How Much Does a Full House Rewire Cost in the UK?

A full rewire is one of the bigger investments a homeowner can make — but for older properties, it's often one of the most important. This guide covers typical costs across the UK in 2026, what's included in the price, how long the work takes and the warning signs that tell you it's time. If you're not sure whether you need a full rewire or just a consumer unit upgrade, our separate guide covers the differences.

How Much Does a House Rewire Cost?

Prices vary depending on the size of the property, ease of access and the local area. The figures below are typical for domestic rewires in the North East of England:

Property Size	Typical Cost	Duration
1–2 bedroom flat	£1,500 – £2,500	2–3 days
2–3 bedroom house	£2,500 – £4,000	3–5 days
4 bedroom house	£4,000 – £6,000	5–7 days
5+ bedroom or detached	£6,000+	7–10 days

These are guide prices only. The best way to get an accurate figure is to arrange a survey — we'll assess the property, confirm exactly what's involved and give you a fixed price before any work starts.

What's Included in a Full Rewire?

A full rewire replaces all of the fixed wiring in your home — from the consumer unit all the way out to every socket, switch, light fitting and connection point. Here's what's typically included:

• New consumer unit (fuse board) with RCD and RCBO protection
• New cable throughout — from the board to every outlet point
• New socket outlets and light switches
• New light fittings (unless you're supplying your own)
• Earthing and bonding in kitchen and bathroom
• Electrical Installation Certificate on completion
• NAPIT or NICEIC notification to local authority (building regulations compliance)

What's Not Included?

Redecoration after the rewire is usually not included in the electrical quote. Running cables through walls means chasing (cutting channels) and making good afterwards — some electricians include first-fix plastering in their quote, others don't. Always clarify this before agreeing a price.

What Factors Affect the Cost?

Several things can push the price up or down:

• Property age — older properties with solid walls, timber floors and complex layouts take longer to cable
• Surface vs. concealed wiring — surface-run cabling in conduit is faster but less tidy; concealed wiring requires more labour
• Number of sockets and circuits — adding more sockets or circuits than the previous installation increases cost
• Occupied vs. empty property — rewiring an occupied home takes longer as rooms need to be cleared and access managed around occupants
• Loft and underfloor access — properties with easy loft and floor access are much faster to cable

Signs Your Home Needs Rewiring

Wiring doesn't last forever. Most installations have a lifespan of around 25–40 years, depending on the materials used and how the property has been used. Here are the key warning signs:

• Old rubber or fabric-covered wiring — if your cables have a rubber or fabric sheath rather than modern plastic insulation, they're likely past their safe life
• Round-pin sockets — a clear sign the installation is pre-1960s
• Fuses rather than a modern consumer unit — old rewirable fuses provide very little protection
• Persistent tripping circuits — frequent trips can indicate overloaded or deteriorating wiring
• Burning smells or discolouration around outlets — a serious warning sign that should be investigated immediately
• Unsatisfactory EICR — an inspection that identifies multiple C2 faults often makes a full rewire more economical than piecemeal repairs

Is It Worth Doing?

For older properties, a rewire isn't just a safety matter — it also adds value and makes the home more attractive to buyers. Mortgage lenders and surveyors increasingly flag older wiring as a concern, and having a full rewire with a current Electrical Installation Certificate removes that uncertainty entirely.

It also gives you the opportunity to upgrade the number and position of sockets, add USB outlets, fit modern LED-compatible lighting circuits and future-proof the installation for EV charging or other high-demand appliances. If you're also planning a kitchen renovation, a rewire is the ideal time to sort everything in one go — see our kitchen electrical guide for how to sequence the work.

Get a Fixed Price Quote

We carry out full and partial rewires across Darlington, Teesside, Durham and the wider North East. We'll survey the property, explain exactly what's involved and give you a fixed price — no surprises. See our house rewiring service for full details and pricing, or get in touch to arrange a free survey.

We carry out full and partial rewires in Darlington, Durham, Stockton-on-Tees, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool, Bishop Auckland, Newton Aycliffe and surrounding areas. Call 07950 388658 for a free survey and fixed-price quote.