An orangery costs roughly 50% more than a conservatory, yet may offer better long-term value through lower heating bills.
If you are adding a single-storey extension to your home, the choice between an orangery and a conservatory is one of the biggest decisions you will make. The two structures look similar but perform very differently in terms of cost, energy efficiency, and resale value.
An orangery costs £25,000–£40,000 versus £12,000–£25,000 for a conservatory (Checkatrade, 2026). However, the orangery saves £300–£600 a year on heating and adds more resale value, making it better for long-term value.
- An orangery costs £25,000–£40,000; a conservatory costs £12,000–£25,000 (Checkatrade, 2026).
- Orangeries save £300–£600 per year on heating bills vs conservatories.
- Conservatories have 75–100% glazed walls; orangeries have 50–60% and a solid roof.
- Both are permitted development extensions, not habitable rooms unless thermally efficient.
- Orangeries typically add more resale value than conservatories.
- An orangery costs roughly 50% more than a conservatory, yet may offer better long-term value through lower heating bills.
- What an orangery and a conservatory actually are in 2026 building terms
- The typical cost to build an orangery versus a conservatory in 2026
- Quick numbers – cost, energy, and payback comparison
- How the energy performance of an orangery and a conservatory compare in 2026
- The direct answer to "orangery vs conservatory" – which is the better investment in 2026
- Building regulations and planning permission for orangeries and conservatories in 2026
- How to verify an orangery or conservatory installer – MCS and TrustMark certification
The direct answer is that in 2026, a standard 3m x 4m orangery costs between £25,000 and £40,000 to build, while a comparable conservatory costs between £12,000 and £25,000 (Checkatrade, 2026). However, the orangery typically saves £300–£600 per year in heating bills and adds significantly more value to your property.
What an orangery and a conservatory actually are in 2026 building terms
In building terms, an orangery is a single-storey extension with a flat roof or a lantern roof, solid brick or masonry dwarf walls, and a large percentage of glazing – typically 50–60% of the wall area. A conservatory is a single-storey extension with a glazed roof (polycarbonate or glass), glazed walls (often 75–100% of the wall area), and minimal brickwork or a low dwarf wall (GOV.UK Planning Portal, 2026).
Both are classed as extensions under permitted development rights, not as habitable rooms, unless they meet specific thermal-efficiency thresholds. The key structural difference is that an orangery has a solid roof structure (often insulated), while a conservatory’s roof is predominantly glazed. This single difference drives the entire cost and energy-performance gap between the two.
The typical cost to build an orangery versus a conservatory in 2026
For a standard 3m x 4m build, the average orangery cost in 2026 is £25,000–£40,000, depending on materials, roof type, and location (Checkatrade, 2026). The average conservatory cost for the same size is £12,000–£25,000, with uPVC frames and a polycarbonate roof at the lower end, and timber or aluminium with a glass roof at the higher end (Checkatrade, 2026).
Additional costs such as foundations, internal electrics, heating, flooring, and planning fees are similar for both, adding £3,000–£8,000 to either project. On a cost-per-square-metre basis, an orangery typically costs £1,800–£2,500/m², while a conservatory costs £900–£1,800/m² (RICS BCIS, 2026). The orangery’s higher cost comes from the solid insulated roof, masonry walls, and more complex foundations.
Quick numbers – cost, energy, and payback comparison
| Metric | Orangery (typical) | Conservatory (typical) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average build cost (£) | £32,500 | £18,500 | +£14,000 |
| Annual heating cost (£) | £150–£250 | £450–£850 | +£300–£600 |
| Annual energy saving vs uninsulated extension (£) | £300–£500 | £0–£100 | +£200–£500 |
| Typical payback period (years) | 10–15 (via resale value) | 15–25 (or never) | Shorter with orangery |
| U-value of roof (W/m²K) | 0.18–0.25 | 1.2–2.0 | 5–10x worse for conservatory |
| U-value of walls (W/m²K) | 0.18–0.28 | 1.2–1.6 | 4–6x worse for conservatory |
Heating costs are based on gas heating at the 2026 Ofgem price cap of 6.3p/kWh (Ofgem, 2026) and the Energy Saving Trust heating cost calculator (Energy Saving Trust, 2026). U-values come from Building Regulations Approved Document L (2025 edition, in force 2026) (GOV.UK, 2026).
