Underfloor Heating Costs in 2025 UK: Installation, Running and ROI Explained

Underfloor heating continues to gain traction across the UK, appealing to those seeking both comfort and energy savings. For many homeowners, knowing the true costs. Both upfront and ongoing. Is key to making a good investment. With 2025 bringing some changes to energy tariffs and material costs, let's unpack what UK property owners can expect this year from water underfloor heating and electric alternatives.

Typical Supply and Installation Costs: Water Underfloor Heating

In 2025, supply and fit charges for water underfloor heating systems generally range from £70 to £110 per m². This covers the full system, including piping, manifolds, thermostats, and professional labour.
- New builds tend to sit towards the lower end of this range where access is easy and disruption is minimal.
- Retrofitting older properties, with extra preparation and insulation work, can push prices higher, occasionally exceeding £110 per m² in challenging scenarios or high-cost regions such as London or the South East.
- Typical project total: A 25m² open plan kitchen-diner might cost between £2,100-£2,750 for water underfloor heating installed by reputable contractors.

Electric Underfloor Heating: Materials and Fitting

Electric underfloor heating systems come in slightly cheaper at installation, averaging £50 to £85 per m² fitted in 2025, although premium rooms and intricate layouts may nudge costs towards £100 per m² in central locations. This makes electric an attractive solution for compact spaces like ensuite bathrooms, cloakrooms, or one-off refurbishments where a boiler link is not practical.

What Influences These Prices?

System complexity, floor area, room shape, and the type of subfloor (timber or concrete) directly impact final quotes. Labour in major cities also adds a premium, while regional towns and rural areas in the North West, North East, or mid-Wales often benefit from more competitive rates.

Comparing Electric and Water Underfloor Heating Running Costs

Ongoing expenses are where water underfloor heating really stands out. With the latest energy price cap for the October-December 2025 period, electricity averages around 26.35p per kWh, whereas gas sits closer to 6.29p per kWh. That's a significant difference, particularly for larger areas or whole-home systems.

Electric underfloor heating typically uses between 100W and 200W per square metre. In a standard 4m² bathroom, you could expect running costs to fall between £15 and £25 monthly in colder months based on typical usage. This makes electrics ideal for short daily bursts in small zones rather than primary heating throughout a house.

Water underfloor heating, running from your main boiler or a heat pump, operates at much lower temperatures and spreads warmth more evenly, usually costing 30-50% less to run than equivalent electric systems for the same area. In a 40m² family kitchen-diner, running costs can hover around £25 to £45 per month through winter, depending on insulation and heat source efficiency.

Energy savings become even more pronounced in well-insulated properties or those using smart controls. Over a typical year, savvy households may see annual savings of up to 25% on heating bills when replacing old radiators with an efficient water-based setup.

Room-by-Room and Whole-Property Cost Breakdown

Bathrooms: The most popular place for underfloor heating in the UK remains the bathroom. For electric systems, a compact 4m² space costs around £400 to £600 supplied and fitted. Water underfloor heating is less common for bathrooms due to the small footprint and the complexity of plumbing connections, but where installed, expect a quote around £500 to £700 for the same size.

Kitchens: Kitchens, especially in open-plan styles, benefit from water underfloor heating for consistent warmth. A 20m² kitchen may require £1,400 to £2,200 for water-based options, or £1,000 to £1,700 for electric. The need for insulating boards beneath the system and integrating with existing flooring can shift costs up or down.

Open Plan and Whole-Home: Bringing comfort to entire floors, such as living/dining zones or whole bungalows, sees economies of scale: per-square-metre costs often drop slightly for water systems once you exceed 40m², with installs ranging from £3,000 up to £7,500 for large family spaces. Electric systems in comparably sized zones may run from £2,500 to £6,000 depending on the number of thermostats, floor construction, and layout intricacy.

Regional Variations: How Location Impacts Underfloor Heating Cost

Labour and material pricing for underfloor heating fluctuates not just by project details, but also by postcode. Central London and much of the South East command the highest supply and fit rates, often exceeded only by highly sought-after holiday home regions where specialist trades may be scarce.

• London & South East England: Water underfloor heating projects regularly hit the upper end of the national range—£100 to £130 per m² is not unusual, reflecting both higher labour and premium supplier markups. Electric installations also climb, touching £90 to £110 per m² for high-end bathrooms and designer finishes.

