UK cost guide

External Wall Insulation Cost UK

UK external wall insulation costs per square metre and by property type.

Last reviewed: 1 September 2026 · Sources & data · Methodology

Typical planning cost£150–£200 per m² installed
Broader project range£5,000–£30,000+ by property type
Planning figures are estimates rather than quotations. Live calculators combine dated UK benchmarks with clearly separated modelling assumptions such as region, size, condition and specification.

What affects the cost?

External wall insulation pricing depends on wall area, insulation material, render or cladding finish, scaffolding, pipework alterations and property access.

  • External wall area
  • EPS, mineral wool or board system
  • Render or cladding finish
  • Scaffolding
  • Gutter and pipework changes
  • Existing wall condition

Typical cost breakdown

Insulation system35–50%
Labour & fixings20–30%
Render/cladding finish15–25%
Scaffolding & ancillary work10–25%

Regional planning examples

The examples below apply our published modelling factor to the same national benchmark. They are not claimed as observed city-wide average quotes.

London£190–£260 / m²
Manchester£140–£190 / m²
Birmingham£150–£200 / m²
Glasgow£140–£190 / m²
Cardiff£140–£180 / m²

Sources used for this guide

Checkatrade

External Wall Insulation Cost: 2026 UK Guide

Published / checked: July 2026

Used for: Installed external-wall insulation cost-per-m² and property-type ranges

View source ↗

Frequently asked questions

How much does external wall insulation cost per m²?

Current UK installed costs are around £150–£200 per m², with an average planning point near £175 per m².

What does a semi-detached house cost to externally insulate?

A current UK planning range is around £14,000–£20,000.

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