How Much Does a Bathroom Renovation Cost in London in 2026?
Seeing a bathroom transformation come together can be one of the most satisfying parts of a refurbishment project.
A tired, dated or poorly planned bathroom can be transformed into a bright, practical and well-finished space that improves both the day-to-day use of the property and its overall appeal.
But before choosing tiles, sanitaryware and finishes, most homeowners want to understand one thing:
How much does a bathroom renovation actually cost in London in 2026?
There is no single figure. The final price will depend on the size of the room, existing plumbing, whether the layout is changing, the quality of the fixtures and finishes, and the amount of preparation required before the new bathroom can be installed.
As a broad guide, a complete new bathroom installation in the UK typically falls around £5,500–£8,000 including materials, while London projects can cost more due to labour rates, access, logistics and higher specifications. Checkatrade
For a professionally delivered London bathroom refurbishment, we would broadly suggest allowing:
Bathroom Type | Indicative London Budget |
Basic bathroom refurbishment | £5,000–£8,000 |
Standard full renovation | £7,000–£12,000 |
Mid-to-high specification bathroom | £10,000–£18,000 |
High-end bathroom | £15,000–£25,000+ |
Bespoke luxury bathroom | £25,000+ |
These should be treated as initial budgeting figures rather than fixed prices. Every property and specification is different.
What Affects the Cost of a Bathroom Renovation?
The cost of a bathroom installation can vary considerably depending on several factors.
These include:
The size and layout of the bathroom
The condition of the existing room
Whether plumbing positions are being altered
The quality of sanitaryware and brassware
The type and amount of tiling
Electrical works
Waterproofing requirements
Underfloor heating
Bespoke joinery
Access and waste removal
The standard of the final finish
In older London properties, the condition of the existing plumbing, floors and walls can also have a significant impact once the old bathroom has been stripped out.
Typical Bathroom Fixture and Installation Costs
The following sections give a practical idea of where the overall budget goes.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Shower Mixer?
A basic or mid-range shower mixer may cost approximately £150–£400, while premium concealed systems can cost considerably more.
Installation costs will depend on whether the existing pipework can be reused or whether new concealed plumbing is required.
Where walls need to be opened, pipework repositioned and surfaces made good, the installation cost can be higher than the mixer itself.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Shower Enclosure?
A standard shower enclosure and tray might cost approximately £400–£1,000+, depending on the size, glass thickness and manufacturer.
Installation may involve:
Shower tray fitting
Waste connection
Waterproofing
Glass installation
Silicone sealing
Making good surrounding finishes
Walk-in screens and bespoke frameless glazing can increase the cost substantially.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Vanity Unit?
A straightforward vanity unit may start at around £250–£500, while bespoke or higher-quality units can cost several thousand pounds.
Additional costs can include:
Basin
Mixer tap
Waste fittings
Plumbing alterations
Wall fixing
Stone or solid-surface worktops
The cost therefore depends much more on the complete specification than on the cabinet alone.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Toilet?
A standard WC may cost around £200–£500, while wall-hung toilets and concealed cistern systems can cost more.
Installation also becomes more involved where the soil pipe needs to be repositioned.
Wall-hung WCs typically require a concealed support frame, boxing and additional finishing work.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Bath?
A conventional acrylic bath may start at around £300–£600, while freestanding, stone or premium baths can cost considerably more.
The complete installation may also include:
Bath mixer
Waste
Plumbing
Bath panel
Waterproofing
Tiling
Silicone sealing
A premium freestanding bath installation can therefore cost several times more than a basic replacement.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Heated Towel Rail?
A conventional heated towel rail might cost approximately £150–£500, depending on size and finish.
Installation cost will depend on whether the existing heating pipework is already in the correct position.
Electric or dual-fuel towel rails may also require electrical work.
How Much Does Bathroom Strip-Out Cost?
Removing an existing bathroom is more involved than simply taking out the sanitaryware.
The strip-out may include:
Removing the bath or shower
Removing WC and basin
Removing tiles
Taking down plasterboard
Removing flooring
Disconnecting pipework
Waste loading and disposal
Current UK cost guidance puts bathroom removal at approximately £600–£1,000, depending on the extent of the work. Checkatrade
London access, parking restrictions and waste handling can push this higher.
How Much Does It Cost to Tile a Bathroom?
Tiling is one of the most variable elements of a bathroom project.
The price depends on:
Tile size
Tile material
Pattern
Wall preparation
Number of corners and niches
Floor condition
Required waterproofing
Tile cutting complexity
Standard porcelain tiles can be relatively economical, while natural stone, mosaics and large-format slabs can increase both material and labour costs significantly.
Current UK guidance puts wall tiling labour for a typical bathroom at around £950–£1,250, before allowing for the tiles themselves and any extensive preparation. Checkatrade
For a complete London bathroom, the combined cost of tiling materials, adhesive, trims, preparation and labour can easily run into several thousand pounds.
How Much Does Underfloor Heating Cost?
Electric underfloor heating is increasingly common in bathroom renovations.
It works particularly well beneath tiled floors and can provide a more comfortable finish while reducing reliance on conventional radiators.
In London, electrical underfloor heating installation currently averages around £442, with typical quoted ranges of approximately £254–£781 before allowing for all associated floor preparation and finishes. Checkatrade
Additional costs may include:
Insulation boards
Thermostat
Electrical connection
Floor levelling
Screed
Tiling
How Much Does It Cost to Install an Extractor Fan?
A bathroom extractor fan itself may be relatively inexpensive, but the complete installation cost depends on the duct route and electrical requirements.
The installation can become more involved where:
New ducting is required
The fan needs to vent through an external wall or roof
Wiring needs to be extended
A timer or humidity sensor is required
Good ventilation is particularly important in bathrooms because it helps control moisture and condensation.
