Full house rewire London costs can vary significantly depending on the size of the property, its age, the condition of the existing wiring, and how much of the electrical installation you want to upgrade.
For many homeowners, the biggest questions are straightforward:
How much does a full house rewire cost in London?
How long does it take?
And does the whole house actually need rewiring?
A full rewire can cost several thousand pounds, with larger or more complicated London properties potentially reaching £10,000 or more. NICEIC also highlights property size, the extent of the work and additional upgrades as important factors affecting the final cost.
The important thing is not to assume that an old house automatically needs a complete rewire. The condition of the electrical installation matters more than age alone. Electrical Safety First recommends having the installation periodically inspected so that a qualified electrician can determine whether rewiring or other electrical improvements are actually necessary.
How Much Does a Full House Rewire Cost in London in 2026?
There is no single fixed price for a house rewire.
As a general 2026 London budgeting guide, you could expect approximately:
| Property size | Typical full rewire guide |
|---|---|
| 1–2 bedroom house | £3,500–£5,500 |
| 3 bedroom house | £4,500–£7,000 |
| 4 bedroom house | £5,500–£8,500 |
| 5 bedroom house | £7,000–£10,000+ |
These are guide figures rather than fixed prices.
The final quotation can be affected by the number of circuits, accessibility, the construction of the property, the condition of the existing wiring, the number of sockets and switches, the consumer unit, and whether you want additional electrical points installed.
NICEIC notes that home rewiring can range from a few thousand pounds for smaller projects to £10,000 or more for larger and more complex rewires.
NICEIC guide to rewiring a house
What Is a Full House Rewire?
A full rewire means replacing the existing electrical wiring throughout the property with a modern electrical installation.
Depending on the project, this can involve:
- Removing old electrical cables
- Installing new wiring
- Installing or upgrading the consumer unit
- Replacing switches
- Replacing socket outlets
- Installing additional sockets
- Installing additional lighting points
- Upgrading circuits
- Improving earthing and bonding where required
- Testing and certifying the completed installation
A rewire can also be an opportunity to make practical improvements to the electrical layout.
For example, if your house currently has only a couple of sockets in each bedroom, you may decide to add more while the walls and floors are already being opened up.
NICEIC explains that rewiring can also provide an opportunity to increase electrical capacity and add additional sockets, switches and lighting points.
Does an Old House Automatically Need Rewiring?
No.
This is an important point.
The age of a property alone does not mean that the entire electrical installation needs to be replaced.
Electrical Safety First specifically states that there are no fixed rules saying a property must be rewired simply because its wiring is old. The condition and history of the installation need to be considered.
A professional inspection can help determine whether the installation needs:
- A full rewire
- A partial rewire
- Repairs
- Consumer unit upgrades
- Additional protective measures
- No major work at all
Electrical Safety First advice on when a property may need rewiring
What Are the Signs Your House May Need Rewiring?
There are several warning signs that should not be ignored.
Flickering Lights
Lights that repeatedly flicker or dim can sometimes indicate an electrical problem.
Frequently Tripping Circuit Breakers
If circuit breakers or RCDs regularly trip, there may be an underlying electrical fault or an installation that is struggling with the demands being placed on it.
Burning Smells or Marks
Burn marks around sockets, switches or plugs can indicate overheating and should be investigated promptly.
Damaged or Exposed Wiring
Cracked, damaged, frayed or exposed cables should be checked by a qualified electrician.
Old Fuse Box
An older fuse box does not automatically mean the entire house needs rewiring, but it may indicate that the electrical installation requires assessment and potentially upgrading.
Electric Shocks
Even a small electric shock from a socket, switch or appliance should not be ignored.
Electrical Safety First recommends having unusual signs such as burn marks, buzzing or crackling sounds, repeated fuse failures or circuit-breaker trips investigated by a registered electrician.
How Long Does a Full House Rewire Take?
A typical full house rewire can take several days to one or two weeks, depending on the size and complexity of the property.
NICEIC gives a similar broad timeframe and explains that the factors affecting cost will usually affect the duration of the project as well.
A rough guide might look like this:
| Property | Approximate timeframe |
|---|---|
| 1–2 bedroom house | 3–5 days |
| 3 bedroom house | 5–7 days |
| 4 bedroom house | 7–10 days |
| 5 bedroom house | 1–2 weeks+ |
These aren’t guaranteed project times.
