Ever wondered what a new kitchen actually costs before you call a fitter? Prices in the UK can run from a few thousand pounds to well over £15,000, depending on size and finish. If you’re weighing up your options, then this guide breaks the numbers down by size, style and labour, so you know roughly what to expect before booking a consultation.
If you’re exploring tailored options, you may also want to understand the difference between bespoke kitchens and ready-made options before setting your budget expectations.
The Quick Answer: New Kitchen Cost by Size
Kitchen size shapes any quote before anything else, since more floor area means more units, worktop and labour hours. The table below gives a general starting point for full kitchen installation services, covering a layout that stays close to what’s already there without major structural work. Costs shift further with material choice and any changes to plumbing or electrics, both covered in the sections below.
| Kitchen Size | Price Range | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Small (under 8m²) | £3,000 – £8,000 | 1–2 weeks |
| Medium (8–15m²) | £6,000 – £15,000 | 2–3 weeks |
| Large (15m²+) | £12,000 – £25,000+ | 3–5 weeks |
Small kitchens (under 8m²)
A small kitchen under 8m² typically costs £3,000 to £8,000 for full supply and fit, with a basic layout usually finished within one to two weeks. Clever layouts and space planning, like those seen in our small kitchen design ideas, can make compact spaces feel far larger than their footprint suggests.
Medium kitchens (8–15m²)
Medium kitchens between 8m² and 15m² generally run from £6,000 to £15,000, covering the most common UK kitchen size found in three-bedroom semi-detached homes.
Large kitchens (15m²+)
Large kitchens over 15m² usually start around £12,000, often exceeding £25,000 once an island, extended cabinetry or open-plan work gets added to the project. Projects such as our Bespoke Kitchen in Highgate show how layout expansion and tailored cabinetry influence final costs.
How Kitchen Finish Affects the Total Price
Finish level often swings the final bill more than kitchen size alone. Three broad tiers cover most projects:
- Budget: £2,000–£5,000
- Mid-range: £5,000–£15,000
- Luxury: £15,000+
Each tier reflects a different mix of materials, cabinet construction and appliance specification, covered in more detail below.
Budget kitchens (£2,000–£5,000)
Budget kitchens keep costs down through laminate worktops, standard cabinet doors and freestanding rather than integrated appliances. Layouts usually stay close to the existing footprint to avoid extra plumbing or electrical work. This tier suits rental properties, quick refreshes or anyone prioritising function over long-term durability. For a closer look at how these tiers compare, see the difference between budget and luxury kitchens.
Mid-range kitchens (£5,000–£15,000)
Mid-range kitchens introduce sturdier cabinet construction, a wider choice of worktop materials such as quartz, and a mix of integrated appliances. Most households renovating a family kitchen land in this bracket, since it balances quality against a realistic budget. Small layout changes, like moving a sink a short distance, tend to stay affordable at this level.
Luxury kitchens (£15,000+)
Luxury kitchens bring bespoke cabinetry, natural stone or solid timber worktops and a full suite of integrated, premium appliances. Structural changes, such as removing a wall or extending into a side return, often factor into this bracket. Costs climb further with handmade joinery or specialist finishes like hand-painted cabinet doors.
If you’re considering a fully tailored approach, explore our designer kitchens to see what typically sits within this bracket.
Kitchen Installation and Labour Costs UK
Labour costs vary by trade, though most quotes lump them together as one figure. Breaking installation down by trade gives a clearer picture of where the money goes, particularly once plumbing or electrical work joins the project.
| Trade | Typical Day Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen fitter | £150 – £250 | Cabinet assembly, fitting and worktop installation |
| Plumber | £200 – £350 | Sink, dishwasher connections and pipework changes |
| Electrician | £200 – £350 | New sockets, lighting circuits and appliance wiring |
What a kitchen fitter charges per day
A kitchen fitter’s day rate generally reflects experience, location and whether you choose kitchen supply and fit options or a design-only service. Several factors shape the final figure:
- Standard cabinet fitting: typically £150–£200 per day
- Bespoke or handmade cabinetry: often £200–£250 per day
- Projects in central London: usually sit at the higher end of this range
- Installation length: most kitchens take five to ten working days from delivery to completion
Understanding how we work can clarify what is included in a professional design-and-installation service versus supply-only options.
