Old wiring is one of the most common hidden problems in British homes. A full house rewire in the UK typically costs £3,500 to £5,500 for a two-bedroom property and £5,000 to £8,000 for a three-bedroom house, with larger homes and London prices going higher. It is a big job, but it replaces unsafe cables, adds the sockets modern life needs and brings the installation up to current standards.
The rewiring timescale for an average house is around 5 to 10 working days, split into a messy “first fix” stage and a tidier “second fix”. Most of the cost is labour, so the price depends heavily on the size of the property, how easy it is to lift floors and access the loft, and whether you are living in the home during the work.
Below we cover the signs your home needs rewiring, typical rewiring prices by property size, what a quote should and should not include, and how to plan the work around redecoration so you only make a mess once.
Signs your home may need rewiring
Age alone does not mean a rewire is needed. Modern PVC cables can last well beyond 25 years, so an Electrical Installation Condition Report is the best way to find out whether you need a full rewire, a partial rewire or just repairs.
Rewiring prices by property size
| Property | Typical cost | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed flat | £2,500–£4,000 | 3–5 days |
| 2-bed house | £3,500–£5,500 | 5–7 days |
| 3-bed house | £5,000–£8,000 | 7–10 days |
| 4-bed house | £7,000–£12,000 | 10–14 days |
Prices usually include a new consumer unit, cabling, sockets, switches, smoke alarms and certification. Plastering and decorating are normally extra.
Full rewire or partial rewire?
Not every property needs everything replaced. A partial rewire replaces only the circuits that are faulty or outdated – for example, the kitchen circuit during a kitchen renovation, or the lighting circuits when cables have deteriorated in the loft. It typically costs a fraction of a full rewire and causes less disruption.
- the wiring is modern PVC but some circuits fail tests
- you are renovating one or two rooms
- you need extra circuits for new appliances
- cables are rubber or lead-sheathed
- there is no earthing on lighting circuits
- you are gutting the house anyway
First fix and second fix explained
First fix is the disruptive part. Electricians lift floorboards, cut channels (chases) into plaster and run new cables to every socket, switch and light position. Existing circuits are usually disconnected for most of this stage, so expect limited power.
Once plastering is done, second fix follows: fitting sockets, switches, light fittings and the consumer unit, then testing every circuit. The job finishes with the Electrical Installation Certificate and building control notification.
What is and is not usually included
- New cables and back boxes
- Standard white sockets and switches
- New consumer unit
- Interlinked smoke and heat alarms
- Testing, certificate and notification
- Re-plastering and making good
- Decorating
- Designer or smart switches
- Downlights and outdoor lighting
- EV charger or garden circuits
Living at home during a rewire
It is possible to stay in the property, but it helps to plan ahead. Electricians usually work room by room and leave at least one circuit live at the end of each day, often for the fridge and a few lights. Expect dust, lifted carpets and noise from chasing walls. Pack away valuables and ornaments, cover furniture, and agree in advance which rooms will be out of action on which days. Families with young children or people working from home often choose to stay elsewhere for the first fix stage, which also shortens the job.
Planning tips that save money
- Rewire before decorating, new kitchens or flooring – never after.
- Plan socket positions room by room, including USB sockets, TV walls and home office space.
- Add future circuits now, such as an EV charger feed or heat pump supply, while walls are open.
- Consider moving out for the first fix stage; work goes faster in an empty house and can cost less.
- Ask about a partial rewire if an EICR shows only some circuits are faulty.
Choosing the right electrician
Ask for at least three written quotes based on a site visit, not a phone call. A good quote lists the number of sockets, switches and lights per room, the consumer unit specification, who is responsible for plastering, and the expected start and finish dates. Check that the electrician is registered with a competent person scheme, carries public liability insurance and offers a workmanship guarantee. Agree a payment schedule linked to stages of work rather than paying most of the cost upfront.
Costs reflect typical UK rewiring quotes for standard properties.
Independent guide – not linked to any electrician or trade scheme.