 3m height |
| Replacing polycarbonate with glass roof (existing conservatory) | No | No – like-for-like replacement | Replacing with solid roof does require Building Regs |
Planning and Building Regulations rules differ in Scotland (where Building Warrant is required), Wales (similar to England but some differences), and Northern Ireland (NI Building Regulations). Always check with the relevant authority for your specific property and location before commencing work.
Conservatory costs in the UK in 2026 range from approximately £8,000 for a small lean-to with polycarbonate roofing up to £80,000–£120,000+ for a large premium aluminium glass garden room. A typical medium-sized (12 m²) Edwardian uPVC conservatory with a glass solar-control roof costs approximately £16,000–£24,000 supply and fit in South East England, or £13,000–£20,000 in North England. An equivalent orangery (solid roof) would cost £24,000–£34,000 in the South East. Always get at least three quotes as prices vary widely between installers.
A well-specified conservatory in good condition typically adds approximately 5–7% to a property's value, according to UK estate agent surveys in 2026. A poorly specified conservatory — particularly one with a polycarbonate roof that is too hot in summer and too cold in winter — may add little to no value and can even reduce saleability. Glass-roofed conservatories and orangeries add significantly more value than equivalent polycarbonate structures and are far more likely to be described positively in estate agent listings. The key factors are: quality of specification (glass over polycarbonate), quality of installation, and whether the conservatory is genuinely liveable year-round.
In England, most standard conservatories do not require planning permission under Permitted Development Rights, provided they meet all of the following conditions: they are single-storey; the total area of all extensions (including the conservatory) does not exceed 50% of the area of the original house curtilage; the conservatory is not forward of the principal elevation; the height does not exceed 4m (or 3m within 2m of a boundary); and the property is not in a Conservation Area, National Park, AONB, or World Heritage Site with special PD restrictions. You should always check with your Local Planning Authority before beginning work — do not assume PD applies. In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, different rules apply.
The key difference is the roof construction. A conservatory has a predominantly glazed roof (glass or polycarbonate) supported by a frame of thin glazing bars, providing a light and airy structure that is very connected to the garden but can overheat in summer and be cold in winter. An orangery has a solid masonry or rendered perimeter roof section (typically 600–1000mm deep) surrounding a central glazed section or lantern, providing significantly better insulation, more substantial wall-to-roof transition, and a more room-like interior that can be comfortably used year-round. Orangeries cost approximately 40–80% more than equivalent conservatories but represent a much better investment in terms of year-round usability, thermal performance, and property value added.
Both are excellent frame materials in 2026, and the right choice depends on your priorities. uPVC is the most economical option, requires zero maintenance, and provides good thermal performance — it remains the most popular UK conservatory frame material. Modern uPVC is available in many colours and woodgrain finishes. Aluminium provides slimmer sightlines (allowing larger glass panels and a more contemporary look), is structurally stronger (enabling larger spans without intermediate posts), is equally low maintenance, and is the material of choice for orangeries and glass garden rooms in 2026. Aluminium costs approximately 30–60% more than uPVC for equivalent designs. Timber is chosen when the traditional aesthetic is important, but requires regular maintenance and costs the most.
In 2026, a glass solar-control roof is strongly recommended over polycarbonate for any conservatory that will be used as a habitable room. The reasons are compelling: polycarbonate transmits solar heat directly, making the conservatory uncomfortably hot in summer and very cold in winter; it is noisy in rain; yellows and becomes brittle over time; and looks significantly less premium than glass. Glass solar-control roofing (typically 4mm/16mm/4mm double-glazed units with a solar-control coating on the outer pane) reflects most solar infrared radiation, keeping the interior comfortable in summer while still allowing natural light. The additional cost over polycarbonate (approximately £3,000–£8,000 for a medium conservatory) is recouped many times over in usability and property value. Only choose polycarbonate if your budget is very tightly constrained — and even then, consider saving for a glass roof before ordering.
