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How Much Does a Electrician Cost in 2026?

Up-to-date electrical prices for 2026 — low, average and high UK rates for 8 common jobs, plus what affects the price and how to hire well.

Electrical work is one area of home improvement where cutting corners is never worth it. From replacing a consumer unit and adding sockets to full rewires and EV charger installations, a competent electrician keeps your home safe and compliant with UK wiring regulations (BS 7671). HireTrades lets you find certified local electricians, read verified reviews and compare quotes side by side before anyone sets foot in your home.

2026 Price Trend: Electrical prices have risen roughly 3–5% versus 2025, driven by material costs and demand for skilled tradespeople.

Electrician Price List 2026

ServiceLowAverageHigh
Install a new socket
per socket
£80115£150
Full house rewire (3-bed)
complete
£3,5004,750£6,000
Install a new consumer unit
complete
£500700£900
EICR (Electrical certificate)
per property
£150225£300
Install outdoor lighting
per installation
£200350£500
Install EV charger
complete
£8001,150£1,500
Install a new light fitting
per fitting
£5075£100
Install underfloor heating (electric)
per m²
£6080£100
Estimates include labour at typical 2026 UK rates; materials may be additional. Actual prices vary by location, access and complexity. Last updated: January 2026.

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What Affects Electrician Prices?

Electrician hourly rates typically sit between £45 and £90 depending on location. Replacing a consumer unit costs £400–£800, adding a double socket £80–£150, and an EICR for a three-bedroom house £150–£300. A full rewire of a three-bedroom property is a bigger undertaking at £3,500–£8,000 and usually takes 5–10 days. EV home charger installation, including OZEV-compliant units, usually costs £800–£1,200 fitted.

  • Location — London and the South East typically run 15–30% above the national average
  • Job complexity and property access (scaffolding, parking, working height)
  • Materials and specification — budget vs premium products can double a quote
  • Urgency — emergency and out-of-hours callouts carry premiums of 50–100%
  • Time of year — many trades are busiest (and priciest) in spring and autumn

How to Hire a Electrician at a Fair Price

In England and Wales, most significant electrical work in homes is "notifiable" under Part P of the Building Regulations, meaning it must either be certified by an electrician registered with a competent person scheme (NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA) or signed off by building control. Always ask which scheme your electrician belongs to and request an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) or Minor Works Certificate on completion. For older properties, an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a sensible first step — landlords are legally required to have one every five years.

HireTrades shows you each electrician's verification status, review history and past work so you are never choosing blind. Post your job free of charge, receive quotes from vetted local professionals, and message them directly through the platform to discuss details before deciding. Comparing several quotes is the single most effective way to get fair pricing on electrical work.

2026 Price FAQs

How much does "Install a new socket" cost in 2026?

In 2026, install a new socket typically costs between £80 and £150 (per socket) in the UK, with an average of around £115. Prices in London and the South East tend to sit at the higher end. Get multiple quotes from verified local professionals on HireTrades to find the best price for your job.

How much does "Full house rewire (3-bed)" cost in 2026?

In 2026, full house rewire (3-bed) typically costs between £3,500 and £6,000 (complete) in the UK, with an average of around £4,750. Prices in London and the South East tend to sit at the higher end. Get multiple quotes from verified local professionals on HireTrades to find the best price for your job.

How much does "Install a new consumer unit" cost in 2026?

In 2026, install a new consumer unit typically costs between £500 and £900 (complete) in the UK, with an average of around £700. Prices in London and the South East tend to sit at the higher end. Get multiple quotes from verified local professionals on HireTrades to find the best price for your job.

How much does "EICR (Electrical certificate)" cost in 2026?

In 2026, eicr (electrical certificate) typically costs between £150 and £300 (per property) in the UK, with an average of around £225. Prices in London and the South East tend to sit at the higher end. Get multiple quotes from verified local professionals on HireTrades to find the best price for your job.

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