A conservatory is one of the most popular home extensions in the UK, and for good reason. It adds usable space without the disruption and cost of a full extension, lets in light, and gives you a connection to the garden that no other room can match.
But the price range is enormous. You can spend £8,000 on a basic lean-to or £50,000 on a bespoke timber orangery. This guide gives you real numbers for each option so you know what questions to ask and what to push back on when you are getting quotes.
A standard uPVC conservatory costs £10,000 to £20,000 installed. An aluminium conservatory runs £18,000 to £35,000. A timber frame or bespoke orangery is £25,000 to £50,000+. The roof type, size, and base specification are the biggest cost variables.
Conservatory Costs at a Glance
| Type | Typical Cost (Installed) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| uPVC lean-to | £8,000 – £15,000 | Budget, simple shapes, bungalows |
| uPVC Victorian / Edwardian | £12,000 – £22,000 | Traditional detached houses |
| Aluminium lean-to | £15,000 – £25,000 | Contemporary homes, slim sightlines |
| Aluminium Victorian / Edwardian | £20,000 – £35,000 | Premium finish, modern aesthetics |
| Timber frame | £25,000 – £50,000 | Listed buildings, period properties |
| Orangery (any material) | £25,000 – £60,000 | Year-round use, larger rooms |
What Affects the Cost of a Conservatory?
Frame Material
Frame material is the single biggest price lever after size. uPVC is the cheapest and most common. It has improved significantly over the last decade and now comes in a wide range of colours and woodgrain finishes, not just white. Aluminium costs more but offers slimmer sightlines, a more contemporary look, and better thermal performance in high-spec versions. Timber is the most expensive and requires ongoing maintenance.
Roof Type
The roof accounts for 30% to 40% of the total cost and has the biggest impact on how usable the space is year-round.
- Polycarbonate panels: The cheapest option at £500 to £1,500 for the materials, but they make conservatories cold in winter and unbearably hot in summer. Most reputable installers no longer recommend them.
- Glass: Self-cleaning, thermally efficient double or triple glazed glass panels cost £2,000 to £5,000 more than polycarbonate. They look better and perform much better in all seasons.
- Solid tiled roof: A solid insulated tiled roof converts a conservatory into a room that behaves like the rest of the house. It adds £4,000 to £10,000 to the cost but is the option most people wish they had chosen from the start. Many homeowners retrofit solid roofs to existing conservatories.
Size
Conservatory installers price by square metre. A typical small lean-to is around 10 to 12m². A medium conservatory is 15 to 20m². Larger conservatories reach 25m² and above. Each additional square metre adds £500 to £1,200 depending on the specification.
Base and Groundworks
The base is often quoted separately and can add £2,000 to £5,000 to the total cost. This covers laying a concrete base slab, installing a damp proof course, and preparing drainage. If your garden is sloped or the ground conditions are difficult, costs can rise to £8,000 or more. Always check whether the base is included in your quote.
Glazing Specification
Standard double glazing is included in most quotes. Upgrading to triple glazing adds £1,000 to £3,000 but significantly improves thermal performance and noise reduction. Self-cleaning glass and solar control glass are additional upgrades worth considering if the conservatory faces south or west.
Additional Costs to Budget For
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Base / groundworks (if not included) | £2,000 – £5,000 |
| Electrical work (sockets, lighting) | £500 – £2,000 |
| Heating (underfloor or radiator) | £1,000 – £3,500 |
| Blinds (roof and sides) | £800 – £3,000 |
| Flooring (tiled, laminate) | £1,000 – £3,000 |
| Planning application (if required) | £206 |
| Building regulations (if required) | £200 – £600 |
Do You Need Planning Permission?
Most conservatories fall under permitted development rights, which means you do not need formal planning permission. The key rules are:
- The conservatory does not extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by more than 3 metres (for semi-detached and terraced houses) or 4 metres (for detached houses)
- The maximum height is 4 metres
- The total area of all extensions does not exceed half the area of the original garden
- The conservatory is separated from the house by external quality doors and walls
If your property is listed, in a conservation area, or an area of outstanding natural beauty, additional restrictions apply and planning permission is likely required. Always check with your local planning authority before starting work. Getting this wrong can result in a requirement to demolish the structure at your own cost.
A conservatory that is under 30m², separated from the house by walls and doors with a minimum rating equivalent to the rest of the house, and does not have a fixed heating system does not require building regulations approval. If you add permanent heating or a solid roof, building regulations apply.
Victorian vs Edwardian vs Lean-To: Which Should You Choose?
