How Much Does a New Kitchen Cost in 2026?
Wondering how much does a new kitchen cost? Most UK homeowners spend between £8,000 and £15,000 on a full kitchen renovation cost, covering units, worktops, and kitchen installation cost. Budget jobs start around £4,000, while large premium kitchens with stone worktops and integrated appliances regularly hit £25,000 and beyond. Below we break down kitchen fitting cost by size, spec, and region so you know exactly what to expect.
£11,000
Average cost
£4,000+
Budget kitchen
£25,000+
Premium kitchen
5–10 days
Installation time
Prices updated April 2026 · Based on industry data and contractor submissions.
Electrical and gas work requires registered tradespeople. Kitchen electrical work must comply with Building Regulations Part P. Any gas work (hob connections, gas ovens) must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
New Kitchen Prices at a Glance
Prices below cover the full kitchen installation cost including supply of units, worktops, and basic appliance fitting. Structural work, flooring, and decorating are usually quoted separately. For a detailed look at kitchen fitting cost on its own, see the labour-only prices further down.
By Kitchen Size
Small (up to 8 units)
Galley or single-wall layout, up to 8 sq m
£6,500
£4,000 – £9,000
Medium (10–15 units)
L-shape or U-shape, typical semi-detached
£11,000
£7,000 – £15,000
Large (16+ units)
Open-plan or large family kitchen
£19,000
£13,000 – £30,000+
By Specification Level
| Level | Typical Total |
|---|---|
| Budget | £5,000 – £8,000 |
| Mid-range | £9,000 – £17,000 |
| Premium | £18,000 – £40,000+ |
Prices include units, worktops, sink, and basic plumbing and electrical connections. Excludes flooring, tiling, decoration, and structural work.
Worktop Cost Comparison
Your choice of worktop can swing the total kitchen cost by thousands. Here is what each material costs per linear metre and for a typical 3-metre run.
| Material | Per Linear Metre |
|---|---|
| Laminate | £30–£80 |
| Solid wood | £60–£150 |
| Quartz | £150–£400 |
| Granite | £200–£500 |
| Dekton/Corian | £250–£500 |
Kitchen Fitting Cost: Labour-Only Prices
If you are buying units separately and just need someone to fit them, most kitchen fitters charge £150–£250 per day, or £1,500–£3,500 for a complete kitchen fit. Labour-only pricing is worth considering if you have found a good deal on units from IKEA, Howdens, or B&Q and want to keep costs down.
| Kitchen Size | Fitting Time | Labour Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small galley (6–8 units) | 3–4 days | £1,000–£1,500 |
| Medium L-shape (10–14 units) | 5–7 days | £1,500–£2,500 |
| Large U-shape/island (16–20 units) | 7–10 days | £2,500–£3,500 |
These are fitting-only costs. First-fix plumbing and electrics are extra - typically £300–£600 for plumbing and £200–£500 for electrics. See our plumbing cost guide for a full breakdown of what plumbers charge for kitchen and bathroom work.
Kitchen Cost by Layout
The shape of your kitchen affects both the number of units and the complexity of the fit. Here is what each layout typically costs, supplied and fitted. For more detail on kitchen types, sizes, and planning, see our kitchen hub page.
| Layout | Supply & Fit Cost |
|---|---|
| Galley | £5,000–£10,000 |
| L-shaped | £7,000–£15,000 |
| U-shaped | £10,000–£20,000 |
| Island | £12,000–£25,000 |
IKEA Kitchen Cost
IKEA is the go-to for budget-conscious homeowners who want a modern-looking kitchen without the showroom price tag. Their METOD system is modular, so you pick your carcasses, doors, and internal fittings separately. Supply-only prices start from around £1,500 for a small galley, but bear in mind IKEA don't install kitchens - you'll need to find your own fitter.
IKEA Kitchen Prices by Size (Supply Only)
| Kitchen Size | Supply Only |
|---|---|
| Small galley (8 units) | £1,500 – £2,500 |
| Medium L-shape (12 units) | £2,500 – £3,500 |
| Large U-shape/island (18+ units) | £3,500 – £5,000+ |
IKEA fitting cost (independent fitter)
£1,500 – £3,500
Total IKEA kitchen installed
£3,000 – £7,500
Pros
- +Cheapest route to a modern-looking kitchen
- +Huge range of door styles and colours
- +Good quality hardware (Blum hinges as standard)
- +25-year guarantee on cabinet frames
Cons
- –Self-assembly adds time (or fitting cost)
- –Flat-pack quality varies between ranges
- –Limited worktop options - most people upgrade
- –Delivery can be unreliable
Our take: IKEA kitchens are excellent value if you're comfortable with flat-pack assembly or willing to pay a fitter. The Askersund and Voxtorp door ranges look surprisingly premium for the price. Where most people come unstuck is the worktop - IKEA's own options are limited, so budget for an upgrade from a separate supplier if you want quartz or solid wood.
