A conservatory is one of the most popular ways to add space and light to a home — but the cost varies enormously depending on size, style, and materials. Here's what to budget for in 2026.
Types of Conservatory
- Lean-to — the simplest and cheapest; a single-slope roof against the house wall
- Victorian — a bay front and pitched roof; classic and versatile
- Edwardian — rectangular footprint with a pitched roof; more usable floor space than Victorian
- Gable-front — upright front with a flat-faced gable; grand and light
- Orangery — more brickwork and a flat roof with a central lantern; feels more like an extension
Typical Costs
| Type | Small (3m × 3m) | Large (4m × 5m+) |
|---|---|---|
| uPVC lean-to | £5,000–£8,000 | £8,000–£12,000 |
| uPVC Victorian/Edwardian | £8,000–£12,000 | £12,000–£18,000 |
| Timber Victorian/Edwardian | £12,000–£18,000 | £18,000–£28,000 |
| Orangery | £15,000–£25,000 | £25,000–£45,000+ |
What Affects the Price?
- Material — uPVC is cheapest; timber is more expensive but looks better on period homes; aluminium is a premium mid-range option
- Roof type — polycarbonate is cheapest; glass is mid-range; a solid tiled roof (warm roof) is most expensive but makes the room usable year-round
- Glazing — double glazing is standard; triple glazing or self-cleaning glass adds to the cost
- Base and dwarf wall — a full-height glass conservatory is cheaper than one with a brick dwarf wall
- Planning permission — most conservatories fall under permitted development, but larger ones or those in conservation areas may need approval
Solid Roof Conversions
Many older conservatories with polycarbonate roofs are too hot in summer and too cold in winter. A solid tiled roof conversion (replacing the old roof with an insulated tiled one) costs £4,000–£8,000 and makes the space genuinely usable year-round. This typically requires building control approval.
Heating and Insulation
Don't forget heating — a conservatory needs its own heat source (radiators, underfloor heating, or an electric heater) on its own thermostat. Underfloor heating is popular for conservatories and costs £1,000–£2,500 depending on type.
Getting Quotes
Always get at least three quotes, and make sure each one specifies the frame material, glazing type, roof type, base construction, and whether planning and building control are included.