Lean-To (Mediterranean)
The simplest and cheapest shape. The roof slopes in one direction from the house wall. It works well on bungalows and in narrow spaces. Not suitable if you want a large, imposing structure.
Victorian
The most popular shape in the UK. It has a hipped bay front with a multi-faceted roof. The curved bay at the front gives character but reduces the square footage slightly compared to rectangular shapes of the same width. It suits period properties well.
Edwardian (Georgian)
A rectangular floor plan with a pitched roof. This gives you the maximum usable floor space for a given width because there are no angled corners eating into the room. A more contemporary look than Victorian and often better value for money in terms of usable area per pound spent.
How to Save Money on a Conservatory
- Get three to four quotes. Conservatory pricing varies enormously between companies. National chains typically quote higher than local installers. Make sure each quote covers the same specification.
- Go aluminium not timber if you want a premium finish. Aluminium gives a high-end look at significantly lower cost than timber and requires no maintenance.
- Choose a simple shape. Every angle, hip, and bay adds cost. A lean-to or rectangular Edwardian is the most cost-efficient shape for the floor area it provides.
- Invest in the roof. A glass or solid roof costs more upfront but means you actually use the space. A polycarbonate roof sounds like a saving but often results in a room that is only usable for two months a year.
- Phase the extras. Blinds, flooring, and furniture can wait. Get the structure right first.
What Is the Difference Between a Conservatory and an Orangery?
The terms are often used loosely but there is a meaningful distinction. A conservatory is primarily glass, including most or all of the roof. An orangery has a solid perimeter structure with a glass lantern or roof light in the centre. The solid walls and ceiling of an orangery make it better insulated, more private, and more like a true room extension. Orangeries also tend to look more architecturally substantial from both inside and outside.
Orangeries cost £25,000 to £60,000 compared to £8,000 to £35,000 for a conservatory of equivalent size. But they also add more value to the property and are significantly more usable year-round, which means you will actually get your money's worth out of the space.
Does a Conservatory Add Value to Your Home?
A well-built conservatory or orangery can add 5% to 7% to the value of a property. On a £350,000 home, that is £17,500 to £24,500 in added value. However, the quality and spec matters enormously. A cheap polycarbonate-roofed conservatory that is unusable for six months of the year is less likely to add significant value and may even put buyers off if it looks dated.
A glass or solid-roofed conservatory that feels like a proper room and is clearly usable year-round is viewed very positively by buyers. It also photographs well, which matters in the current market where most buyers form first impressions online.
Questions to Ask Your Installer
- Is the base included in the quote, or is it quoted separately?
- What U-values do the frames and glazing achieve?
- What is the projected lead time from order to installation?
- Is electrical work included or will I need to arrange a separate electrician?
- What is covered under the guarantee and for how long?
- Are you FENSA registered for the window and door elements?
- Will I need building regulations approval for this specification?
Summary
Budget £10,000 to £20,000 for a good quality uPVC conservatory, £18,000 to £35,000 for aluminium, and £30,000 to £60,000 for a timber frame or orangery. Factor in an additional £3,000 to £8,000 for base, electrics, heating, and blinds.
The mistake most people make is scrimping on the roof. A polycarbonate roof saves £2,000 to £4,000 upfront and costs you a room you can barely use. Spend the money on glass or a solid tiled roof and you will have a space you use every day of the year.
Always get three to four detailed quotes, make sure they cover identical specifications, and check that your installer is a member of a recognised trade association such as the Glass and Glazing Federation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a conservatory cost in the UK in 2026?
A uPVC conservatory costs £8,000 to £20,000 installed. An aluminium conservatory is £15,000 to £35,000. A timber frame or bespoke orangery is £25,000 to £50,000+.
Do I need planning permission for a conservatory?
Most conservatories fall under permitted development and do not require planning permission. Check the size and height rules for your property type, and always confirm with your local planning authority if you are uncertain.
What is the cheapest type of conservatory?
A lean-to conservatory in uPVC is the cheapest option, typically £8,000 to £15,000 fully installed including base.
Does a conservatory add value to my home?
A good quality conservatory can add 5% to 7% to your property value. The key is quality: a glass or solid-roofed conservatory that is genuinely usable adds value; a cheap polycarbonate-roofed structure may not.
What is the difference between a conservatory and an orangery?
A conservatory has a mostly glazed roof. An orangery has solid perimeter walls and a glass lantern in the centre, making it better insulated and more usable year-round. Orangeries cost £25,000 to £60,000 and add more value than standard conservatories.