Cost guide
What's the general building cost per square metre in the UK?
The published baseline rate behind most of the cost guides on this site.
General UK building costs run £1,775–£3,000 per m² (average around £2,388), according to Checkatrade — broadly consistent with the £1,800–£3,000 per m² extension rate published by HomeOwners Alliance. This is a general baseline rather than a project-specific quote.
Last updated 17 August 2026
| Range | ||
|---|---|---|
| General UK building rate | £1,775–£3,000 | Per m² |
Sources: Checkatrade (updated December 2024), HomeOwners Alliance (2026 guide)
Key points
- This baseline rate sits behind most of the other cost pages on this site — it's the general building-cost context, not a specific project type.
- Region is the single biggest swing factor: London and the South East typically run well above this UK-wide average.
- Specification tier moves the rate within this range more than almost anything else.
These are general published ranges, not a quote. Get an estimate based on your own project.
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Other cost guides
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How much does a house extension cost?
The published UK per-m² rate for a single-storey extension, and what actually moves it.
How much does a two storey extension cost?
Published per-m² rates by build quality, and what a typical two-storey extension runs in total.
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