How Much Does Bathroom Decoration Cost?
Decoration usually takes place after the main tiling and installation work is complete.
This can include:
Preparing ceilings
Repairing plaster
Painting ceilings
Painting doors and architraves
Decorating untiled walls
Final making good
The cost depends heavily on how much of the bathroom remains painted rather than tiled.
Bathroom Accessories and Finishing Details
The final details can have a surprisingly large impact on the finished room.
These may include:
Mirrors
Illuminated mirrors
Shelving
Toilet-roll holders
Towel hooks
Robe hooks
Shower shelves
Soap dispensers
Bathroom cabinets
Decorative lighting
A simple accessories package may cost a few hundred pounds, while premium mirrors, custom shelving and architectural lighting can increase this considerably.
How Much Does a Wet Room Cost in London?
Wet rooms generally cost more than conventional bathrooms because of the waterproofing and drainage requirements.
A proper wet-room installation can involve:
Floor strengthening
Forming falls
Waterproof tanking
Linear drainage
Specialist tiling
Bespoke glass
Additional plumbing
Current London pricing puts wet-room installation at roughly £4,992–£10,282, with an average around £7,159. Checkatrade
Higher-end installations can cost significantly more.
How Long Does a Bathroom Renovation Take?
A relatively straightforward bathroom renovation typically takes around 1–2 weeks, although bespoke or more complex installations can take longer. Checkatrade
A more involved project may take 2–4 weeks or more, particularly where the work includes:
Full layout changes
Structural alterations
Extensive tiling
Natural stone
Bespoke joinery
Underfloor heating
Specialist waterproofing
Long-lead sanitaryware
The programme also depends on how effectively the different trades are coordinated.
Should You Change the Existing Bathroom Layout?
Keeping the existing bathroom layout is often the most cost-effective approach.
If the toilet, bath, shower and basin stay in approximately the same positions, less plumbing alteration is normally required.
This can reduce:
Labour
Waste pipe alterations
Wall chasing
Floor disruption
Making good
However, preserving a poor layout simply to reduce cost is not always the best long-term decision.
If relocating the sanitaryware significantly improves circulation, storage or usability, the additional cost may be worthwhile.
Is a New Bathroom Worth the Investment?
A bathroom renovation is not only about appearance.
A well-planned bathroom can improve:
Comfort
Storage
Ventilation
Water efficiency
Heating efficiency
Functionality
Overall presentation of the property
Modern taps, shower fittings and dual-flush toilets can also help reduce water consumption.
The greatest value usually comes from combining good design with durable construction rather than spending heavily on decorative finishes while compromising the underlying installation.
Where Is It Worth Spending More?
Some bathroom elements are much more difficult to replace later than others.
We would generally prioritise investment in:
Waterproofing
Failure behind tiles can cause extensive hidden damage.
Plumbing
Good-quality pipework, valves and connections reduce the risk of future leaks.
Drainage
Incorrect falls or poorly installed wastes can create persistent problems.
Concealed fittings
If a valve or cistern is installed behind a finished wall, using reliable components is particularly important.
Ventilation
Poor ventilation contributes to condensation and mould.
Preparation
Even premium tiles will not perform properly if the surface behind them has been badly prepared.
Decorative elements such as mirrors and accessories are much easier to upgrade later.
How Much Should You Budget for a Bathroom Renovation in London in 2026?
For budgeting purposes, we would suggest approximately:
Standard Bathroom
£7,000–£12,000
Suitable for a complete refurbishment using good-quality mainstream sanitaryware and finishes.
Higher Specification Bathroom
£10,000–£18,000
Allowing for upgraded sanitaryware, better tiling, lighting, underfloor heating and additional detailing.
High-End Bathroom
£15,000–£25,000+
Potentially incorporating bespoke joinery, premium brassware, large-format tiles, custom shower screens and specialist finishes.
Bespoke Luxury Bathroom
£25,000+
For design-led spaces incorporating substantial bespoke work, premium materials and complex installations.
The total cost can vary considerably, so the most useful approach is to develop a proper specification before comparing quotations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a new bathroom cost in London in 2026?
For a complete renovation, a realistic working budget is often around £7,000–£12,000, while higher-specification bathrooms can cost £15,000–£25,000+.
Can I renovate a bathroom for £5,000?
It may be possible for a relatively simple bathroom where the existing layout is retained and budget-conscious fittings are selected.
More extensive tiling, electrical work or plumbing alterations can quickly push the cost higher.
What is the most expensive part of a bathroom renovation?
Labour, plumbing and tiling are commonly among the largest costs. Bespoke joinery, premium sanitaryware and natural stone can also increase the project value considerably. Checkatrade
How long does it take to renovate a bathroom?
Most relatively straightforward bathroom installations take around 7–10 working days, while high-specification or bespoke projects may take longer. Checkatrade
Should I buy the bathroom fittings myself?
You can, but it is important to make sure all fittings are compatible with the design, plumbing and installation requirements.
Incorrect sizes, missing components and incompatible concealed fittings can cause programme delays.
Is underfloor heating worth having in a bathroom?
For many tiled bathrooms, yes. It can improve comfort considerably and provides even heat distribution across the floor.
Planning a Bathroom Renovation?
Slateriver Group delivers residential refurbishment, interior fit-out and building-services works across London, Hertfordshire and the surrounding areas.
Our bathroom projects can incorporate the complete package, including:
Plumbing · Electrical works · Waterproofing · Tiling · Joinery · Sanitaryware · Underfloor heating · Decoration · Final finishes
Whether you are planning a straightforward bathroom refurbishment or a bespoke high-end interior, our approach focuses on careful coordination, build quality and long-term performance.
Tell us about your bathroom project
[Submit a Project Enquiry]
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