Hidden costs not included in most quotes
Many quotes exclude costs that only surface once work begins, such as rewiring an outdated consumer unit, replacing damaged flooring found under old units, or upgrading plumbing that doesn’t meet current regulations. Waste removal and skip hire add further expense. A contingency of around ten percent of the total budget helps absorb these surprises without derailing the project.
For a deeper look at budgeting beyond the headline number, see how to budget for a bespoke kitchen and hidden costs.
Signs Your Kitchen Quote Is Too High (Or Too Low)
A quote sitting far outside the ranges above deserves a second look. A handful of warning signs point to a quote that’s been padded, or one that’s missing something important.
1. No breakdown of supply vs labour costs
A quote that gives one lump sum without separating materials from labour makes it difficult to compare fairly against other quotes or spot where costs are inflated.
2. No mention of plumbing or electrical work
If a quote stays silent on plumbing and electrical work despite an island or moved appliances, these costs often appear later as an unwelcome addition.
3. Price is well below UK average
A price sitting well under the ranges above can signal corners cut on materials, inexperienced labour, or costs that reappear once work is already underway.
Not Sure What Your New Kitchen Will Cost? Get a Free Quote
Every kitchen is different, and the fastest way to get an accurate figure is a conversation about your space, style and budget. Get in touch to arrange a free, no-obligation quote, or browse our recent kitchen portfolio projects for real examples across London.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a new kitchen cost in the UK?
A new kitchen in the UK typically costs between £3,000 and £25,000 or more, depending on size and finish. Budget kitchens with laminate worktops and standard units sit at the lower end, while bespoke, luxury designs with natural stone and integrated appliances push costs well past £15,000. Size plays a role too, since a small galley kitchen costs far less to fit than a large open-plan space. A personalised quote remains the only accurate way to know your exact figure.
What is the cheapest way to get a new kitchen?
The cheapest way to get a new kitchen is usually a flat-pack, self-assembly unit paired with existing appliances and a laminate worktop. Keeping the current layout avoids the cost of moving plumbing or electrics, which often adds thousands to a project. Buying units during sale periods and fitting them yourself, or hiring a fitter for assembly only, cuts costs further. Even with these savings, most basic kitchens still start around £2,000 to £3,000.
How long does a kitchen installation take?
Most kitchen installations take between one and three weeks, depending on size and complexity. A small kitchen with no structural changes can finish within five to ten working days. Larger projects involving plumbing, electrical rewiring or a layout change typically extend to three or four weeks. Delivery lead times for cabinetry, often several weeks in advance, sit outside this installation window and need factoring into an overall project timeline.
What is included in a kitchen installation quote?
A kitchen installation quote should cover cabinet assembly and fitting, worktop installation, and connection of existing appliances and plumbing. It doesn’t always include structural work, rewiring, new flooring, or waste removal, so these often appear as separate line items. A clear quote breaks labour and materials apart rather than presenting one combined figure. Asking a fitter to confirm exactly what falls inside and outside the quoted price avoids confusion once work begins.
Do I need planning permission for a new kitchen?
Most kitchen renovations don’t need planning permission, since replacing units, worktops and appliances within the existing footprint counts as permitted development. Permission becomes relevant for structural changes, such as removing a load-bearing wall, extending the kitchen outward, or altering a listed building. Conservation areas can also bring additional restrictions on external changes like windows. Checking with the local council before structural work begins avoids delays further into the project.
Does a new kitchen add value to my home?
A well-executed kitchen renovation can add value to a home, since it’s one of the improvements buyers notice most during a viewing. The exact return depends on the local property market, the quality of the finish, and how the new kitchen compares to similar homes nearby. Overspending relative to a property’s overall value rarely returns the full outlay, so matching the kitchen’s finish level to the wider house tends to work best.
Is it cheaper to buy a flat-pack kitchen or get one fitted?
Buying a flat-pack kitchen and fitting it yourself is generally cheaper than a fully fitted, bespoke kitchen, since it removes most of the design and installation labour cost. The savings shrink a good deal if a professional still needs to assemble and fit the units, since labour remains one of the largest cost factors regardless of where the units come from. Flat-pack also limits customisation compared with a bespoke design built around an exact space.
How do I find a reliable kitchen fitter near me?
Finding a kitchen fitter worth hiring starts with checking reviews, portfolio photos and references from recent projects rather than relying on price alone. Ask how long a company has been trading, whether they carry insurance, and who manages the project on site day to day. Getting quotes from a handful of companies rather than just one makes it easier to spot a fair price and a fitter who explains the process clearly.