Kitchen Fitting Costs London 2026: What to Budget

Current Kitchen Fitting Costs in London 2026

Kitchen fitting costs in London have shifted noticeably in 2026. If you're planning a renovation, you need accurate figures rather than guesses. The average cost for a complete kitchen fit in London ranges from £8,000 to £25,000, depending entirely on the scope and quality of work you choose. A basic kitchen refurbishment with cabinet replacements and new worktops costs around £8,000 to £12,000. Mid-range projects incorporating new appliances, tiling, and modest design changes typically fall between £12,000 and £18,000. Premium installations with high-end materials, bespoke cabinetry, and structural changes can easily exceed £25,000.

London's postcode lottery means your location matters significantly. Zone 1 and affluent areas like Chelsea, Knightsbridge, and Notting Hill attract premium rates. Fitters in these areas charge 15-25% more than those in outer London boroughs. Central London fitters simply cost more because overheads are higher, parking is restricted, and experienced professionals face greater demand for their time.

Labour Costs and Tradesperson Rates

Labour is the largest component of any kitchen fitting project. In London, qualified kitchen fitters charge between £45 and £85 per hour in 2026, with experienced specialists at the higher end. A straightforward kitchen fit takes 5-7 working days, meaning labour alone could cost £1,800 to £3,400 for a standard project. More complex installations requiring plumbing relocations, electrical work, or structural modifications will take considerably longer.

You'll typically need these trades:

• Kitchen fitters (£45-£85/hour)
• Electricians for rewiring and appliance installation (£50-£90/hour)
• Plumbers for water and waste pipe work (£50-£85/hour)
• Tilers for splashbacks and flooring (£40-£75/hour)
• Plasterers if walls need preparation (£35-£65/hour)

Hiring a single project manager to coordinate all trades usually costs an additional 10-15% on top of labour costs, but saves considerable time and reduces mistakes. Many London kitchen fitters operate this way, bundling their coordination fee into the overall quote.

Material and Fixture Breakdown

Material costs vary wildly based on your choices. A basic kitchen with budget cabinetry, laminate worktops, and standard appliances costs £3,000 to £6,000 for materials alone. Mid-range kitchens with quality fitted units, quartz worktops, and integrated appliances run £6,000 to £12,000. Premium materials including bespoke cabinetry, solid wood, granite or marble surfaces, and high-end appliances easily reach £15,000 to £30,000.

Here's what typically comprises material costs:

1. Fitted kitchen units and cabinetry: £2,500-£10,000
2. Worktops (laminate/quartz/granite): £1,000-£4,000
3. Flooring (vinyl/porcelain/wood): £800-£3,500
4. Splashback tiling: £400-£1,500
5. Appliances (hob, oven, microwave, fridge): £1,500-£8,000
6. Lighting and accessories: £300-£1,200
7. Sinks and taps: £300-£1,500

Appliance costs have remained relatively stable, but quality varies enormously. A budget integrated oven costs £300-£500, whereas a premium built-in model reaches £2,000 or more. Your choice here significantly impacts the final bill. Many Londoners opt for mid-range brands like Bosch, Neff, or AEG, paying £1,000-£2,000 per major appliance.

Hidden Costs and Contingencies

Most kitchen fitting projects in London encounter unforeseen expenses. Budget for contingencies totalling 10-20% of your overall estimate. Common hidden costs include asbestos removal (common in older London properties), structural repairs discovered during installation, additional electrical or plumbing work, and waste disposal fees.

Additional expenses to anticipate:

• Waste removal and skip hire: £300-£800
• Building Regulations approval (if required): £200-£600
• Gas Safety Certificate (for new gas hobs): £80-£150
• Temporary kitchen arrangements during work: £0-£1,500
• Decoration and painting: £400-£1,200
• Removal of old kitchen and disposal: £300-£700

Permit and compliance costs sometimes catch homeowners off-guard. While most kitchen fits don't require Building Regulations approval, certain changes do. Gas appliance installation always needs certification. Electrical work affecting circuits requires sign-off. These certificates cost £80-£150 each but are essential for insurance and future property sales.

London also imposes potential scaffolding fees if your kitchen is above ground floor level and workers need external access. This can add £500-£2,000 depending on scaffolding duration and complexity.

