How Much Does an Orangery Cost? [2026 UK Prices]
An orangery offers the perfect blend of brick-built solidity and conservatory-style glazing. With its signature lantern roof, brick piers, and generous glass panels, an orangery creates a stunning, light-filled space that feels like a natural part of your home.
According to Checkatrade and the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), the average construction cost for an orangery in the UK in 2026 ranges from £2,000 to £3,000 per square metre. A typical 20 m² orangery costs between £40,000 and £60,000 to build, with total project costs typically reaching £50,000 to £75,000 including VAT, fees, and finishes.
At Suddeco, our platform reads your address and instantly shows what orangery designs have been approved nearby. You get a free render, architect-quality concept drawings, and a priced design — all in minutes, not weeks.
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Table of Contents
- What is an Orangery?
- Orangery Cost Breakdown (2026)
- Cost by Location: London, South East, North & Scotland
- What Affects the Cost of an Orangery?
- Additional Costs to Budget For
- How to Save Money on Your Orangery
- Orangery vs Conservatory: Cost Comparison
- Why Choose Suddeco for Your Orangery?
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Orangery?
An orangery is a brick-built extension with large windows and a flat roof featuring a central glass lantern. Originally built to house citrus trees in winter, modern orangeries are elegant living spaces that bridge the gap between a traditional extension and a conservatory.
Key features include: - Brick or stone piers: Provide structural solidity and thermal mass - Large glazed panels: Floor-to-ceiling windows maximise natural light - Lantern roof: A central glass roof section that floods the space with light - Solid roof with perimeter: Typically 75% solid roof, 25% glass lantern - Underfloor heating: Often integrated for year-round comfort
Compared to a conservatory, an orangery feels more like a permanent room. Compared to a standard extension, it offers far more natural light.
Related reading: How much does a conservatory cost? | How much does a single-storey extension cost?
Orangery Cost Breakdown (2026)
The table below shows construction costs only. Total project costs including VAT, fees, and finishes are typically 25–30% higher.
| Size | Dimensions | Area (m²) | Low (£/m²) | Average (£/m²) | High (£/m²) | Build Cost (Low) | Build Cost (High) | Total Project Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 4 m × 4 m | 16 | £2,000 | £2,400 | £3,000 | £32,000 | £48,000 | £40,000–£60,000 |
| Medium | 5 m × 5 m | 25 | £2,000 | £2,400 | £3,000 | £50,000 | £75,000 | £60,000–£90,000 |
| Large | 6 m × 5 m | 30 | £2,000 | £2,400 | £3,000 | £60,000 | £90,000 | £72,000–£108,000 |
| Extra Large | 6 m × 6 m | 36 | £2,000 | £2,400 | £3,000 | £72,000 | £108,000 | £85,000–£130,000 |
*Total project cost includes construction, VAT (20%), planning fees, building regulations, professional fees, and standard finishes.
According to the HomeOwners Alliance, a typical 20–25 m² orangery in the UK in 2026 will cost between £50,000 and £75,000 all-in, depending on specification and location.
Cost Per Square Metre Explained
The £2,000–£3,000/m² range reflects the premium materials and complex glazing involved. At the lower end, you can expect a standard lantern roof, aluminium-framed windows, and basic finishes. At the higher end, you'll get bespoke timber frames, premium glazing with solar control, integrated underfloor heating, and smart lighting.
Cost by Location: London, South East, North & Scotland
Construction costs for orangeries follow the same regional patterns as standard extensions:
| Region | Premium / Discount | Cost per m² (2026) | Total Cost (25 m²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| London | +30–50% | £2,600–£4,500 | £65,000–£110,000 |
| South East | +20–30% | £2,400–£3,900 | £60,000–£95,000 |
| Midlands | –10–20% | £1,600–£2,700 | £48,000–£72,000 |
| North England | –10–20% | £1,600–£2,700 | £48,000–£72,000 |
| Scotland | –10–20% | £1,600–£2,700 | £48,000–£72,000 |
London and the South East command significant premiums due to higher labour costs and specialist glazing contractors. In the North and Midlands, you can expect to save 10–20% on both labour and materials.
What Affects the Cost of an Orangery?
Several factors influence where your project falls within the £2,000–£3,000/m² range:
1. Size and Proportions
Orangeries are typically 16–36 m². Larger spaces benefit from economies of scale, but the cost per square metre remains relatively high due to the glazing and roofing complexity.
2. Glazing Specification
- Standard double glazing: £150–£300/m² for windows
- Solar control glass: £250–£450/m² — reduces overheating
- Self-cleaning glass: £300–£500/m² — uses photocatalytic coating
- Triple glazing: £350–£600/m² — maximum thermal efficiency
3. Lantern Roof Size and Design
A small lantern (1.5 m × 1 m) costs £1,500–£3,000. A large bespoke lantern (3 m × 2 m) can cost £5,000–£10,000. Electric opening vents and integrated blinds add £500–£2,000.
4. Frame Material
- uPVC: £150–£250/m² — affordable, low maintenance
- Aluminium: £250–£450/m² — slim frames, modern aesthetic
- Timber: £400–£700/m² — traditional look, requires maintenance
- Composite (aluminium-clad timber): £500–£800/m² — best of both worlds
5. Underfloor Heating
Electric underfloor heating: £60–£100/m²
Wet underfloor heating: £100–£150/m² (requires boiler capacity)
6. Location and Access
As with all extensions, London and difficult-access sites command higher prices.
7. Interior Finishes
Plastering, flooring, lighting, and decoration can add £5,000–£15,000 depending on your taste.
