Orangery cost UK 2026
If you are considering adding extra space to your home, an orangery sits between a conservatory and a full extension in both cost and functionality. The final price depends on size, materials, and whether you include heating or plumbing.
A standard 20m² orangery costs £15,000–£35,000 in 2026, with a median of £22,000. That works out at £1,100–£1,800 per m², roughly 30% less than a full extension. Compare quotes from local builders to get an accurate price for your home.
- Orangeries cost £15,000–£35,000 for a standard 20m² build.
- Average cost per m² is £1,100–£1,800, 30% less than a full extension.
- Polycarbonate roof saves money; glass or solid tiled roof costs more.
- uPVC frame is cheapest at £22,000–£30,000; oak can reach £44,000.
- Permitted development covers a 20m² orangery for most 3-bed semis.
Most homeowners spend between £15,000 and £35,000 for a standard orangery, with a median cost for a 20m² single-storey orangery with a polycarbonate roof at approximately £22,000 (Builders’ Conference UK average pricing report 2026; FMB cost database). High-end oak-framed orangeries with glazed roofs and bi-fold doors range from £35,000 to £60,000 or more.
The average orangery costs roughly 30% less than a full extension of the same floor area
A typical orangery costs between £1,100 and £1,800 per square metre, compared to £1,600 to £2,500 per square metre for a full habitable room extension (FMB “Cost of Building a Home Extension” report 2026). The lower cost is due to lighter foundations and roof structures, which reduce structural engineering requirements. Orangeries also require less internal finishing, such as extensive plastering, electrical circuits, and plumbing, compared to a room designed as a fully heated living space.
ONS housing stock data shows a typical 3-bed semi-detached house has a footprint of around 80m², meaning a 20m² orangery represents 25% of the original floor area. This size falls within permitted development limits for most homes.
Quick numbers key cost factors and their price ranges
| Factor | Low-end cost per m² | Mid-range cost per m² | High-end cost per m² | Typical total cost range (20m²) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roof type: polycarbonate | £1,100 | £1,300 | £1,500 | £22,000–£30,000 |
| Roof type: glass | £1,300 | £1,500 | £1,800 | £26,000–£36,000 |
| Roof type: solid tiled | £1,500 | £1,700 | £2,000 | £30,000–£40,000 |
| Frame material: uPVC | £1,100 | £1,300 | £1,500 | £22,000–£30,000 |
| Frame material: aluminium | £1,300 | £1,500 | £1,800 | £26,000–£36,000 |
| Frame material: hardwood or oak | £1,500 | £1,800 | £2,200 | £30,000–£44,000 |
| Glazing: double-glazed | £1,100 | £1,400 | £1,700 | £22,000–£34,000 |
| Glazing: triple-glazed | £1,300 | £1,600 | £2,000 | £26,000–£40,000 |
| Floor area: 10m² | £1,100 | £1,400 | £1,800 | £11,000–£18,000 |
| Floor area: 20m² | £1,100 | £1,400 | £1,800 | £22,000–£36,000 |
| Floor area: 30m² | £1,100 | £1,400 | £1,800 | £33,000–£54,000 |
Source: MCS register materials cost data; local authority planning fee schedules.
The direct answer a 20m² orangery with a glass roof and aluminium frame costs around £28,000 fully installed
This figure assumes a standard rectangular footprint, no internal plumbing, and no underfloor heating. It includes foundations, frame, roof, double-glazed doors and windows, and basic internal plastering. It excludes planning application fees (£206–£462 depending on council), building control fees, and professional design fees (National Building Specification cost model 2026; local planning authority fee bands).
If you add underfloor heating, the cost increases by approximately £1,200–£2,500 for a 20m² floor area, depending on whether you choose electric or wet underfloor heating. Adding a toilet or sink adds £2,000–£4,000 for plumbing connections and drainage.
Planning permission is not required for most orangeries under 50% of the original house footprint, but permitted development rights have specific limits
Under permitted development rights, the maximum eaves height is 3 metres, and the maximum overall height is 4 metres with a dual-pitch roof. The floor area must not exceed 50% of the original dwelling’s total footprint, including any existing extensions. The orangery must not be forward of the principal elevation or within 2 metres of a boundary if the height exceeds 2.5 metres (GOV.UK “Permitted development rights for householders” guidance updated 2026).
Check your local council’s Article 4 directions, which can remove permitted development rights in conservation areas or on designated land. If your house is listed, separate listed building consent is required regardless of size.
Only use an MCS-certified installer if your orangery includes any heating system or heat pump, otherwise verify via TrustMark or FMB
MCS certification is mandatory for any heating system, such as an air source heat pump or underfloor heating, to qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant of £7,500 from 2026 (GOV.UK Boiler Upgrade Scheme page). For a basic orangery without heating, TrustMark-registered builders or FMB members provide consumer protection through their warranty schemes (TrustMark website).
All electrical work must be certified by a NICEIC or NAPIT-registered electrician. You should request an Electrical Installation Certificate upon completion (NICEIC consumer guidance).
How to find a certified builder for your home improvement project
Building regulations approval is almost always needed for orangeries over 30m² or with fixed heating
Structural calculations must be submitted for foundations and roof load, which is required for any orangery with a solid roof. Thermal performance standards under 2026 building regulations Part L require glazing to meet a U-value of 1.2 W/m²K or better, and the roof must meet 0.18 W/m²K. Fire safety regulations under Part B require any glazing within 0.8 metres of floor level to be toughened or laminated (Building Regulations 2010 as amended 2026 Part L, Part B, Part K).
If your orangery is under 30m² and has no fixed heating, it may qualify for a building regulations exemption under Schedule 2 of the Building Regulations, but you should confirm this with your local building control body. LABC warranty schemes provide technical guidance on compliance.
VAT on an orangery is 20% unless it qualifies for the reduced 5% rate through the VAT relief for residential renovations
The 5% reduced VAT rate applies if the building has been empty for 2 years or more, or is a conversion from non-residential use. This is rare for most homeowners attaching an orangery to their existing house. If the contractor is VAT-registered and the orangery qualifies as a new-build separate from the existing house, VAT is 0%. This requires the orangery to have its own independent access and services, which is uncommon for standard attached orangeries (HMRC VAT Notice 708 buildings and construction; HMRC VAT on building work guidance 2026).
Most standard orangeries attached to the house are charged at 20% VAT on both materials and labour. Always ask your contractor for a written VAT breakdown before signing a contract.
Understanding VAT on home improvements and extensions
Frequently Asked Questions
A standard 20m² orangery typically costs £15,000 to £35,000, with a median of £22,000 according to the Builders' Conference UK average pricing report 2026. High-end oak-framed designs with glazed roofs can reach £60,000 or more.
Yes, an orangery costs roughly 30% less than a full extension of the same floor area. The FMB 'Cost of Building a Home Extension' report 2026 shows orangeries at £1,100–£1,800 per m² versus £1,600–£2,500 per m² for a habitable room extension.
Roof type and frame material are the biggest cost factors. Polycarbonate roofs and uPVC frames are cheapest, while solid tiled roofs and oak frames push costs up significantly, according to the FMB cost database 2026.
Most orangeries up to 20m² fall within permitted development rights for typical 3-bed semi-detached houses, as per ONS housing stock data. Check with your local planning authority, especially for listed buildings or conservation areas.
A standard orangery typically takes 6 to 12 weeks to build, depending on size, complexity, and whether heating or plumbing is included. The lighter foundations and roof structure mean faster construction than a full extension.