A Victorian terrace with difficult access can take longer than a modern house of the same size.
Why Does a London Rewire Cost So Much?
A full rewire isn’t simply a matter of replacing cables.
The electrician may need to access wiring hidden behind walls, floors and ceilings.
The project can involve:
- Lifting floorboards
- Cutting access points in walls
- Removing old cables
- Installing new cables
- Creating new electrical circuits
- Installing accessories
- Upgrading the consumer unit
- Testing every circuit
- Completing certification
- Making good after electrical work
The condition and construction of the building can therefore have a major effect on the price.
Does the Consumer Unit Need Replacing During a Rewire?
In many full rewires, the consumer unit is upgraded as part of the project.
However, the exact specification depends on the existing installation and the design of the new electrical system.
A modern consumer unit can provide improved protection and accommodate additional circuits required by today’s homes.
NICEIC explains that replacing the consumer unit can form part of a house rewire and that rewiring can provide an opportunity to increase electrical capacity.
Can You Add More Sockets During a Rewire?
Yes.
This is actually one of the advantages of rewiring a property.
Once the electrician is already accessing the wiring, it can make sense to plan additional:
- Socket outlets
- USB charging points
- Lighting points
- Switches
- Outdoor sockets
- Dedicated appliance circuits
- Other electrical points
Adding these later can mean additional disruption and potentially higher costs.
So if you’re planning a rewire, think about how you actually use each room before the work starts.
Can You Add an EV Charger During a Rewire?
Potentially, yes.
If you’re planning to install an EV charger, solar panels, battery storage or other high-demand electrical equipment, tell your electrician before the rewire is designed.
Modern electrical installations need to take future demand into account.
NICEIC notes that homeowners increasingly use rewiring projects as an opportunity to increase electrical capacity and prepare for technologies such as EV charging and solar PV systems.
Do You Have to Move Out During a Full Rewire?
Not necessarily, but living in a property during a full rewire can be inconvenient.
You may have:
- Dust and debris
- Floorboards being lifted
- Furniture being moved
- Walls being opened
- Noise during working hours
- Temporary loss of electricity
There may also be periods when electricity needs to be switched off while circuits are being worked on.
NICEIC says it is possible to remain in a property during a rewire, but doing so can make the project more difficult and potentially more expensive because the electrician has to work around the occupants.
If you have somewhere else to stay, it is worth discussing this with your electrician before the project begins.
How Messy Is a Full House Rewire?
This depends heavily on the property and how the wiring is installed.
A rewire can involve opening walls, lifting floorboards and creating access points to reach existing cables.
In a property where cables are difficult to access, the amount of making-good work can become a significant part of the overall project.
This is another reason why two houses of the same size can have very different rewire costs.
Does a Full Rewire Include Plastering and Decorating?
Usually, you should not assume that it does.
Electrical work and making-good are often treated separately.
Your electrician may make reasonable access repairs, but full plastering, painting, wallpapering or decorating may not be included in the electrical quotation.
Before accepting a quote, ask exactly what happens after the electrician has finished installing the new wiring.
This can prevent an unpleasant surprise when you discover that the electrical work is complete but the walls still need decorating.
Is a Full Rewire Notifiable Work in London?
Yes.
In England and Wales, domestic rewiring is generally notifiable work under Part P of the Building Regulations.
The work needs to comply with the applicable building regulations and electrical safety requirements.
One practical option is to use an electrician who is registered with an appropriate competent person scheme so that the work can be self-certified where permitted.
NICEIC explains that home rewires fall under notifiable work and discusses the options for competent-person schemes and Building Control.
NICEIC guidance on Part P and rewire certification
What Certificates Should You Receive After a Rewire?
After the work is completed, the electrical installation should be properly inspected, tested and certified.
You should keep the relevant electrical certification and Building Regulations compliance documentation safely.
This paperwork can be important later, particularly if you sell the property.
NICEIC warns that failing to obtain the correct certificates and notifications for a rewire can create problems when selling a property in the future.
Should You Get an EICR Before Rewiring?
Often, yes.
