Grey windows were installed in 38% of UK replacement window projects in 2025, according to the Glass and Glazing Federation’s latest market report
Grey has overtaken white as the most popular window colour choice in the UK. The shift reflects changing homeowner preferences toward bolder exterior aesthetics. This article compares the main grey window styles available in 2026 and their costs.
Grey windows UK cost £400–£700 for uPVC and £650–£1,200 for aluminium per window in 2026. The premium over white is 10–15% for uPVC, but through-colour finishes eliminate fading and repainting costs.
- Grey uPVC costs 10–15% more than white, averaging £400–£700 per window.
- Grey aluminium windows are £650–£1,200 per window in 2026.
- Through-colour grey uPVC frames do not fade or need repainting.
- Casement windows are the cheapest grey uPVC style, from £400.
- 38% of UK replacement window projects used grey in 2025.
- Grey windows were installed in 38% of UK replacement window projects in 2025, according to the Glass and Glazing Federation's latest market report
- Grey uPVC windows cost 10–15% more than standard white uPVC
- Grey aluminium windows cost £650–£1,200 per window in 2026
- Quick numbers grey window cost, U-value, and lifespan comparison
- The most popular grey window style in 2026 is the flush-casement uPVC
- Grey windows require FENSA or CERTASS certification for compliance
- Grey windows add £2,000–£4,000 to a home's resale value, according to estate agent surveys
Data is drawn from industry surveys, installer pricing, and government energy standards. If you are choosing new windows this year, grey offers a modern look that also appeals to future buyers. The key question is which material and style fits your budget and home.
Grey uPVC windows cost 10–15% more than standard white uPVC
The average cost per window is £350–£600 for white uPVC and £400–£700 for grey uPVC, according to the Checkatrade 2026 pricing guide (Checkatrade, 2026). The premium covers colour additives and additional production steps needed to achieve a consistent grey finish across the frame.
Grey uPVC frames do not fade or require repainting if manufactured with through-colour technology, where the colour runs through the entire profile rather than being applied as a surface coating. This makes them a low-maintenance option over their 20–30 year lifespan.
Cost varies by style. Casement windows are typically the cheapest grey uPVC option, while tilt-and-turn, sliding sash, and flush-casement each have higher base prices due to more complex mechanisms and manufacturing. Expect to pay £500–£700 for a grey uPVC tilt-and-turn window, compared to £400–£550 for a standard side-hung casement.
Grey aluminium windows cost £650–£1,200 per window in 2026
Aluminium frames are typically 30–50% more expensive than uPVC for the same style. Everest’s 2026 price list shows grey aluminium casement windows starting at £650, rising to £1,200 for larger or more complex designs (Everest, 2026). Grey is a standard colour for aluminium, often available at no extra cost compared to other RAL colours, unlike bespoke shades that may carry a surcharge.
Slim sightlines make aluminium popular for contemporary homes and bi-fold doors, where the frame profile is narrower than uPVC, allowing more glass area. Thermal performance is strong: aluminium windows with thermal breaks achieve U-values of 1.2–1.6 W/m²K, according to the British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC, 2026). The lifespan of 30–45 years is longer than uPVC, which can offset the higher upfront cost for homeowners planning to stay long-term.
Quick numbers grey window cost, U-value, and lifespan comparison
| Material | uPVC grey | Aluminium grey | Timber grey |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average cost per window (installed) | £400–£700 | £650–£1,200 | £800–£1,500 |
| Typical U-value (W/m²K) | 1.2–1.6 | 1.2–1.6 | 1.4–1.8 |
| Lifespan (years) | 20–30 | 30–45 | 30–50+ |
| Maintenance | Low | Low | Medium (paint every 5–8 years) |
Sources: Checkatrade 2026, BFRC, Timber Trade Federation (TTF, 2026).
The most popular grey window style in 2026 is the flush-casement uPVC
Flush-casement windows sit flush with the frame, mimicking traditional timber sash appearance while using modern uPVC construction. Grey flush-casement uPVC has become the best-selling style in the UK, according to Everest’s 2026 sales data (Everest, 2026).
The style suits both period properties and modern builds due to its clean lines. Unlike traditional sash windows that slide vertically, flush-casements open outward on hinges, offering better draught-proofing and easier cleaning. Cost ranges from £450–£750 per window installed, depending on size and glazing specification. For a typical three-bedroom semi-detached house with nine windows, the total installation cost for grey flush-casement uPVC would be roughly £4,000–£6,750.
Grey flush-casement is also available in aluminium, though at a higher price point of £800–£1,400 per window. The aluminium version offers slimmer sightlines but the same flush appearance.
Grey windows require FENSA or CERTASS certification for compliance
All replacement window installations must comply with Building Regulations Part L, which covers conservation of fuel and power. Installers must be registered with a competent person scheme such as FENSA, CERTASS, or use local authority building control (Building Regulations 2010, as amended).
Verify an installer’s FENSA registration at fensa.org.uk before paying a deposit. Grey windows are not exempt from energy-performance requirements: the minimum U-value for the whole window is 1.6 W/m²K, as set out in Approved Document L 2022 (GOV.UK, 2022).
If you install grey windows without certification, you may face difficulties when selling your home, as solicitors typically request FENSA certificates during conveyancing. Some local authorities also require compliance for listed buildings or conservation areas, where grey may need planning permission if the property is in a designated area.
How to check if your windows need planning permission
Grey windows add £2,000–£4,000 to a home’s resale value, according to estate agent surveys
A 2025 survey by the National Association of Estate Agents found grey windows were cited as a “desirable feature” by 62% of buyers (NAEA, 2025). Homes with grey double-glazed windows sold 8–12 days faster than those with white or brown frames, according to the same NAEA market report. Grey windows are considered a neutral, modern choice that appeals to a wide buyer demographic, from first-time buyers to downsizers.
The resale uplift typically exceeds the initial cost premium over white windows. If white windows cost £3,150 for a typical house and grey costs £4,500, the £1,350 premium is more than covered by the £2,000–£4,000 added value. This makes grey windows one of the few home improvements that can pay for themselves at sale.
However, the uplift depends on your local market and the style of your home. In areas where most properties have white windows, grey can stand out positively. In conservation areas where traditional colours are expected, grey may not add the same premium.
Best window colours for selling your home in 2026
The decision between grey uPVC, aluminium, or timber ultimately depends on your budget, the architectural style of your home, and how long you plan to stay. For most homeowners, grey flush-casement uPVC offers the best balance of cost, appearance, and resale value in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Grey uPVC windows cost 10–15% more than white, with prices averaging £400–£700 per window compared to £350–£600 for white, according to Checkatrade's 2026 pricing guide.
No, grey uPVC windows are cheaper, costing £400–£700 per window, while grey aluminium windows range from £650–£1,200 per window, according to Everest's 2026 price list.
Grey uPVC windows with through-colour technology do not fade or require repainting, lasting 20–30 years with low maintenance, as confirmed by the Glass and Glazing Federation.
Casement windows are the most popular and cheapest grey uPVC style, costing £400–£550 per window, while tilt-and-turn and sliding sash styles cost more due to complex mechanisms.
Yes, grey windows appeal to future buyers as they were installed in 38% of UK replacement projects in 2025, according to the Glass and Glazing Federation's market report.
