Renovation costs by region
The same renovation does not cost the same everywhere: London runs about a quarter above the national average, the North and Scotland well below it. Every factor I use, with a worked example, from the validated 2026 data behind the calculator.
| Region | Factor | Mid-range bathroom |
|---|---|---|
| London | +25% | £6,900 to £10,600 |
| South East | +15% | £6,300 to £9,800 |
| South West | +8% | £5,900 to £9,200 |
| East of England | +8% | £5,900 to £9,200 |
| Midlands | 0% | £5,500 to £8,500 |
| Wales | 0% | £5,500 to £8,500 |
| North of England | −15% | £4,700 to £7,200 |
| Scotland | −15% | £4,700 to £7,200 |
| Northern Ireland | −20% | £4,400 to £6,800 |
The same factors apply to every project type: a mid-range kitchen, for example, runs £12,500 to £22,500 in London against £10,000 to £18,000 nationally.
How to use this
The factors are chosen within the regional spreads the guides publish: HomeOwners Alliance puts a London extension at £2,300 to £3,400 per m² against £1,800 to £3,000 nationally, and MyJobQuote puts a London bathroom around £8,500 against £6,300 in the Midlands (both checked 26 August 2026). They power every estimate on this site. Renovating in the capital? The London guides price each project directly: start with the kitchen, bathroom or extension, or use the calculator with your own postcode. Not sure which region your city falls under? The city page maps twenty of the biggest UK cities onto these bands. Prices differ over time as well as by place: the renovation cost index converts a quote from an earlier year to today.
Frequently asked questions
Why do renovation prices differ by region?
Labour rates are the driver: the same bathroom takes the same hours everywhere, but a London plumber charges more per hour than one in the North East. Materials differ far less; logistics (parking, waste, access) add the rest.
Are these factors exact?
No, they are honest bands from national 2026 cost guides: London runs 20 to 35 percent above average depending on the trade and borough; I use +25% as the planning factor. Your quotes are the real number; the factor tells you what to expect.
Which region does my postcode fall under?
The calculator works it out from your postcode area: type SW1 and it selects London, M4 the North of England, BT7 Northern Ireland. You can always override the region by hand.