If you’re unsure whether your property actually needs a full rewire, an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) can provide useful information about the condition of the existing installation.
The results can help a qualified electrician determine whether you need a complete rewire or whether specific defects can be repaired.
Electrical Safety First recommends periodic inspection of electrical installations and explains that the inspection can identify whether an installation is safe or requires upgrading.
You can use the anchor text Electrical services in London above as the internal link to your Homacord Electrics page.
How to Reduce the Cost of a House Rewire
A cheaper quote isn’t always the best way to reduce the total cost.
Instead, good planning can help prevent unnecessary additional work.
Before the electrician starts, decide:
- Where you want additional sockets
- Where you want new lighting
- Which appliances need dedicated circuits
- Whether you want outdoor electrical points
- Whether you’re planning an EV charger
- Whether you want smart-home equipment
- Whether you need additional consumer-unit capacity
Making these decisions before the work begins can be much easier than changing the electrical design halfway through the project.
What Should a Full Rewire Quote Include?
Before accepting a quotation, ask for a clear breakdown.
A good quotation should explain what is included, such as:
- Removal or disconnection of existing wiring
- New cabling
- Number of circuits
- Consumer unit
- Number of sockets
- Number of switches
- Lighting points
- Testing
- Certification
- Building Regulations notification where applicable
- Making good
- Any additional work
Also ask whether VAT is included.
Two quotations can look very different simply because one includes more items than the other.
Full House Rewire London: 2026 Cost Summary
For a typical London property, a rough 2026 budgeting guide is:
1–2 bedroom house: £3,500–£5,500
3 bedroom house: £4,500–£7,000
4 bedroom house: £5,500–£8,500
5 bedroom house: £7,000–£10,000+
The actual cost depends on the property rather than the bedroom count alone.
The biggest factors include:
- Property size
- Number of circuits
- Age and condition of the installation
- Accessibility
- Number of sockets and lighting points
- Consumer unit requirements
- Extensions and outbuildings
- Additional electrical upgrades
- Making-good requirements
NICEIC’s current guidance similarly notes that rewiring costs can range from a few thousand pounds to £10,000 or more for larger or more complex projects.
Final Thoughts
A full house rewire is a significant investment, but it can also be an opportunity to bring an older electrical installation up to modern standards and redesign the system around the way you actually use your home.
The key is not to assume that an old house automatically needs a complete rewire.
If you’re concerned about the condition of your electrics, start with a proper assessment. A qualified electrician can determine whether you need a full rewire, a partial rewire or targeted repairs.
And if a full rewire is recommended, get a detailed quotation that clearly explains what you’re paying for, how long the work should take and what certification you’ll receive when it’s finished.
For electrical installation, repairs, testing and rewiring services in London:
For wider property maintenance services:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a full house rewire cost in London in 2026?
A full rewire can cost roughly £3,500–£10,000+, depending on the size and complexity of the property. Larger London homes and more complicated installations can cost more.
How long does a full house rewire take?
A typical full rewire can take several days to one or two weeks. The exact timeframe depends on the property, accessibility and scope of the work.
Does an old house automatically need rewiring?
No. The age of the wiring alone doesn’t determine whether a property needs a rewire. Its condition should be assessed by a qualified electrician.
Can I stay in my house during a rewire?
You can, but it can be inconvenient because of noise, dust, access requirements and periods without electricity.
Does a full rewire include a new consumer unit?
A consumer-unit upgrade may form part of a full rewire, but the exact specification should be confirmed in the quotation.
Can I add more sockets during a rewire?
Yes. A rewire is often a good opportunity to add sockets, lighting points and other electrical circuits.
Do I need an EICR before a full rewire?
If you’re unsure whether a complete rewire is necessary, an EICR can help assess the condition of the existing electrical installation.
Is a house rewire notifiable work?
Yes. In England and Wales, domestic rewiring is generally notifiable work under Part P of the Building Regulations.
Do I need planning permission for a house rewire?
Planning permission is generally not required simply to rewire a house, but the work must comply with the applicable Building Regulations.
Can a rewire increase the value of a house?
A rewire doesn’t automatically add a specific amount to a property’s value. However, a safe, modern electrical installation can make an older property more attractive to buyers and can remove concerns about outdated wiring.