• North West & Rural Wales: Homeowners here frequently benefit from rates nearer £70 to £90 per m² for water systems and £60 to £75 per m² for electric, thanks to lower overheads and stronger competition among contractors.

• Scotland & Northern Ireland: Prices in Glasgow or Belfast are somewhat gentler again, especially outside the city centre. Wet system installation might run closer to £85 to £100 per m², while electric mats may dip as low as £55 per m² in some renovation projects.

Regional quirks. Like transport costs for materials in remote areas or local authority regulations. Should be factored in when budgeting, especially for self-build or bespoke projects.

Energy Efficiency and Return on Investment: Underfloor Heating vs Radiators

Water underfloor heating shines when you consider whole-home energy use. Because the pipes run at much lower temperatures and heat is spread evenly across the floor, the system uses energy more efficiently than traditional radiators, which usually need much hotter water (65-75°C) to warm a room.

Most contemporary water underfloor setups, especially those paired with modern boilers or heat pumps, offer energy savings of around 25% over comparable radiator systems. Beyond direct energy use, the gentle, even heating helps eliminate cold spots and draughts, raising both comfort and the appeal of your home to potential buyers.

Many UK homeowners see a genuine return on their investment within 7 to 12 years on a water underfloor system, especially when upgrading from outdated radiators in poorly insulated properties. Electric underfloor systems, while rarely cost-effective as a whole-house option, are rewarding for single zones where frequent, gentle heat is a treat rather than a necessity.

Making the Most of Your Investment

Maximising the value of underfloor heating begins with clear planning and realistic expectations. Start by considering insulation: robust floor insulation helps your system hold warmth, reducing both running costs and fluctuations in room temperature. For new builds or extensions, prioritising insulation pays dividends for decades.

Smart controls and zoning. Using programmable thermostats for individual rooms. Let you fine-tune comfort without wasting energy. A reputable supplier such as ThermRite can advise on efficient layouts and modern controls that fit the needs of homes ranging from period cottages to urban new builds.

Think about your heating source: integrating water underfloor heating with an existing high-efficiency boiler or a new air source heat pump can elevate efficiency further. Finally, always select professional installers with experience in underfloor heating, since a well-planned installation often means far fewer issues down the line and a smoother handover once the job is done.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to install water underfloor heating per square metre in the UK in 2025?

Installation prices for water underfloor heating generally range from £70 to £110 per m², with costs tending higher in the South East and for retrofit projects.

Are electric underfloor heating systems expensive to run in the UK?

Running costs for electric underfloor heating are higher than water systems due to the current electricity price cap. Expect average running charges of 26p per kWh, making electric options perfect for small, occasional-use rooms.

What's the cheapest underfloor heating option for a small bathroom?

For small bathrooms, electric underfloor heating is the most cost-effective to install, with project totals from £400 to £600 including labour and materials.

Can underfloor heating save money compared to radiators?

Water underfloor heating typically cuts energy use by around 25% when compared with conventional radiator setups, particularly in well-insulated properties.

How do installation prices vary across the UK?

Installation costs are highest in London and the South East, occasionally exceeding £110 per m². Regions like the North West and parts of Scotland tend to offer more competitive deals, often between £70 and £90 per m².

What's the expected payback period for water underfloor heating?

Most homeowners recover installation and supply costs within 7 to 12 years, thanks to lower ongoing energy usage and improved home comfort.

Is ThermRite an installer?

No, ThermRite is a supplier of underfloor heating materials and systems.

Choosing Underfloor Heating: A Smart Move for Long-Term Comfort

With energy efficiency, room-by-room flexibility, and modern home appeal all on its side, underfloor heating stands as a compelling choice for UK homeowners in 2025. While the initial outlay can be significant, the long-term reduction in energy bills, the unmatched comfort of warm floors, and the solid return on investment make it worth careful consideration.

If you're planning a renovation or building project, taking the time to weigh up regional price trends, room uses, and heating system compatibility will ensure you get the best long-term value. Reach out to a trusted supplier such as ThermRite to explore the right options for your needs and begin creating a home that's as efficient as it is comfortable.