How Much Does a Conservatory Cost in London?

There is a lot to consider when you are planning to add a conservatory to your home; you need to think about planning permission, building regulations, whether you want a sloping roof and how much extra space you want.

You’ll even have to think about whether you want underfloor heating or French doors. Of course, the most important thing to consider are conservatory costs.

The cost of a conservatory can vary a lot, depending on whether you want a classic glass conservatory or something slightly more modern. Below, we have taken a look at the cost of a conservatory in London.

Average Costs for a Conservatory in London

When it comes to finding out the cost of a new conservatory in London, we need to look at averages. This is because no two conservatory projects are alike, and there are a lot of things that can impact the cost.

It’s always a good idea to speak to a tradesperson or two, and ask for a bespoke quote based on your exact requirements. But, in the meantime, looking at average prices can give you a rough idea of what to expect and how far your budget will go.

Total Costs

It’s hard to give the exact cost for a conservatory in London, as there are a range of factors that can impact the price. As a rough guide, the average 3m² conservatory costs around £15,000. This can rise to £18,000 if an opening needs to be made into the house.

However, this price can change significantly, depending on a number of factors, such as the style and type of conservatory, and the glass used. If you opt for high-quality materials and a large conservatory, you could end up paying closer to £40,000, or even up to £100,000 for significant builds.

Cost per m²

One of the simplest ways of determining the average cost of a conservatory in London is to look at the price per m². The average cost of a conservatory per m² ranges between £1,100 and £2,500 depending on the type of conservatory you choose, the glass used and the size. Knowing this information, it’s possible to estimate a rough cost for your conservatory plans.

Different Types of Conservatory – Costs

There are a range of different types of conservatory for you to choose from, which means that you shouldn’t struggle to find the ideal extension for your home. Whether you are looking to add additional living space to your property, or you have big plans for a playroom in mind, there’s always going to be a conservatory type that works for you.

Here are some of the most popular types of conservatory and the average cost of each.

Victorian Conservatory

Victorian conservatories are characterised by their impressive design, featuring a multi-faceted roof and a rounded bay front. They often have intricate detailing, such as decorative cresting and finials, reflecting the architectural style of the Victorian era. These conservatories tend to offer panoramic views of the garden, and are the style that most people think about when they think of a classic conservatory.

You should expect to pay between £11,000 and £12,500 for a 3m x 3m Victorian conservatory with a polycarbonate roof. This is the most cost effective roof type, as a glass roof will set you back between £12,000 and £13,500. The price rises even higher for a tiled roof, with costs ranging from £18,000 to £26,000.

Edwardian Conservatory

An Edwardian conservatory is a style of conservatory architecture that emerged during the early 20th century. Characterised by its elegant design and symmetrical shape, an Edwardian conservatory typically features a square or rectangular floor plan with a pitched roof. Large windows and glazed panels are key features, allowing a lot of natural light into the space, creating a bright and airy atmosphere.

This type of conservatory tends to be one of the more costly styles, with prices as high as 25% more than the cost of a lean-to style conservatory.

For a conservatory with a size of 3m x 3m, with a polycarbonate roof, you should expect to pay between £10,000 and £11,500. If you choose a glass roof, the price can range between £9,500 and £13,000. The most expensive option is a tiled roof, with prices ranging from £14,400 and £20,000.

Lean-To Conservatory

A lean-to conservatory usually has a simple and practical design, often built with a roof that slopes downward from the main structure of the house.

This style of conservatory is typically rectangular or square in shape, with one side attached to the existing property, making it ideal for properties with limited space or budget constraints.

Lean-to conservatories are renowned for their versatility and functionality, as they can be easily adapted to various architectural styles and requirements.

If you are looking for an affordable conservatory, a lean-to is an option worth considering. For a 3m x 3m lean-to conservatory with a polycarbonate roof, you should expect to pay between £8,000 and £12,000. For a glass roof, you should expect to pay between £9,000 and £13,000. The average price rises again if you want a tiled roof, to between £18,000 and £26,000.

P-Shaped Conservatory

A p-shaped conservatory combines design elements from a lean-to conservatory and an Edwardian, or sometimes Vicotorian, conservatory. It’s a slightly more expensive conservatory option, but they tend to provide more space.

You should expect to pay between £12,750 and £14,500 for a 3m x 3m p-shaped conservatory with a polycarbonate roof. This price rises to between £13,250 and £15,000 for a glass roof, and between £18,500 and £28,000 for a tiled roof.

