What is a house renovation?

A house renovation brings an older or tired home up to date. It can include rewiring, a new heating system, replastering, new floors, windows, kitchens and bathrooms, and changes to the layout. A full renovation is often combined with an extension or loft conversion.
How much does a house renovation cost in Hampstead?
In Hampstead, a house renovation typically costs £1,150–£2,350 per m² for a medium to full renovation, including VAT at 20% (5% may apply to homes empty for two years or more). For a typical 90 m² project that is roughly £103,500–£211,500. We start from a UK-wide guide and adjust it for London, where labour and materials are typically about 30% above average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (63 m²) | £72,500–£148,000 |
| Typical project (90 m²) | £103,500–£211,500 |
| Larger project (126 m²) | £145,000–£296,000 |
| Rate per m² | £1,150–£2,350 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Whether you live in during the work
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Structural and damp repairs
- Windows and doors
Your exact price depends on the survey and drawings. The guide price tool gives a quick range in the meantime.
Do you need planning permission for a house renovation in Hampstead?
Whether you need planning permission depends on your house and its location in England. In England internal renovation usually does not need planning permission unless the house is listed, when listed building consent covers internal work too. Notifiable work such as rewiring, structural changes, new windows and heating must meet building regulations.
Building regulations approval comes from the council’s building control service or a registered building control approver. The work is inspected at key stages, such as foundations, drainage and insulation, and a completion certificate is issued at the end.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
On a typical house renovation we handle:
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Joinery, doors and floors
- Building control for notifiable work
- Plastering and boarding
- Structural repairs and damp treatment
- Condition survey and scope of works
How long does it take?
Expect 8 to 20 weeks on site depending on scope. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 6 to 12 weeks.
Building in Hampstead
Victorian and Edwardian terraces dominate many London streets, which is why side return, wraparound and mansard projects are so common here.
From NW3 outwards, we take on projects throughout Hampstead and the surrounding parts of Greater London.
How it works
- 01
Free visit
We look at the property, talk through what you want and measure up. There is no charge and no obligation.
- 02
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 03
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about house renovations in Hampstead
Does a renovation need building regulations approval?
Some parts do, such as rewiring, structural changes, new windows and heating systems. We handle notifications.
How much does a house renovation cost in Hampstead?
In Hampstead, a house renovation typically costs £1,150–£2,350 per m² for a medium to full renovation, including VAT at 20% (5% may apply to homes empty for two years or more). A typical 90 m² project comes to roughly £103,500–£211,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Who approves a house renovation in Hampstead?
Planning matters in Hampstead go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
Do you renovate listed buildings?
Yes, with listed building consent and appropriate materials.
Is VAT reduced on renovations?
Usually not; the standard 20% rate applies. A reduced 5% rate can apply when renovating a home that has been empty for at least two years.
