Windows · by material
uPVC windows
uPVC is what most British homes have, and for good reason: it is the cheapest frame that does the job well, it needs nothing more than a wipe, and a good profile lasts decades. White is the default, but most frames now come in greys, black, cream and woodgrain foils, inside and out.
Is it right for your home?
Suits
- Most houses from the 1930s on
- Replacing tired timber or old aluminium on a budget
- Anyone who wants no painting, ever
Good points
- The lowest price of any frame
- No maintenance beyond cleaning
- Wide choice of colours and woodgrain finishes
- Good energy ratings come as standard
Watch out for
- Frames are bulkier than aluminium
- Not always allowed on listed buildings or in conservation areas
- Cheap profiles can discolour over time
What uPVC windows cost
uPVC windows typically cost £5,000 (3-bed semi, nine casement windows), with most jobs between £3,500 and £8,000. That includes VAT at 20%. Fitting takes 1–3 days on site.
What you would actually pay
Typical 3-bed semi, nine casement windows · UK- Typical installed cost uPVC windows, supplied and fitted
- £4,167
- VAT at 20% Standard rate
- £833
- Net cost to you
- £5,000
If you borrowed £5,000.00 over 36 months at 0.0%, it would cost £138.89 a month – £5,000.00 in total, of which £0.00 is interest. The last payment would be £138.85.
Illustration only – not a quote, not an offer of credit, and not financial advice. Rates depend on your circumstances and creditworthiness.
Where the money goes
| Element | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Windows, made to measure Nine double glazed casements in a white uPVC profile, with standard locks and handles. | £3,100 – £5,400 |
| Fitting Two fitters taking out the old frames and fixing, packing and sealing the new ones. | £780 – £2,000 |
| Removing the old windows Taking the old frames out and disposing of them, usually by skip or the installer's van. | £240 – £660 |
| Scaffolding or towers Only where upstairs windows can't be reached safely from ladders or from inside. | £0 – £500 |
| Making good Plastering and painting the reveals inside where the old frame came out. Often included, sometimes not. | £0 – £900 |
Guide prices including VAT. Your actual cost depends on your home, access and specification.
What moves the price
- Number and size of windows
Each window is made to measure, so the price climbs with every extra one and with large panes. Doing the whole house at once usually brings the price per window down.
- Style
A plain casement is the cheapest. Tilt and turn, sliding sash and bay windows cost more, because there is more frame and more hardware in each.
- Colour and finish
White is the base price. Coloured and woodgrain foils add to it, more so when the colour is on both sides.
- Glass
Standard A-rated double glazing is included. Triple glazing, acoustic glass, toughened safety glass and decorative panes all cost extra.
- Who fits them
National brands typically quote well above local FENSA or CERTASS installers using the same kind of profile. Compare like for like on profile, glass and guarantee.
What should be in a quote
If a quote is missing any of these, ask why before you compare it with another.
- The number of windows, each one's size and style, and which panes open
- The frame profile or brand, its colour inside and out, and the guarantee on frames and glass
- The glass: its energy rating or U-value, whether it is toughened where it needs to be, and any obscure panes
- Removal and disposal of the old windows and frames
- Making good the plaster and reveals inside, and new sills and trims
- FENSA or CERTASS registration, so the work is certified under Building Regulations
- Whether the guarantee is insurance-backed, and what deposit is asked for
Prices by region
Labour is most of the difference. Typical price (3-bed semi, nine casement windows), including VAT.
| Region | Typical | vs UK average |
|---|---|---|
| London | £6,200 | +25% |
| South East | £5,800 | +17% |
| South West | £5,500 | +10% |
| East of England | £5,300 | +6% |
| West Midlands | £5,200 | +4% |
| Scotland | £5,100 | +2% |
| East Midlands | £5,000 | UK average |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | £5,000 | UK average |
| North West | £4,900 | −2% |
| North East | £4,700 | −5% |
| Wales | £4,700 | −6% |
| Northern Ireland | £4,400 | −12% |
Common questions
How long do uPVC windows last?
A good uPVC window lasts twenty to thirty-five years. The sealed glass units usually go first, and they can be replaced without changing the frame.
Is uPVC as good as aluminium or timber?
For energy ratings, yes. Aluminium gives slimmer frames and timber suits older houses, but uPVC matches either for warmth at a lower price.
Do I need planning permission for new uPVC windows?
Not usually, if they look similar to the old ones. Listed buildings, flats and some conservation areas are the exceptions, so check with the council first.
Get quotes for your home
A guide price only takes you so far. Local firms can price the work on your own home, and comparing a few quotes is the quickest way to see what is reasonable.
Compare free quotes