T-Shaped Conservatory

The average cost of a t-shaped conservatory is similar to that of a p-shaped conservatory, depending on the size and type of roof you choose. Like a p-shaped conservatory, this style of extension combines design elements from Edwardian or Victorian conservatories, with elements of a lean-to conservatory. Due to the unique shape, t-shaped conservatories provide a lot of space.

Conservatory Frame Materials – Costs

uPVC Conservatory

uPVC continues to stand out as the preferred material for conservatories in London, primarily due to its affordability and low maintenance requirements.

Modern advancements have significantly enhanced the quality of uPVC, especially when reinforced with a steel frame, making it a durable and long-lasting option.

Thanks to dual-colour frames, you customise both the exterior and interior of a uPVC conservatory to ensure it complements your existing home aesthetics. The average price range for a uPVC conservatory falls between £13,950 and £26,650.

Aluminium Conservatory

Aluminium stands out as a popular choice for conservatories because of its sleek and slim frame, offering the advantage of larger glass areas that allow more natural light and minimise the visual impact of the frame. Aluminium is a low maintenance material and it can be customised with various colours and finishes, making it suitable for various design preferences.

An aluminium conservatory is likely to be more expensive than a uPVC conservatory, and you should expect to pay around 25% more, closer to £32,000.

Wood Conservatory

Wood conservatories, especially oak framed designs, are an ideal choice if you are looking for a classic style extension for your property. However, you should expect to pay more than if you were having a uPVC conservatory built.

The average cost of a wood conservatory is approximately 50% higher than that of one made with uPVC. On average, you can expect to spend between £30,000 and £40,000 for an oak framed conservatory.

Composite Materials

Composite materials often include a blend of uPVC, timber, or aluminium. These conservatories tend to offer a balance between durability, aesthetics and energy efficiency.

The average cost for a conservatory with composite materials typically ranges from £20,000 to £35,000, but prices can go higher depending on customisation, size and additional features.

Hybrid Frames

Hybrid frame conservatories combine different materials, such as aluminium and timber, to offer a unique blend of strength, style and thermal performance.

The average cost for a hybrid frame conservatory is usually higher than that of a standard uPVC conservatory but can vary widely based on the specific materials chosen and the complexity of the design. On average, you can expect to pay between £25,000 to £40,000 for a conservatory with a hybrid frame.

Conservatory Glass Types – Costs

There are all different types of conservatory glass to choose from, including double glazing and energy efficient options.

Low-E (Low Emissivity) Glass

Low-E glass has a special coating that reduces heat transfer, making it more energy efficient. The average cost of Low-E glass is £50 – £100 per square metre.

Thermal Insulated Glass

This type of glass has multiple layers with insulating gas in between, offering enhanced thermal efficiency. The average cost of thermal insulated glass is £100 – £150 per square metre.

Tinted or Reflective Glass

Tinted or reflective glass reduces glare and heat from sunlight, making it a good choice for conservatories. The average cost is £70 – £120 per square metre.

Self-Cleaning Glass

Self-cleaning glass has a special coating that breaks down dirt and reduces the need for manual cleaning, making your conservatory as low maintenance as possible. The average cost is £100 – £150 per square metre.

Obscure or Frosted Glass

Obscure or frosted glass provides privacy while still allowing natural light to enter the conservatory. The average cost of obscure or frosted glass is £60 – £100 per square metre.

Laminated Glass

Laminated glass consists of multiple layers bonded together for increased safety and security. The average cost of laminated glass is £80 – £130 per square metre.

Safety Glass

Safety glass is designed to break into small, dull fragments instead of sharp shards, reducing the risk of injury. The average cost of safety glass is £70 – £120 per square metre.

Decorative Glass

Decorative glass comes in various patterns and designs to enhance the aesthetics of the conservatory. The average cost of decorative glass is £80 – £150 per square metre.

Conservatory Roof Types – Costs

Glass Roof

Glass roofs offer excellent visibility and allow plenty of natural light into the conservatory. The average cost of a glass conservatory roof is £100 – £200 per square metre.

Polycarbonate Roof

Polycarbonate roofs are lightweight and cost effective, offering good thermal insulation. The average cost of a polycarbonate conservatory roof is £50 – £100 per square metre.

Solid Roof

Solid roofs, typically made of materials such as timber or aluminium, provide insulation and soundproofing. The average cost of a solid conservatory roof is £150 – £250 per square metre.

Tiled Roof

Tiled roofs offer durability and can be customised to match the existing property’s roof. The average cost of a tiled conservatory roof is £200 – £300 per square metre.

