If you’re standing in your dusty old garage wondering whether it could be something more, you’re not alone. We’ve converted everything from storage zones full of spiderwebs into sleek home offices, guest bedrooms, and rental-ready spaces. But let’s talk brass tacks—what does a garage conversion actually cost in the UK in 2025? And more importantly, is it still worth it?
Here at TopGarageConversions.co.uk, we live and breathe this stuff. So we’ve broken it all down below, honest, practical, and packed with the detail you need.
Average Garage Conversion Cost in the UK (2025 Update)
For a standard single garage (about 16 m²), expect to pay between £10,000 and £20,000 this year. That includes everything you need for a comfortable, year-round space—insulation, electrics, lighting, plastering, flooring, and decoration.
Here’s where your money goes:
| Work Item | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Brick up garage door + install window | £1,200–£2,400 |
| Internal insulation & plasterboard | £3,000–£7,500 |
| Electrics & lighting (6 sockets, LED spots) | £800–£2,000 |
| Flooring (DPM, screed, LVT or carpet) | £1,000–£2,500 |
| Heating/plumbing tie-ins | £1,000–£3,000 |
| Decoration & finishing | £500–£1,000 |
| Plans, Building Control, fees | £300–£900 |
| TOTAL | £10,000–£20,000 |
Got a double garage or planning something bespoke? You could be looking at £25,000–£35,000, depending on finish and any structural changes.
What Drives the Cost Up?
Not all conversions are built equal. Here’s what makes the difference:
- Insulation to meet 2025 regs – you’ll need to hit updated U-values (walls 0.30, roof 0.16), which means decent PIR board thickness and airtight fitting.
- Structural changes – if you want to remove the entire garage door wall and fit bifolds, add another £4–6k to the job.
- Utilities rerouting – longer pipe or cable runs can eat into your budget.
- Planning extras – if you’re in a conservation area or want something outside Permitted Development, you’ll need to allow for planning and possibly SAP reports.
Is It Still Good Value?
Let’s run the numbers. The UK’s average house price is hovering around £297,000. A high-quality garage conversion can add 10–20% to that – let’s say £30,000 to £50,000 in extra value.
That’s double or more your upfront investment. So yes—it’s one of the best ROI home improvements around.
If you rent it out as an HMO room or self-contained studio, it pays for itself even quicker. One of our Manchester clients converted for £13,000, and now earns £700+ per month in rent. That’s full pay-back in under 2 years.
Conversion vs Extension: What’s the Better Bet?
Let’s compare:
| Feature | Garage Conversion | Rear Extension |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per m² | £625–£1,250 | £1,800–£3,000 |
| Timescale | 2–4 weeks | 10–16 weeks |
| Planning needed? | Usually no | Often yes |
| Value uplift | High | High |
A garage conversion wins on speed, simplicity, and spend. No mud. No months of scaffolding. Just a tidy, targeted transformation with big gains.
Pro Tip: Keep Costs in Check
Want to get the most out of your budget? Here’s how:
- Stick with the existing footprint – avoid moving walls or windows if possible.
- Use existing plumbing routes to save on service runs.
- DIY the finishing – painting and flooring can shave £1–2k if you’ve got a steady hand.
- Ask about modular insulation panels – faster to fit, and can sometimes save on labour.
So… Is It Time to Go For It?
If you’ve been hesitating, 2025 is still a great year to convert your garage. With costs stabilised, mortgage rates softening, and house values holding strong, it’s the right time to unlock the potential sitting just beyond your kitchen door.
At TopGarageConversions.co.uk, we offer free site visits, fixed-price quotes, and honest advice from people who do this every day. Whether it’s a cosy guest suite or a full-blown studio with ensuite and skylights—we’ll help you make it real.
Let’s turn that empty box into something brilliant.
