Average Cost of a Bathroom Refit Per m² in 2026 (UK)
A full UK bathroom refit in 2026 typically works out at £1,500–£4,500 per m², or around £4,500–£15,000 for a complete job depending on size and spec. Because bathrooms are small and trade-heavy, the per-m² rate is higher than a kitchen — a 4 m² family bathroom still needs a plumber, tiler, electrician and plasterer. The biggest cost drivers are tiling, the suite and brassware, and whether you move the soil pipe or convert to a wet room.
How much is a bathroom refit per m² in 2026?
Typical 2026 UK bathroom refit costs per m²:
- Budget / like-for-like — £1,300–£1,900 per m²
- Mid-range refit — £2,000–£3,200 per m²
- High-end / wet room — £3,500–£5,500 per m²
- Whole-job total (typical 4–5 m² bathroom) — £6,000–£12,000
Most UK homeowners spend between £6,000 and £9,000 on a mid-range full bathroom refit — roughly £2,200–£2,800 per m² once the suite, tiling, trades and finishing are all counted.
Bathroom Refit Cost by Spec (Per m² and Total)
A typical UK family bathroom is 4–5 m²; an en-suite may be 2.5–3.5 m² and a large bathroom 6–8 m². Note the per-m² rate stays high even in small rooms because the same trades are needed regardless of size.
Budget refit — like-for-like suite, standard tiles
A straight swap of bath, basin and toilet in the same positions, ceramic wall and floor tiles, a mixer shower and basic extractor. No layout changes. Ideal for rentals or a tired bathroom refresh.
Mid-range refit — quality suite, larger-format tiles
A branded suite, thermostatic shower, vanity unit, large-format porcelain tiles, underfloor heating and a heated towel rail. May include a walk-in shower replacing the bath.
High-end / wet room — tanked, premium fittings
A fully tanked wet room or luxury bathroom with premium brassware (e.g. Hansgrohe, Crosswater), a bespoke vanity, feature tiling or micro-cement, recessed lighting and a soil-pipe relocation. Design and waterproofing add cost.
What Actually Drives Your Per-m² Cost
Bathrooms are labour-intensive, so trades and tiling dominate the bill. These are the factors that move it most.
1. Tiling area & type
Tiling labour is £40–£70/m² for ceramic, more for large-format porcelain, mosaic or natural stone. Fully tiled walls in a wet room can add £1,500–£3,000.
2. The suite & brassware
A basic suite is £500–£800; a designer suite with premium taps and a thermostatic shower can be £3,000–£6,000+.
3. Moving the soil pipe
Relocating the toilet or soil stack means new drainage runs and often lifting the floor — typically £600–£1,800 extra.
4. Wet room tanking
A proper tanked (fully waterproofed) wet room adds £1,000–£2,500 over a standard shower enclosure, but prevents costly leaks later.
5. Underfloor heating & extras
Electric UFH adds £400–£900, a heated towel rail £150–£400, and demisting mirrors or recessed lighting more again.
6. Labour & region
A refit needs a plumber, tiler, electrician and plasterer. Labour is 50–60% of the bill and London/South East rates run 20–40% above the UK average.
Bathroom Refit Cost by UK Region
Figures below are for a typical mid-range 5 m² family bathroom refit, fully fitted, including suite, tiling and trades.
Real Project: 5 m² mid-range family bathroom, Leeds
A 1990s semi where the owners removed the old bath, fitted a 1600mm walk-in shower and a vanity unit, kept the toilet in place, and tiled floor-to-ceiling.
| Suite, vanity & walk-in shower enclosure | £1,950 |
| Thermostatic shower & brassware | £640 |
| Porcelain tiles & adhesive | £1,050 |
| Underfloor heating & towel rail | £700 |
| Labour (plumber, tiler, electrician — 8 days) | £4,600 |
| Total | £8,940 |
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