How the energy performance of an orangery and a conservatory compare in 2026
An orangery with a solid insulated roof typically achieves a U-value of 0.18–0.25 W/m²K, meeting Building Regulations for a habitable room (Building Regulations Part L 2025, in force 2026). A conservatory with a glazed roof, even double-glazed, typically achieves a U-value of 1.2–2.0 W/m²K, which is 5–10 times worse for heat loss (Glass and Glazing Federation, 2026).
Wall U-values follow the same pattern. Orangery solid walls (cavity or insulated) achieve 0.18–0.28 W/m²K, while conservatory glazed walls achieve 1.2–1.6 W/m²K (Part L 2025). The practical result is that a conservatory costs roughly £300–£600 per year more to heat than an orangery of the same size, based on gas heating at the 2026 Ofgem price cap of 6.3p/kWh (Ofgem, 2026) and the Energy Saving Trust heating calculator (Energy Saving Trust, 2026).
Which is the better investment in 2026
For a homeowner who wants a year-round habitable room – such as a dining room, home office, or playroom – an orangery is the better investment. It can be insulated to Building Regulations standards, making it a genuine extension that adds value to the property. For a homeowner who wants a seasonal sunroom used from spring to autumn and has a limited budget, a conservatory is the cheaper upfront option, but it will not add as much resale value and will cost more to heat if used in winter.
The payback period tells the story clearly. An orangery typically adds £15,000–£25,000 to a property’s value, while a conservatory adds £5,000–£12,000 (Nationwide Building Society, 2026). The cost premium for an orangery is largely recouped at sale, whereas a conservatory often does not recoup its full cost. How much value does an orangery add to your home? The verdict is straightforward: if you can afford the higher upfront cost, an orangery offers better long-term financial and practical returns.
Building regulations and planning permission for orangeries and conservatories in 2026
Both structures are typically covered by permitted development rights (PDR) if they meet size limits: single-storey, rear extension, maximum height 4m, and not covering more than 50% of the garden area (GOV.UK Planning Portal, 2026). A conservatory does not need to meet the same thermal-efficiency standards as a habitable room if it is separated from the house by external-quality doors and windows (Building Regulations Approved Document L, 2025).
An orangery intended as a habitable room must meet Part L (energy efficiency) and Part F (ventilation) standards, requiring an insulated roof, insulated walls, and double or triple glazing. Planning permission may be required if the extension is forward of the principal elevation, exceeds height limits, or is on a designated land area such as a conservation area or national park. Permitted development rights for home extensions in 2026
How to verify an orangery or conservatory installer – MCS and TrustMark certification
For a conservatory or orangery with heating such as radiators or underfloor heating, the installer must be registered with TrustMark, which is GOV.UK endorsed for consumer protection (TrustMark, 2026). If the extension includes a heat pump or solar panels, the installer must be MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) certified (MCS, 2026).
For electrical work, the installer must be registered with NICEIC or NAPIT under competent person schemes (NICEIC, 2026). For structural glazing or roof work, check the installer is a member of the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) or a FENSA-registered company for double glazing (GGF, 2026; FENSA, 2026). Always ask for a written contract, a deposit protection scheme, and a completion certificate from Building Control if the work is not under a competent person scheme.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main difference is the roof: an orangery has a solid insulated roof (often flat or lantern), while a conservatory has a predominantly glazed roof. Orangeries also have more brickwork (50–60% glazing) versus conservatories (75–100% glazing), per GOV.UK Planning Portal.
A conservatory is cheaper. For a 3m x 4m build, an orangery costs £25,000–£40,000, while a conservatory costs £12,000–£25,000 (Checkatrade, 2026).
Yes, an orangery typically adds more resale value because it feels more like a solid extension and has better thermal performance, making it more attractive to buyers and easier to mortgage.
Both are usually permitted developments if they meet size and height limits (GOV.UK Planning Portal). But if you add a solid roof to a conservatory, it may require planning permission as it becomes a different structure.
An orangery costs roughly £1,500–£2,500 per square metre to build in 2026, depending on materials and location (Checkatrade). A conservatory is cheaper at £800–£1,500 per square metre.