In England, a standard conservatory with a glazed (glass or polycarbonate) roof does not require Building Regulations approval, provided it: is at ground level; has a floor area not exceeding 30 m²; is separated from the main house by external quality doors, windows, or walls (maintaining a thermal separation); and has its own independent heating. However, a conservatory that removes the separating wall/door to the house (integrating it fully with the interior) does require Building Regulations approval, as does any conservatory with a solid (tiled or insulated) roof (orangery). The requirement for Building Regulations approval for solid-roof conservatories was introduced to ensure the existing conservatory frame is structurally adequate for the additional load of a solid roof. Always confirm with your installer and local Building Control officer.
Once installation begins, a standard uPVC conservatory takes approximately 5–10 working days to complete (groundwork, dwarf wall, frame installation, and glazing). An orangery or larger glass extension typically takes 3–6 weeks from groundwork start. However, the lead time from placing your order to installation beginning is typically 6–12 weeks with most installers in 2026, as frames and roof systems are manufactured to order. During the busy spring-summer period, lead times can extend to 14–18 weeks. Factor this into your project timeline — ordering in autumn for a spring completion or ordering in winter for a summer installation gives the best lead-time outcomes.
Yes — converting an existing polycarbonate conservatory roof is one of the most cost-effective upgrades available to UK homeowners in 2026. Polycarbonate to glass conversion typically costs £2,500–£8,000 depending on the roof size and glass specification, and can usually be done in 1–2 days without disturbing the rest of the conservatory. Polycarbonate to solid tiled roof conversion is more expensive (typically £5,000–£15,000) and requires a structural assessment to confirm the existing frame can carry the additional weight — many older conservatory frames require strengthening before a solid roof can be fitted. Converting to a solid roof requires Building Regulations approval. The transformation in comfort and usability from these conversions is dramatic, and the return on investment in terms of property value is typically very positive.
For most UK homeowners in 2026, a conservatory is significantly cheaper than an equivalent brick extension. A medium uPVC conservatory (12 m², glass roof) costs approximately £16,000–£24,000 supply and fit — while a brick-built single-storey extension of equivalent size would typically cost £25,000–£45,000+ for a full plastered and finished structure. However, a brick extension provides significantly better thermal performance, noise insulation, year-round usability, and integration with the main house, and may add more absolute value to the property than a conservatory. The comparison shifts further as conservatory specification increases — a large aluminium orangery at £50,000–£80,000 is broadly comparable in cost to a brick extension of equivalent size and may offer similar levels of comfort and usability.
The best heating for a UK conservatory in 2026 depends on the roof type and insulation standard. For a glass-roofed conservatory, an air source heat pump / air conditioning unit (a reversible air-to-air heat pump) provides both heating and cooling — addressing the over-heating in summer problem as well as winter cold — and is increasingly the recommended solution in 2026. Electric underfloor heating is a popular and practical option for any conservatory, providing warm, even heat from the floor up at a relatively modest installation cost (£60–£120/m²). For an orangery or solid-roof garden room with good insulation, a connection to the main house central heating system (via water underfloor heating or a standard radiator) is the most cost-effective to run, though electric running costs from UFH are higher. Avoid standalone electric panel heaters as a primary heat source — they are expensive to run and provide insufficient heat in a poorly insulated glazed structure in winter.
Finding a reputable conservatory installer in 2026 requires some due diligence. Key steps: ask for recommendations from neighbours and friends who have had conservatories installed recently; check membership of the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) or Consumer Protection Association (CPA); check reviews on Checkatrade, TrustATrader, or Google (look for consistent recent reviews, not just a few old ones); ask for references from recent comparable projects and follow them up; obtain minimum three written quotations and ensure they are genuinely like-for-like in specification; check that the installer carries adequate public liability insurance (minimum £2 million); and be cautious of any installer who offers a heavily discounted price conditional on signing the contract on the day — this high-pressure sales tactic is associated with disreputable operators and is not used by established firms.
Additional conservatory resources 2026: Planning Portal – Conservatory Guidance | Checkatrade – Find an Installer | Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) | GOV.UK Building Regulations | TrustATrader