IKEA vs Other Kitchen Suppliers
| Supplier | Supply Only | Supply & Fit |
|---|---|---|
| IKEA | £1,500 – £5,000 | £3,000 – £7,500 |
| Howdens | £2,500 – £8,000 | £4,000 – £11,500 |
| Wickes | £3,000 – £8,000 | £5,000 – £12,000 |
| B&Q | £1,200 – £4,000 | £3,000 – £7,000 |
Howdens Kitchen Cost
Howdens is the UK's largest trade kitchen supplier - they sell exclusively through approved fitters, not directly to the public. That means you can't walk into a Howdens depot and buy a kitchen yourself. Your fitter orders on your behalf, often at a discounted trade price, then adds their own markup for the fitting. The quality is widely regarded as a step above flat-pack, with rigid carcasses and soft-close fittings as standard.
Howdens Kitchen Prices by Size (Supply Only, Trade Price)
| Kitchen Size | Supply Only |
|---|---|
| Small galley (8 units) | £2,500 – £3,500 |
| Medium L-shape (12 units) | £3,500 – £5,000 |
| Large U-shape/island (18+ units) | £5,000 – £8,000+ |
Howdens fitting cost
£1,500 – £3,500
Total Howdens kitchen installed
£4,000 – £11,500
Howdens Ranges by Price Tier
| Range | Supply Only |
|---|---|
| Greenwich / Clerkenwell | £2,500 – £4,000 |
| Fairford / Chelford | £3,500 – £5,500 |
| Allendale / Hardwick | £5,000 – £8,000+ |
Pros
- +Excellent build quality - rigid carcasses
- +Soft-close hinges and drawers as standard
- +Wide colour range across all tiers
- +Your fitter handles ordering and fitting
- +20-year guarantee on carcasses
Cons
- –No public pricing - must go through a fitter
- –Can't browse in-store without a trade account
- –Markup varies between fitters
Our take: Ask your fitter for the Howdens catalogue and get quotes from at least two Howdens-approved fitters for the same kitchen. The same units can vary by £1,000 or more depending on the fitter's markup. Howdens run regular promotions (free appliances, half-price worktops) that your fitter should pass on to you - always ask what deals are currently running.
What Affects the Cost of a New Kitchen?
Your total kitchen renovation cost depends on six main factors. Understanding these will help you control the budget and avoid surprises when quotes come in.
Size and number of units
The single biggest driver of cost. A galley kitchen with 8 units is a fundamentally different job to a large U-shaped kitchen with 20 units, an island, and tall larder units. As a rough guide, each additional unit adds £200–£600 in materials and labour depending on the specification.
Units and carcasses: flat-pack vs. rigid
Flat-pack (also called 'RTA' or 'ready to assemble') units cost less to buy but take longer to build and fit. Rigid units arrive pre-assembled and are generally higher quality. Howdens, a trade-only supplier, offers rigid units at competitive prices through approved installers. The brand of unit matters more than flat-pack vs. rigid - cheap rigid units can be worse than quality flat-pack.
Worktop material
This is where costs jump quickly. Laminate is the cheapest at £100–£300 fitted. Solid wood adds warmth and can be sanded if scratched. Quartz is the most popular premium choice - hard, low-maintenance, and available in hundreds of styles. Prices for stone worktops vary a lot depending on thickness, edging profile, and whether you need cutouts for a hob and sink.
Appliances
Integrated appliances (hidden behind cabinet doors) cost more than freestanding equivalents and take more time to fit. A full set of integrated appliances - dishwasher, fridge-freezer, oven, microwave, extractor - can add £2,000–£6,000 to the project depending on brands. Brands like Neff, Bosch, and Siemens dominate the mid-premium sector; AEG, Smeg, and Miele are popular at the higher end.
Layout changes and structural work
Keeping your existing layout is the cheapest option. Moving the sink or cooker means rerouting plumbing and gas. Knocking through to another room or removing a load-bearing wall needs Building Regulations approval and adds £1,500–£6,000 or more. These jobs add significant time and cost, but can transform a dark small kitchen into a genuinely different space.
Your location
Labour rates vary across the UK. London kitchen fitters charge 25–35% above the national average. The North East and Wales tend to be the most affordable, typically running 10–15% below average. The units and worktops cost the same wherever you are - it's the labour that varies.
