How Much Does Underfloor Heating Cost in the UK in 2025? Complete Breakdown by Property Type

So, you're considering the ultimate luxury: warm floors beneath your feet from the moment you wake up. Underfloor heating has surged in popularity across the UK, but how much will it actually cost you in 2025? Whether you're planning a project in London, Manchester, or Glasgow, it pays to know where your money's going. And how to get the best value for your property type and region.

Average Installation Costs: Electric vs. Wet Systems in 2025

Let's get straight to what most people ask first: what does it cost, really? For electric underfloor heating, expect to pay around £70 to £100 per square metre in 2025 for a full installation, including basic materials and labour. Wet (or water-based) systems are more involved. Their average sits between £90 and £130 per square metre, reflecting higher labour complexities and additional plumbing work. The price can dance above or below these figures based on individual room types and property layout.

A bathroom refresh with electric UFH is often at the lower end due to its smaller footprint, whereas a whole-house wet system in a new build climbs higher due to scale and integration. These are the going rates reported by ThermRite, whose cost breakdowns now set the benchmark for the sector this year.

How Underfloor Heating Prices Vary Across the UK

There's no flat rate for the entire country. London commands premium rates, thanks to pricier labour and logistics. Think £90-£135/m² for wet systems and £80-£110/m² for electric options. Meanwhile, in Manchester, trades are typically more competitive. Wet installations may dip closer to £100/m², with electric solutions hovering around £70-£90/m². In Glasgow, the market is slightly gentler again, with electric laying at £60-£85/m² and wet systems at £85-£120/m². These variations aren't minor. They can shift your budget by thousands depending on the size of your project.

What Factors Influence Underfloor Heating Cost the Most?

Many people focus solely on the headline price per metre squared, but what actually drives those figures up or down? Here's a closer look at the most influential factors affecting underfloor heating costs in 2025:

• Insulation Quality: Proper insulation systems aren't just a nice-to-have. They're essential. Well-insulated floors trap the heat more efficiently, reducing required output and thus overall running costs. However, upgrading insulation can add to your upfront bill, especially in older homes.
• Subfloor & Screed Type: Screed acts as the bed for your heating pipes or mats. Some properties need significant subfloor prep or thicker screed layers, which increase both material and labour costs. Suspended timber floors may need boarding or reinforcement.
• Heating Controls: Modern control systems range from simple thermostats to smart, multi-zone systems that optimise efficiency and comfort. While basic controls might be relatively affordable, smart systems with digital connectivity will raise your initial investment but pay off in ongoing energy savings.
• Property Age & Floor Construction: Retrofitting a Victorian terrace is worlds apart from laying pipes in a new build. Old floor structures may need extra work, such as raising floor levels or altering door heights, which means more time and more money. New builds, designed with UFH in mind, make for smoother. And cheaper. Installations.

Other variables include room shape, ceiling height, type of finished flooring (tile, wood, carpet), and even access for installers. Each one nudges your total spend either up or down. The result? No two projects cost exactly the same, even of similar size.

Price Comparison: New Builds vs. Retrofits

It's no secret that installing underfloor heating as part of a new build is generally the most cost-effective path. The work can be neatly integrated into the construction timeline, so there's less need for disruptive demolition or reconstructing existing floors. Here's how the numbers stack up in 2025:

• New Builds: Wet systems can fall as low as £85-£110/m². Electric underfloor heating lands around £60-£85/m² due to the accessibility and scale.
• Retrofits: Expect to pay a premium, especially if you're upgrading an older home. Wet systems frequently reach £120-£140/m², attributed to the need for raising floor levels, adding insulation, or navigating awkward layouts. Electric solutions might settle at £80-£115/m², especially when access is tricky.

If you're working with particularly thick floors, or you need extensive subfloor repair, your costs could reach the upper ranges despite your best planning.

ThermRite: 2025 Deals & Trends

A glance at pricing from ThermRite for 2025 reveals clear competition in the market, especially for multi-room or whole-house bundles. For those looking to cut costs without sacrificing quality, they frequently run bundle deals for popular property types and fast-track options for new builds or major renovations.

Beyond competitive upfront pricing, there's also been a noticeable shift in consumer behaviour. Smart heating controls, energy-efficient insulation packages, and eco-conscious floor finishes are now the norm, not the exception. ThermRite highlights a steady movement toward full-home solutions, which often bring per-metre costs down thanks to scale of purchase and simplified installation.

What's driving these trends? Part of it is regulatory change. Understanding current UK regulations and future requirements helps homeowners make informed decisions. Tougher energy standards for homes, especially new builds, are pushing demand for lower running costs and future-proof solutions. With the right planning and some inside knowledge, savvy buyers are striking the perfect balance between innovative technology and budget control.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does underfloor heating installation typically take?

For a standard room or bathroom, electric systems are often completed within a day or two. Wet systems in a new build might take 3-5 days, or longer if the area is large or complex. Retrofits sometimes extend to a week or more, especially if there's substantial subfloor work required.

Is underfloor heating cheaper to run than radiators in the UK?

Wet underfloor heating systems are generally more energy-efficient than traditional radiators, especially in well-insulated properties. Electric systems, while easier to fit and ideal for smaller spaces, often have higher running costs due to electricity prices. The initial outlay doesn't always mean lower long-term bills. How efficiently your system operates depends as much on insulation and controls as on the heating method itself.

Can I add underfloor heating to any room type?

Almost every room type is viable, from kitchens and bathrooms to bedrooms and even conservatories. Open plan living spaces particularly benefit from underfloor heating's even heat distribution. The main considerations are floor build-up, available height, and how much work is required to access pipework or wiring.

What should I budget for maintenance and repairs?

Both electric and wet systems need minimal day-to-day maintenance if installed correctly. Understanding system longevity expectations helps with long-term budgeting. Still, it's wise to budget for periodic checks. Especially on wet systems and their pumps or manifold connections. Any initial installation glitches or control issues are best tackled right away to avoid long-term problems.

Are there grant or finance options available for underfloor heating in the UK?

Some local councils and government schemes offer grants or incentives for heating upgrades as part of energy-efficiency drives. Finance packages are also popular and available through many trusted suppliers, making it easier to budget for bigger projects.

Bringing It All Together

Your decision to install underfloor heating hinges on more than the immediate price tag. The experience of stepping barefoot onto a toasty floor, or the joy of a completely unobtrusive heating solution, is hard to rival. Peculiarities of your property. Location, insulation quality, desired finishes. All fold into that final quote, making it essential to plan with care and gather detailed, up-to-date information.

ThermRite continues to set trends with bundle deals and expert insight, making high-efficiency, modern systems more accessible than ever. Whether renovating a period home or building new, there's no substitute for a thorough budget check before taking the plunge.

Ready to take the next step? Start gathering quotes tailored to your region and property type. Your dream of perfectly heated floors is closer than you might think.