Lantern Roof

Lantern roofs feature a raised central section with multiple glass panels, creating an architectural feature and enhancing natural light. The average cost of a lantern roof is £300 – £500 per square metre.

Hybrid Roof

Hybrid roofs combine different materials, such as glass and solid panels, to offer a balance of aesthetics and functionality. The average cost of a hybrid conservatory roof is £200 – £350 per square metre.

DIY vs Hiring a Professional

When it comes to building a conservatory, you have two options. You can choose to build the conservatory yourself, using a mixture of DIY skills, or you can hire a professional tradesperson. There are pros and cons to both, which we have detailed below.

Pros of Building a DIY Conservatory

• Cost Savings – When you opt for DIY conservatory, you will find that the cost is likely to be a lot lower than if you were to hire a professional. This is because tradesmen charge for labour costs, which a DIY approach doesn’t have.
• Learning Experience – All DIY projects provide an opportunity to gain new skills and knowledge, fostering a sense of accomplishment and developing your skill set. Building a DIY conservatory requires a range of skills, giving you the chance to improve.
• Flexibility – When you hire a professional, you need to work around their schedule. You could be faced with delays if their other projects overrun, and there’s no guarantee that they’ll be able to start when you want them to. When you do it yourself, you can work to your own schedule and pace, allowing for greater flexibility in the construction process.

Cons of DIY Conservatory Building

• Lack of Expertise – Unless you are a professional tradesperson, there’s a high chance that you lack the expertise and experience needed to tackle complex construction tasks, such as conservatory building.
• Time Consuming – DIY conservatory projects can be time consuming, especially if you have limited construction experience. This could delay the completion time, meaning that you have to deal with the disruption of building for longer than is necessary.
• Risk of Errors – Without professional guidance, there’s a high chance that you could make a mistake, one that could compromise the structural integrity or functionality of the conservatory.
• Safety Concerns – There’s always a risk with DIY construction, particularly when it comes to handling heavy materials or using power tools without proper training.

Pros of Hiring a Professional Tradesperson

• Expertise – Professional tradespeople have the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to ensure the project is completed to a high standard. You can relax, knowing that your conservatory is in good hands.
• Time Efficiency – Professionals work efficiently and effectively, completing the project in a timely manner and minimising disruption to your home. This isn’t always the case when you’re handling such a large project yourself.
• Quality – Hiring a professional ensures that the conservatory is built to code and meets industry standards, providing you with peace of mind and a flawless finish.

Cons of Hiring a Professional Tradesperson

• High Costs – Hiring a professional typically involves higher labour costs compared to a DIY approach, increasing the overall project expenses.
• Scheduling Issues – Though a tradesperson will work with you to decide a schedule, you might need to wait until they have finished another project before they can get started on your conservatory.
• Less Involvement – Hiring a professional means relinquishing some control over the project, and you will generally have less involvement in the construction process. Of course, this can also be seen as a good thing, as you can relax and hand everything over to someone else.

Finding Someone to Build a Conservatory

When it comes to building a conservatory, it’s important to choose a professional tradesperson that you trust. There’s a lot that goes into building a conservatory, and it’s not a project that you want to rush, cut corners or take any risks with.

After all, a conservatory is a significant and permanent addition to your home. Luckily, there are a range of ways of finding the perfect person to build a conservatory.

It’s worth asking friends, family and neighbours if they have any recommendations. If someone you know has been happy with the services of a tradesman the chances are that you will be equally pleased with the quality of their work.

You can also read online reviews, to get an idea of which contractors are popular in your local area. There are also a whole host of online platforms with contact details and information on conservatory experts, such as The Page.

The Page

At The Page, finding the perfect tradesman for your conservatory project is simple and straightforward. All you need to do is submit an inquiry outlining your specific requirements, and The Page will take care of the rest.

The Page will match you with a bespoke selection of skilled tradespeople, all of whom are perfectly suited to take on your conservatory project.

Whether you are having a simple conservatory added or a much more complex extension, the tradesmen at The Page are experienced, skilled and capable. All of the tradesmen at The Page are met, vetted and their previous work is assessed. This means that you can choose any of the tradesmen, knowing that your conservatory is in safe hands.

Will a Conservatory Add Value?

Whether a conservatory will add value to your home depends on various factors, such as the quality of the construction, its size and how well it integrates with the existing property.

A well built conservatory that complements the style of the house and provides functional extra living space can enhance the overall appeal of your property, which can increase its value.

Investing in a high quality conservatory that meets the needs of potential buyers and adds to the overall aesthetics of the property is likely to add value to your home, making it a worthwhile investment for many homeowners.