Updated April 2026
How Much Does a New Kitchen Cost?
A new kitchen is one of the most popular home improvements and the costs can range enormously depending on where you buy the units, what worktops you choose, and how much the layout changes. The biggest surprise for most people is that the fitting labour is often less than the cost of the kitchen itself. Here's what to budget for.
What you can expect to pay
| Description | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget kitchen (supply + fit, small) | £5,000 | £7,000 | £9,000 |
| Mid-range kitchen (supply + fit, medium) | £8,000 | £12,000 | £16,000 |
| Premium kitchen (supply + fit, large) | £15,000 | £20,000 | £25,000+ |
| Fitting labour only (average kitchen) | £2,000 | £3,500 | £5,500 |
| Worktop supply + fit (laminate, 3m run) | £200 | £400 | £600 |
| Worktop supply + fit (quartz, 3m run) | £1,200 | £1,800 | £2,500 |
| Electrical work (new circuits/sockets) | £300 | £600 | £1,000 |
| Plumbing (sink/dishwasher/washing machine) | £200 | £400 | £700 |
Prices include VAT at 20%. Supply-and-fit prices include standard kitchen units from the relevant tier.
What affects the price
The kitchen units themselves are the biggest cost. Flat-pack from IKEA or Howdens trade range starts around £2,000 for a small kitchen. Rigid (pre-assembled) cabinets from mid-range suppliers cost £4,000 to £8,000. Bespoke or premium brands go much higher.
Worktops make a huge difference to the bill. Laminate costs a fraction of quartz or granite, and modern laminates look far better than they used to. Solid wood sits in the middle and suits certain styles well.
Changing the kitchen layout adds cost because it usually means moving plumbing and possibly electrics. Keeping the sink, cooker, and fridge in the same positions saves significant money.
Most kitchens need some electrical work: new sockets, lighting changes, or a cooker circuit. This is typically quoted separately by a qualified electrician.
Appliance costs are separate from fitting. A full set of new appliances (oven, hob, extractor, fridge-freezer, dishwasher) typically adds £1,500 to £4,000 on top.
How to keep costs down
- 1
Buy units and fitting separately. Many people get a better deal buying flat-pack units (IKEA, Howdens, Wren) and hiring an independent fitter rather than using the supplier's installation service. Independent fitters often charge less and do better work.
- 2
Keep the existing layout where possible. Every pipe or socket that moves adds cost. If you can work with where the plumbing and electrics already are, you'll save hundreds.
- 3
Consider mixing splurges and savings. You could have IKEA carcasses with nicer doors, or laminate worktops with a premium tap. Nobody inspects the inside of your cabinets.
- 4
Get the electrical and plumbing work done first, before the kitchen goes in. It's cheaper to add sockets to bare walls than to work around new cabinets.
- 5
If you're on a tight budget, replacing just the doors and worktops on existing carcasses can transform a kitchen for a fraction of the cost of a full refit.
Frequently asked questions
A straightforward kitchen fitting with no layout changes typically takes 5 to 10 working days. If you're moving plumbing, adding electrics, or plastering and tiling, allow 2 to 4 weeks. Your fitter should give you a schedule before work starts.
Either can work well. Buying your own gives you more control over cost and choice. Using the fitter's supplier means they take responsibility for ordering and dealing with any issues. If you buy separately, make sure your fitter checks the plan before you order.
Not for a straightforward kitchen replacement. However, if you're adding new electrical circuits, moving gas appliances, or making structural changes like removing a wall, those specific elements may need sign-off. Your electrician and gas engineer handle the certification for their work.
Flat-pack units arrive in pieces and are assembled on site. They're cheaper and the quality has improved dramatically. Rigid units arrive pre-assembled, feel more solid, and take less time to install. For most homes, flat-pack from a reputable brand is perfectly good. The doors and worktops are what you actually see and touch daily.
IKEA kitchens (METOD range) are genuinely good quality for the price. The carcasses are sturdy, the soft-close drawers work well, and the door style range has grown. The main drawback is that planning and ordering can be fiddly, and you'll want an experienced fitter who knows the IKEA system.
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