The short answer
A typical uPVC conservatory costs £8,000–£18,000 installed; aluminium conservatories run £14,000–£28,000+; a solid-roof ‘warm room’ conversion typically starts at £15,000. These are typical illustrations, not quotes — actual prices depend on size, site conditions and regional labour costs. See orangery cost for solid-wall structures and does a conservatory add value for the investment angle.
Conservatory pricing varies enormously because it is driven by so many interacting variables: the size of the footprint, the frame material chosen, the roof specification, the base and groundwork requirements, the access for construction and the installer’s overheads. A lean-to polycarbonate conservatory on a simple concrete base at the rear of a terraced house costs very different from a Victorian glass-roof aluminium conservatory on a complicated two-level garden. What follows are typical indicative price ranges based on UK trade guidance — not quotes for any specific job.
Conservatory cost at a glance
- uPVC conservatory £8,000–£18,000 installed (typical)
- Aluminium conservatory £14,000–£28,000+ installed (typical)
- Solid/tiled roof add-on +£4,000–£10,000 on frame cost (typical)
- Base & groundworks £1,500–£5,000+ depending on site
- Build time 2–6 weeks from groundworks to completion
- VAT Standard 20 % on most conservatory work
What drives conservatory cost
Before looking at price ranges, it helps to understand the five main cost levers so you can judge which elements of a quote represent value and which represent margin:
- Size: floor area in m² is the dominant cost driver — more glass, more frame, more roof, more base.
- Frame material: uPVC is cheaper; aluminium costs 40–80 % more for similar sizes but offers slimmer sightlines and often higher energy ratings.
- Roof type: polycarbonate is the lowest-cost but least comfortable; glass (especially solar-control or self-cleaning) costs more; a solid tiled roof adds the most, but changes the legal status.
- Base and groundworks: a simple concrete pad on good ground is relatively cheap; a suspended floor over a sloping garden, or a site with drainage or access complications, can add several thousand pounds.
- Specification: door count, door type (French, bifold, sliding), handle furniture, internal fittings, heating provision and electrical work all add to the total.
Price ranges by frame material
| Frame material | Small (under 15 m²) | Medium (15–25 m²) | Larger (25 m²+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| uPVC (glass roof) | £7,000–£12,000 | £10,000–£18,000 | £16,000–£25,000+ |
| Aluminium (glass roof) | £12,000–£18,000 | £16,000–£28,000 | £24,000–£40,000+ |
| uPVC (solid roof) | £12,000–£18,000 | £15,000–£25,000 | £22,000–£35,000+ |
| Timber | £15,000–£25,000 | £22,000–£40,000 | £35,000+ |
These ranges are typical illustrations only. Regional variation is significant: labour costs in London and the South East tend to run 15–30 % above the national average. Always request a fixed written quote that specifies the frame system, glazing specification, U-values, base type and all labour costs.
Roof type and its effect on cost
The roof is often the second biggest variable after frame material. Polycarbonate is the lowest-cost at £200–£500 per m² installed, but it is now widely considered a poor investment because of its tendency to discolour and transmit heat or cold directly. Glass — particularly solar-control glass with a low SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient) — is the current standard, typically adding £400–£800 per m² over polycarbonate. A solid tiled roof (sometimes called a ‘warm roof’ conversion) adds £4,000–£10,000 to the total for a medium conservatory but transforms thermal performance and noise levels. Note that a solid roof also changes the structure’s legal classification and may require building regulations compliance. See conservatory roof options for a full comparison and roof replacement cost if you are replacing an existing roof.
What the base and groundworks add
Groundworks are often underquoted in initial estimates. A simple concrete pad on flat ground in easy access may cost £1,500–£3,000. A sloping garden requiring a step-down base, a suspended timber floor, or a site with no rear access can add £3,000–£6,000 or more. If the area to be dug covers any existing drains, a drain survey and any diversion work will add further cost. The best installers include a site survey in their quote process; treat any estimate provided without a site visit as provisional.
Getting value from a conservatory quote
When comparing quotes, make sure each one specifies: the frame system and its energy rating (W/m² K); the glazing specification including U-value and SHGC for the roof; the base design; and what is excluded (electrics, heating, internal plastering or decorating). A cheap headline price that excludes base and groundworks, electrical connection and heating can look very different once those are added. Avoid any installer who pressures you to commit on the day — reputable companies allow time for you to compare, check FENSA registration and take references. See how to choose a conservatory company for the full checklist. This page is general information; prices are typical illustrations only and are not quotes for any specific project.
Compare conservatory quotes
Getting more than one written quote — from FENSA-registered installers — is the most reliable way to understand what a conservatory will cost on your home.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a small conservatory cost?
A small lean-to or Edwardian conservatory under 15 m² in uPVC with a glass roof typically costs £7,000–£12,000 installed on a simple base. Aluminium frames or more complex bases will cost more.
Is it cheaper to buy a flat-pack conservatory?
Flat-pack kits reduce the materials cost but not the groundworks, base or installation labour. Unless you are competent at the full installation — including glazing, which must meet Building Regulations Part N for safety — the saving is often illusory and the result may not be FENSA-compliant.
Does a conservatory price include VAT?
Standard-rate VAT at 20 % applies to most new conservatory installations. Always confirm whether a quoted price is inclusive or exclusive of VAT before comparing quotes.
How can I reduce the cost of a conservatory?
Choose a simpler shape (Edwardian rather than Victorian), a standard uPVC frame, and a glass rather than solid roof. Avoid extras like bi-fold doors and elaborate heating. Get at least three comparable written quotes from FENSA-registered installers.
Sources & further reading
- Glass & Glazing Federation — UK conservatory pricing guidance, frame materials and glazing specifications
- FENSA — Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme installer registration and glazing energy performance
- GOV.UK — VAT guidance on residential building work
- Planning Portal — permitted development rules affecting conservatory size and design choices
This is general information about conservatories and orangeries in the UK, not planning, structural, legal or financial advice. Costs are typical illustrations only and are not quotes for any specific project; actual prices vary with size, site conditions and your chosen installer.