Conservatory Cost UK
Updated 24 March 2026
Full breakdown by type and size. Lean-to, Victorian, Edwardian, P-shaped, and orangery costs compared, plus planning permission rules.
Quick Answer
- Lean-to: £5,000 to £12,000
- Victorian / Edwardian: £12,000 to £25,000
- Orangery: £25,000 to £60,000+
Size and style drive the price. Glazing specification, base work, and heating add to the final figure.
Cost by Conservatory Type
Prices include supply, build, base, and electrics. Flooring, heating, and furnishing are not included.
Lean-to
Most affordable£5,000 to £12,000
A single pitch roof that leans against the house wall. The simplest structure to build and the cheapest to buy. Works best on narrow plots or where head height is limited by a low eave.
Victorian
£12,000 to £25,000
Multi-faceted front bay with a steeply pitched, ridged roof. The classic conservatory shape. More complex to build than a lean-to and uses more glass, which raises both the cost and the heat loss.
Edwardian
£12,000 to £25,000
Rectangular footprint with a square or rectangular hipped roof. Maximises usable floor space compared to a Victorian of the same size. A practical choice for most UK rear gardens.
P-shaped
£15,000 to £30,000
Combines a lean-to section with a Victorian or Edwardian section, creating two distinct zones in one structure. Good for combining a dining area and a lounge, but requires more complex roof work.
Gable-end
£15,000 to £28,000
A high, steeply pitched roof with a vertical gable at the far end. Creates a dramatic sense of height and lets in more light than a standard hipped roof. Slightly more expensive to frame and glaze.
Orangery
Most premium£25,000 to £60,000+
Brick or rendered pillars, a solid insulated perimeter roof, and a central glazed lantern. Better insulated than a standard conservatory and feels more like a proper room. The most expensive option but adds the most value to the property.
Cost by Size
Floor area is the single biggest variable in any conservatory quote. Larger structures need more glass, more frame, and more base work.
| Size | Typical use | Cost range |
|---|---|---|
| Small (8 to 12 sqm) | Breakfast room, home office | £8,000 to £15,000 |
| Medium (12 to 20 sqm) | Dining room, sitting room | £15,000 to £25,000 |
| Large (20 sqm+) | Open plan kitchen-diner, family room | £25,000 to £50,000+ |
Prices are indicative for a mid-range uPVC or aluminium frame with double glazing. Bespoke hardwood frames or triple glazing will cost more.
Do You Need Planning Permission?
Most conservatories in England are built under permitted development rights and do not need a planning application.
Permitted Development Rules
You do not need planning permission if all of the following apply:
- Single storey only
- Covers less than 50% of the garden area
- No higher than 4 metres (or 3 metres within 2 metres of a boundary)
- Does not extend forward of the front wall of the house
- The house has not already used up its permitted development allowance
When You May Need Permission
A planning application is likely required if:
- The property is a listed building
- The property is in a conservation area or national park
- The conservatory would face a highway
- Permitted development rights have been removed by the local authority
Building Regulations still apply
Even without planning permission, building regulations approval is required for electrics, drainage, and any structural work. Your installer should handle the notifications. Always ask for the completion certificate when the work is finished.
Conservatory vs Extension vs Garden Room
Before committing to a conservatory, it is worth comparing the three main options for adding space at the rear of a house.
| Feature | Conservatory | Extension | Garden Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical cost | £8,000 to £35,000 | £30,000 to £80,000+ | £15,000 to £40,000 |
| Build time | 1 to 3 weeks | 8 to 20 weeks | 2 to 6 weeks |
| Planning permission | Usually not needed | Often required | Usually not needed |
| Winter warmth | Cold without heating | Fully insulated | Insulated, good year-round |
| Summer heat | Can overheat | Same as main house | Manageable with ventilation |
| Adds to house value | Modest uplift | Strongest uplift | Separate from main house |
A garden room is a separate structure and does not count as part of the house for council tax purposes. An extension adds the most value but takes the longest and costs the most to build.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a conservatory cost in the UK?
A lean-to conservatory costs £5,000 to £12,000. A Victorian or Edwardian style costs £12,000 to £25,000. A P-shaped conservatory costs £15,000 to £30,000. An orangery costs £25,000 to £60,000 or more. Size, style, and glazing specification are the main price drivers.
Do I need planning permission for a conservatory?
Most conservatories in England fall under permitted development and do not need planning permission, provided they are single storey, cover less than 50% of the garden, are no higher than 4 metres, and do not extend forward of the front wall. Listed buildings and properties in conservation areas have different rules. Building regulations still apply for electrics and drainage regardless of planning status.
What is the difference between a conservatory and an orangery?
A conservatory has a predominantly glass roof and glass walls. An orangery has brick or rendered pillars, a solid insulated perimeter roof, and a central glazed lantern. Orangeries feel more like a room extension and are better insulated, but cost significantly more, typically £25,000 to £60,000 versus £8,000 to £25,000 for a standard conservatory.
How long does it take to build a conservatory?
A lean-to conservatory on an existing base takes 3 to 5 days to build. A Victorian or Edwardian structure takes 5 to 10 days. An orangery can take 3 to 6 weeks, especially if brickwork and a new base are involved. Total project time from quote to completion is typically 6 to 12 weeks.