Conservatory cost by style
Prices below are for a mid-size conservatory (15-20 m2) with uPVC framing unless stated. Aluminium frames add 20-40%. London/South East costs are typically 20-30% higher.
| Style | Typical size | Typical cost (uPVC) | Typical cost (aluminium) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lean-to (Mediterranean) | 8-15 m2 | £8,000 to £15,000 | £12,000 to £20,000 |
| Victorian (3 or 5 facet) | 12-20 m2 | £10,000 to £20,000 | £15,000 to £28,000 |
| Edwardian (Georgian) | 12-25 m2 | £10,000 to £20,000 | £15,000 to £28,000 |
| P-shape or T-shape | 20-35 m2 | £15,000 to £30,000 | £20,000 to £40,000 |
| Orangery | 15-30 m2 | £20,000 to £40,000 | £25,000 to £50,000+ |
All prices include supply and installation; exclude internal fitting, flooring, heating and electrical work unless stated. Always obtain at least three quotes.
What affects conservatory costs?
Several key variables explain why quotes for seemingly similar conservatories can differ by thousands of pounds:
- Frame material: uPVC is the most affordable option and suits most residential styles. Aluminium is slimmer, more modern in appearance, and more durable, but costs 20-40% more. Hardwood timber is the premium choice for period properties.
- Roof type: a polycarbonate roof is the cheapest (prone to noise and temperature extremes), a glass roof is popular and mid-range, while a solid tiled roof or a hybrid (Guardian-style) offers better insulation but adds £3,000 to £8,000.
- Size and shape: every extra square metre adds cost in materials and labour. Complex shapes (P-shape, T-shape) require more bespoke fabrication.
- Base and foundations: most conservatories sit on a concrete slab with a dwarf wall. Difficult ground conditions, sloping gardens, or proximity to trees can substantially increase foundation costs.
- Dwarf wall height and finish: a higher dwarf wall with matching brickwork costs more than a low base or a full-glass configuration.
- Glazing specification: thermally broken double or triple glazing adds cost but reduces heat loss and meets current Part L building regulations requirements.
- Heating and electrical: underfloor heating, radiator connections, and electrical sockets/lighting are rarely included in base quotes and typically add £1,000 to £3,000.
- Location: London and the South East carry a 20-30% labour premium. Remote or difficult-access sites may incur additional delivery and installation charges.
uPVC vs aluminium vs timber: which frame is best?
uPVC (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride) remains the most popular conservatory frame material in the UK. It is low-maintenance, well-insulated, and the most competitively priced option. A uPVC conservatory will typically last 20-25 years before the seals and finish begin to deteriorate. The main limitation is that profiles are relatively bulky and white or coloured foils, while widely available, do not suit all architectural styles.
Aluminium frames offer a slimmer sightline, giving a more contemporary look, and are stronger and longer-lasting than uPVC. Powder-coated aluminium comes in a wide range of RAL colours. The downside is cost: expect to pay 20-40% more than an equivalent uPVC structure. Thermally broken aluminium profiles dramatically reduce cold-bridging and are required to comply with current building regulations if the structure is classified as an extension rather than a conservatory.
Hardwood timber frames (typically oak, accoya, or meranti) are the traditional choice for period and listed properties. They are the most expensive option and require ongoing maintenance (painting or oiling every 5-7 years), but they can last for many decades if properly cared for.
Planning permission and building regulations
Most conservatories in England fall under Permitted Development (PD) rights and do not require a full planning application, provided they meet specific limits. Key rules include: the conservatory must not project more than 4 m from a rear wall of a detached house (3 m for semi-detached or terraced), must not exceed 50% of the original curtilage, must be single-storey, and must not be forward of the principal elevation fronting a highway.
Building regulations are a separate matter. Conservatories are typically exempt if they are less than 30 m2, are at ground level, are separated from the main house by an external-quality wall and door, and have at least 75% of the roof and 50% of the walls in translucent material. If you fit a solid tiled roof or plan to use the space as a habitable room all year, the structure is likely to be treated as an extension and will need full building regulations approval.
Always check with your local planning authority before starting work, particularly if your property is listed, in a conservation area, or an Article 4 direction applies. PD rights do not apply to flats or maisonettes.
Pitfall: cheap polycarbonate roofs and overheating
Basic 16 mm polycarbonate roofs are still sold as a budget option, but they are notoriously poor at temperature regulation - too hot in summer and cold in winter - and can be noisy in rain. If you install one and later want a solid or glass roof, retrofitting is costly and may trigger building regulations compliance for the whole structure. Specify at least self-cleaning solar-control glass if year-round usability matters to you.
Factor it into your buying budget
Our planner helps you set a realistic refurbishment reserve before you buy. If the property you are viewing lacks a conservatory but has space for one, you can model the cost alongside other planned works to see the full picture before you make an offer.