Factors Affecting Your Final Price

Several variables directly influence kitchen fitting costs in London. Your kitchen's existing layout determines whether plumbing and electrics need repositioning. Moving a sink, hob, or creating a new water supply adds £800-£2,500 in additional work. Kitchen size obviously matters: a galley kitchen costs significantly less than a large open-plan space requiring an island installation.

The condition of your kitchen before work begins impacts pricing substantially. If walls are uneven, flooring is uneven, or pipes are corroded, remedial work extends timescales and costs. A survey before quotation should identify these issues. Access difficulties in London townhouses and flats sometimes complicate delivery and installation, adding to labour time.

Timeline flexibility saves money. Fitters booking work during winter months (November-March) may negotiate discounts of 10-15% as demand slows. Conversely, summer bookings command premium rates. Working around your schedule rather than demanding rapid turnaround also reduces costs, as fitters can batch jobs more efficiently.

Your design choices significantly affect price. Keeping your existing kitchen's footprint costs less than restructuring the space. Choosing standard sizes and finishes costs less than bespoke options. Every upgrade, from soft-close hinges to integrated dishwashers to premium handles, adds incrementally to the final bill.

Getting Accurate Quotes in London

Obtaining proper quotations requires providing detailed information to at least three kitchen fitting companies. Share your kitchen dimensions, existing layout, material preferences, and timeline. The best London kitchen fitters will visit your property for a survey before quoting, as remote estimates often prove inaccurate.

Ensure each quote specifies exactly what's included. Does it cover removal of the old kitchen? Is waste disposal included? Are electrical or plumbing works separate? Are materials supplied by the fitter or do you source them? Clear specifications prevent disputes and unexpected bills later.

Request references from recent clients in your London area. Check online reviews on Trustpilot, Google, and Which? Local pages. Verify that fitters hold appropriate certifications (Gas Safe Register for gas work, NICEIC for electrical, etc.). Cheaper quotes aren't necessarily better value if they come from unqualified installers or those cutting corners on quality.

Payment terms matter too. Most reputable London kitchen fitters request a deposit (typically 25-50%) to order materials, with the balance due on completion. Be wary of anyone requesting full payment upfront. Some companies offer payment plans or financing options, which may carry interest charges you should calculate into your budget.

Cost-Saving Strategies Without Compromising Quality

You don't need to spend £25,000 to achieve an excellent kitchen. Smart choices reduce costs meaningfully. Keeping your existing kitchen layout rather than relocating services saves thousands. Choosing vinyl or ceramic flooring instead of natural stone cuts material costs by 40-60%. Selecting stock cabinet sizes rather than bespoke options saves 30-50% on cabinetry.

Phasing work over time helps with manageable budgeting. Complete the essential elements first (units, worktops, flooring, appliances), then add decorative upgrades later when finances permit. This approach spreads costs across financial years and allows you to prioritise spending.

Consider where quality genuinely matters. Invest in durable worktops and quality appliances that you'll use daily. Save money on decorative elements like handles, splashbacks, or flooring finishes that you can upgrade affordably in five years if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a kitchen fitting take in London?

A straightforward kitchen fit typically takes 5-7 working days. More complex projects involving plumbing relocations, electrical rewiring, or structural changes can take 2-3 weeks or longer.

Do I need Building Regulations approval for my kitchen?

Most cosmetic kitchen updates don't require approval. However, you'll need it if you're relocating appliances that require new gas or electrical connections, or if you're making structural changes. Check with your local council building control department.

What's included in a typical kitchen fitting quote?

This varies between fitters. Always clarify whether the quote covers: removal of the old kitchen, waste disposal, supply of materials, electrical and plumbing work, and labour. Request itemised quotes so you can compare like-for-like.

Can I save money by supplying my own materials?

Some fitters allow this, though many prefer to supply everything for quality control and warranty reasons. If you do source materials, ensure they're compatible with your fitter's installation methods and ask about their liability if materials are faulty.

What's the best time of year to have a kitchen fitted?

Winter months (November-March) typically offer better rates as demand drops. You may negotiate 10-15% discounts during this period. Avoid summer if possible, as fitters charge premium rates and booking times are longer.