Cost GuidesUpdated May 2026By TradeMatch Editorial Team·6 April 2026·Updated 12 April 2026·7 min read

Conservatory Costs UK 2026: Build, Roof Replacement & Orangeries

A conservatory adds living space and value to your home. Here is a complete guide to conservatory costs in the UK in 2026.

Professional tradesperson completing quality work

Conservatory Build Costs

Type	Average Cost
Lean-to conservatory	£5,000–£12,000
Victorian conservatory	£10,000–£20,000
Edwardian conservatory	£10,000–£18,000
P-shaped conservatory	£15,000–£30,000
Orangery	£20,000–£45,000
Conservatory roof replacement	£3,000–£8,000

Prices include foundations, frames, glazing and roof. UPVC frames are cheapest, aluminium mid-range, and timber the most expensive.

Conservatory vs Orangery vs Extension

Conservatory — Mostly glazed walls and roof. Cheapest option, and the one a conservatory specialist will quote fastest. Can be too hot in summer and cold in winter without modern glazing.

Orangery — Brick pillars with a flat perimeter roof and central glass lantern. Better insulation than a conservatory, more premium feel.

Extension — Solid walls and conventional roof. Most expensive but best thermal performance and year-round usability. Usually requires planning permission.

The key factor: conservatory roof replacement (polycarbonate to solid tiles or glass) typically costs £3,000–£8,000 and transforms an existing conservatory into a year-round room.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do conservatories need planning permission?

Most conservatories fall under permitted development and do not need planning permission, provided they meet size limits (no more than 50% of your garden), are not higher than the existing roof, and are at the rear. Check with your local council before starting.

Does a conservatory add value to my home?

A conservatory is the addition buyers and valuers treat most cautiously, because so many are unusable for half the year. A cold, dated or single-glazed one can count against a sale rather than for it. A modern build with a solid or tiled roof, proper heating and a real thermal separation from the house is judged very differently. If resale is the main motive, ask an agent before you build; if you want the room, build it to a standard you would happily sit in during February.