Additional Costs to Budget For
| Item | Cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| Planning permission (householder) | £206 |
| Planning permission (full application) | £462 |
| Building regulations approval | £200–£1,000 |
| Party wall agreement | £700–£2,000 |
| Structural engineer | £500–£2,000 |
| Architect (5–10% of build cost) | £4,000–£9,000 (typical £80k orangery) |
| VAT (20% on labour and materials) | 20% of build cost |
| Contingency | 10–15% of total budget |
How to Save Money on Your Orangery
1. Start with a Free Render
Our platform generates an instant render and cost estimate from your address. See what orangery designs have been approved near you before committing to expensive architectural drawings.
2. Choose Aluminium Frames Over Timber
Aluminium offers a modern look at roughly half the cost of timber. It's durable, low-maintenance, and available in any RAL colour.
3. Opt for Standard Double Glazing
While triple glazing and solar control are desirable, standard double glazing with a low-emissivity coating is perfectly adequate for most UK homes and costs 30–40% less.
4. Keep the Lantern Simple
A standard rectangular lantern is significantly cheaper than a complex bespoke design. Avoid unnecessary electric vents and integrated blinds if budget is tight.
5. Use Our Design-to-Build Service
Suddeco's vetted builder network provides competitive quotes, milestone payment protection, and a 12-month warranty. We handle the design, planning, and build — saving you time and money.
Get your free render and see what's possible →
Orangery vs Conservatory: Cost Comparison
| Feature | Orangery | Conservatory |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per m² (2026) | £2,000–£3,000 | £1,200–£2,000 |
| Total cost (20 m²) | £50,000–£75,000 | £30,000–£50,000 |
| Roof type | Solid with lantern | 75–100% glass |
| Thermal efficiency | Excellent | Good (modern) / Poor (old) |
| Year-round use | Yes | Often too hot / cold |
| Planning permission | Usually required | Often exempt |
| Added value | 10–15% | 5–10% |
| Build time | 10–16 weeks | 6–10 weeks |
An orangery is a significant investment, but it offers superior thermal performance, year-round usability, and higher resale value. For homeowners planning to stay long-term, the extra cost is often justified.
Related reading: How much does a conservatory cost?
Why Choose Suddeco for Your Orangery?
Traditional orangery design involves lengthy consultations with architects and specialist contractors. Suddeco streamlines this:
- Free render: Enter your address, see an instant visual of what's possible
- Concept Package (£495–£995): 3 renders, full plans, one revision, delivered in 48 hours
- Design+Planning (£2,495): Full planning application, building regulations, structural engineer, unlimited revisions
- Design-to-Build: Fee plus percentage of build cost — vetted builders, project management, milestone payment protection, 12-month warranty
Our platform analyses thousands of nearby planning applications to show you what orangery designs actually get approved. No guesswork. No waiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost per m² for an orangery in 2026?
The average cost is £2,400 per square metre, with a typical range of £2,000–£3,000/m² depending on specification, glazing, and location. According to Checkatrade and FMB data, orangery costs have risen 3–5% since 2025 due to increased demand for energy-efficient glazing.
How much does a 20 m² orangery cost in total?
A 20 m² orangery costs approximately £40,000–£60,000 to build, with total project costs of £50,000–£75,000 including VAT, fees, and finishes.
Do I need planning permission for an orangery?
Usually, yes. Unlike conservatories, orangeries are typically classed as extensions and require planning permission. However, if your orangery meets permitted development criteria (single storey, less than 4 m height, not exceeding 50% of garden), it may be exempt. Always check with your local planning authority. Suddeco's £2,495 Design+Planning package handles this for you.
How long does it take to build an orangery?
Typically 10–16 weeks for construction, plus 8–12 weeks for planning and design. Bespoke glazing and complex lantern roofs can extend this to 18–20 weeks.
Can I build an orangery without hiring an architect?
Technically yes, but an architect ensures the design maximises light, meets regulations, and complements your existing property. Suddeco's concept packages start at £495 and include full plans, renders, and planning guidance.
What's the difference between an orangery and a conservatory?
An orangery has a solid roof with a central glass lantern and brick piers, making it feel like a permanent room. A conservatory has a predominantly glass roof and walls. Orangeries cost 40–50% more but offer superior insulation, year-round use, and higher property value.
Does an orangery add value to my home?
Yes. A well-designed orangery can add 10–15% to your property's value, according to the HomeOwners Alliance. The combination of extra living space and abundant natural light is highly desirable to buyers.
Can I use my orangery all year round?
Yes — unlike older conservatories, modern orangeries with proper glazing, insulation, and underfloor heating are comfortable year-round. Expect temperatures of 18–22 °C even in mid-winter.
What is the best frame material for an orangery?
Aluminium offers the best balance of cost, durability, and aesthetics. It's slim, strong, and available in any colour. Timber is beautiful but expensive and high-maintenance. uPVC is affordable but less elegant.
How do I get an accurate quote for my orangery?
Start with Suddeco's free render. Our platform analyses your address, nearby approved applications, and local costs to generate an accurate estimate in minutes. For a fixed quote, our Design-to-Build service provides competitive bids from vetted builders.
Are there hidden costs in orangery builds?
Common hidden costs include specialist glazing crane hire, complex foundation work for lantern roofs, electrical upgrades for underfloor heating, and bespoke joinery. Our £2,495 Design+Planning package includes structural calculations and building regulations, so there are no surprises.
Can I live in my house during an orangery build?
Yes, in most cases. Orangery builds are less disruptive than full extensions because much of the work is external. However, expect noise during foundation work and glazing installation.
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