Additional Costs to Budget For
A kitchen fitting quote often covers less than people expect. Here are the extras that regularly catch homeowners out.
| Extra Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Structural wall removal (e.g. opening to dining room) | £1,500 – £6,000 |
| New plumbing for island or peninsula sink | £300 – £800 |
| Rewiring / additional sockets | £200 – £600 |
| Underfloor heating | £500 – £1,500 |
| Splashback / tiling | £300 – £1,000 |
| New flooring | £400 – £2,000 |
| Waste removal and skip hire | £150 – £400 |
| Decorating (paint, ceiling, coving) | £300 – £800 |
Kitchen Costs by Region
Average prices for a mid-range fitted kitchen (10–12 units, quartz worktop, integrated appliances) by UK region.
| Region | Average Cost | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| London | £14,500 | +30% |
| South East | £12,500 | +12% |
| East of England | £12,000 | +8% |
| South West | £11,500 | +3% |
| Midlands | £11,000 | Average |
| Yorkshire | £10,000 | -9% |
| North West | £10,200 | -7% |
| North East | £9,500 | -14% |
| Scotland | £10,000 | -9% |
| Wales | £9,800 | -11% |
Based on industry data. Prices for a mid-range fitted kitchen, fully installed.
We also have detailed city-level pricing for kitchen costs in London, Manchester, and Birmingham.
How to Get Your New Kitchen for Less
A few smart decisions at the planning stage can take hundreds - or even thousands - off the final bill.
Buy units separately, pay for fitting only
Trade suppliers like Howdens won't sell to the public directly - but your fitter can buy on your behalf. Buying flat-pack from IKEA or B&Q and paying a carpenter to fit is typically 30–50% cheaper than a showroom design-and-fit package, with no compromise on finish.
Get three quotes - and compare like for like
Kitchen quotes can vary by thousands of pounds for identical spec. Ask each fitter to quote on the exact same units and appliances so you're actually comparing. A cheaper fitter who adds extras for everything won't stay cheaper for long.
Keep the layout - move nothing if you can help it
Moving the sink, oven, or hob to a new location means rerouting plumbing and gas - a significant additional cost. Keeping your existing layout and fitting new units in the same positions is the single easiest way to control costs.
Replace just the doors and worktop
If your existing carcasses are sound (no water damage, hinges still functional), you don't need to replace the whole kitchen. New doors and drawer fronts from a company like Replacement Kitchen Doors, plus a new worktop, can cost £1,000–£3,500 and look just as good as a full replacement.
Choose quartz over granite
Quartz worktops are engineered stone, so they're consistent in colour and pattern, easier to cut, and require no sealing. They're often the same price as granite or cheaper, yet many fitters prefer working with them. You'll also find more competitive pricing because there's more competition among suppliers.
Book in January or February
Kitchen fitters are quiet after Christmas. January and February are their slowest months, which means more availability and more negotiating room on price. Showrooms also run their biggest sales in January - worth timing a purchase if you have flexibility.
Planning a Kitchen Extension?
If your current kitchen is too small to work with, extending is often the answer. A kitchen extension lets you create the open-plan kitchen-diner that tops most buyers' wishlists - and it is one of the most reliable ways to add value to a property. Bear in mind that the kitchen itself is an additional cost on top of the extension build.
Small kitchen extension (3x4m, 12 sq m)
£18,000 – £30,000
+ £5,000 – £15,000 for the kitchen
Enough for a compact kitchen-diner or breakfast room
Medium kitchen-diner (4x5m, 20 sq m)
£30,000 – £50,000
+ £8,000 – £20,000 for the kitchen
Room for a proper kitchen-diner with island and garden access
Large open-plan kitchen-living (5x8m+, 40 sq m)
£55,000 – £90,000
+ £12,000 – £30,000 for the kitchen
Full open-plan living, cooking, and dining space
Popular add-ons
- Bifold or sliding doors£3,000 – £6,000
- Roof lantern or skylight£1,500 – £4,000
Good to know: most single-storey kitchen extensions fall under Permitted Development rights, so you probably will not need planning permission - though you should always check with your local authority before starting. Building Regulations approval is required regardless. For a full breakdown of extension costs, timelines, and what to budget for professional fees, see our house extension cost guide.
What to Expect: The Kitchen Installation Process
A standard kitchen replacement takes 5–10 working days from start to finish. Here is what happens and roughly when.
- 1
Measure up and design
A good fitter will measure your kitchen carefully before ordering anything. If you're buying from a showroom, they'll produce a CAD plan. If you're buying units separately, measure twice yourself. Mistakes at this stage are expensive to fix once units arrive.
- 2
Day 1–2: Strip out
The old kitchen is removed, gas and water supplies are capped, and any waste disposal happens. This is also the time for any structural work to be done - such as removing a wall or creating a new window opening.
