Read time: 5-6 minutes
Many homeowners in the South of England ask the same question when planning an orangery:
“How much will a 4 x 3m orangery actually cost in 2026?”
This guide explains what drives the price, what is included, what is not, and how to plan your budget with confidence.
The Short Answer
- For a typical 4 x 3m orangery (approximately 12m²) in the South of England in 2026, including VAT
- Standard finishes and minimal structural work: approx £30,000–£32,000
- Higher-spec designs with more brickwork, wider openings or premium finishes: from £35,000+
Below we break down what actually changes these numbers
What Actually Changes the Price?
- Groundworks & Foundations
- This is often one of the biggest cost variables.
- Where deeper footings are required to meet Building Regulations, or where the garden level drops away from the house, costs increase due to additional excavation, concrete and build-up. We’ve seen this add £1500-2000 when the ground falls away fast from the house.
- This is usually one of the largest swings between projects.
- Access, Drainage and Plumbing
- Difficult access, such as working through the house, increases labour time and site costs.
- Minor drainage moves may add a few hundred pounds, but relocating a public manhole can add £1,500 or more due to permissions, CCTV surveys and specialist work. Drainage is often the most unpredictable element.
- Structural Works & Knock-Throughs
- Structural alterations are typically the single biggest cost swing.
- Removing an existing door or window without increasing the opening is the most cost-effective option.
- Creating a wider 2–3 metre opening usually adds around £2,000–£3,000, including structural calculations and steels.
- Roof System & Insulation
- In our projects, the roof system is not a variable cost item.
- Every orangery is built with the same fully insulated roof specification to meet current standards and deliver year-round comfort, so this does not change the price up or down.
- Glazing & External Finishes
- Specification choices affect manufacturing cost rather than performance.
- Upgrading frame colours typically adds £500–£700.
- Moving from French doors to bifold doors can add £1,500 or more, depending on size and configuration.
- Internal Finishes
- Including plastering, electrics and heating increases cost but completes the room as a finished space.
- Stripping these back can reduce the initial budget, but most homeowners choose to include them as they want a turn-key solution.
A Real 4 x 3m Orangery Cost Breakdown
Brief
- Location: South of England
- Property type: New-build home
- Goal: Open-plan orangery with strong garden connection
- Main concern: Cost control without compromising performance
Specification:
- Style: Traditional Orangery
- Roof Type: Flat Roof Lantern
- Frames: BiFolding Doors + uPVC windows
- Build: Full Build, Minor internal works
Indicative cost breakdown
- Base build and walls: £9,689
- Frames and roof system: £11,934
- Structural works: £110 (internal door removal)
- Installation: £4,235
- Electrics, heating and finishes: £5,576
- Professional fees and approvals: £2,100
Total (including VAT): £33,644
This sits squarely within the typical range for a well-specified 4 x 3m orangery.
Real-world example:
How to Plan Your Own Budget
- Keeping the rear wall mostly intact helps stay toward the lower end of the range.
- Standard finishes offer the best balance of cost and performance.
- Full open-plan layouts and premium glazing push budgets upward.
- Always allow for making good to existing rooms after knock-throughs.
Common Cost Traps to Avoid
- Vague quotes without a clear specification
- Unclear VAT treatment
- Open‑ended pricing with no cost certainty
- Ignoring drainage or access constraints
Forgetting internal making good works
How Precision Handles Pricing
We price orangeries based on clarity, not assumptions.
- Every proposal includes a written specification in plain English.
- If it is shown on the drawings and written in the specification, it is included.
- We provide fixed-price proposals for agreed designs and specifications.
Costs only change if you request additional work or if an issue is uncovered on site that could not reasonably have been identified in advance. In those cases, options are explained and agreed before work continues.
Final Takeaway
A 4 x 3m orangery costs what it does because it is a permanent extension built properly.
Understanding what drives the price lets you control it, budget accurately and avoid surprises.
Thinking About Your Own Project?
If you’re planning an orangery in 2026 we can:
- Assess your site, structure and budget properly
- Tell you where your project is likely to sit before you commit
👉 Book a free 30-minute consultation for clear, honest guidance on your specific home
Thinking About a Orangery in 2026?
We’ll assess structure, insulation, and planning properly, confirm the right route before quoting, and design a space that works all year round.