- 3
Day 2–3: First fix plumbing and electrics
Plumbers and electricians run new pipework and cables to the right positions before the units go in. Positions need to be confirmed before this stage - moving anything afterwards is expensive.
- 4
Day 3–6: Units and worktops
Cabinets are installed, levelled, and secured. Worktops are then templated (for stone) or cut to size and fitted. Templating for stone worktops typically takes a day, followed by 3–5 working days for fabrication - so factor this in when planning the schedule.
- 5
Day 6–8: Second fix and appliances
Sink is connected, appliances are wired in, hob is connected (by a Gas Safe engineer if gas), and extractor is fitted. Integrated appliances go in and doors are adjusted.
- 6
Day 8–10: Finishing
Tiling, splashback fitting, plinths, cornices, and any final decoration are completed. A good fitter will do a full snag check and fix any issues before signing off.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a new kitchen cost in the UK?
A new kitchen in the UK typically costs between £5,000 and £25,000 fully fitted, depending on size, the quality of units, worktops, and appliances. A small budget kitchen can come in under £5,000. A mid-range kitchen in an average semi-detached runs £8,000–£15,000. A large premium kitchen with stone worktops and integrated appliances can exceed £25,000.
How long does it take to fit a new kitchen?
A standard kitchen installation takes 5–10 working days from strip-out to completion. This includes removal of the old kitchen, any electrical and plumbing first fix, fitting units and worktops, tiling, and installing appliances. Complex jobs with structural work, new drainage, or underfloor heating will take longer.
Do I need planning permission for a new kitchen?
No planning permission is needed to replace or install a kitchen in a standard UK home. However, if the work involves moving gas pipework, the gas work must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Electrical work must comply with Part P Building Regulations and either be self-certified by a registered electrician or notified to your local Building Control.
What's included in a kitchen fitting quote?
A full kitchen fitting quote should cover supply and installation of units, worktops, and a sink. Be clear upfront whether appliances, tiling, flooring, and decorating are included. Many quotes cover just the fitting labour and basic plumbing/electrical connections - you supply the units and appliances separately. Always get a detailed itemised quote before agreeing.
Is it cheaper to buy a flat-pack kitchen and have it fitted?
Yes, in most cases. Buying flat-pack units from IKEA, Howdens, or B&Q and paying a carpenter to fit them is typically 30–50% cheaper than a design-and-fit package from a kitchen showroom. The trade-off is that you take on more project management. This approach works well if you're willing to be hands-on and your kitchen layout is relatively straightforward.
What's the cheapest way to update a kitchen without replacing it?
Replacing just the doors and drawer fronts (and adding new handles) can transform a kitchen for £500–£2,000, keeping the existing carcasses. Replacing the worktop alone costs £400–£1,500. Respraying existing units is another option - a specialist can do a full kitchen for £800–£2,000, and the finish is often as good as new.
How much do kitchen worktops cost?
Laminate worktops start from around £100–£300 fitted for an average kitchen - the most affordable option. Solid wood runs £400–£1,200. Quartz and granite are the most popular premium choices at £800–£2,500 fitted, depending on the stone and edge profile. Dekton and Silestone are in similar price territory. Budget around £50–£150 per linear metre for material alone.
What is the best kitchen brand in the UK for the money?
Howdens is the most widely used trade kitchen brand in the UK - good quality, competitive pricing, and only sold through approved tradespeople. IKEA's Sektion and Metod ranges offer excellent value for flat-pack. For mid-range design-and-fit, Magnet and Wren are popular. At the premium end, Häcker, Nolte, and Poggenpohl are well-regarded German brands used by independent kitchen studios.
How much does an IKEA kitchen cost?
An IKEA METOD kitchen costs £1,500–£5,000 for supply only, depending on size and door style. A small galley kitchen with 8 units runs £1,500–£2,500, while a large U-shape with 18+ units can reach £5,000. Add £1,500–£3,500 for fitting by an independent installer (IKEA don't install kitchens themselves). Total installed cost for an IKEA kitchen is typically £3,000–£7,500.
How much does a Howdens kitchen cost?
A Howdens kitchen costs £2,500–£8,000 for supply only at trade prices, depending on the range and size. Howdens is trade-only - you can't buy direct, so you need to go through a registered fitter. Total installed cost including fitting is typically £4,000–£11,500. Prices vary between fitters, so always get quotes from at least two Howdens-approved installers for the same kitchen.
Written by Sarah Mitchell, Less.co.uk home improvement specialist
Last updated: · Pricing based on industry data and verified contractor submissions · Methodology
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