How much do new windows cost? Replacement window prices in the UK 2024

Factors such as the frame material and window style affect replacement double glazed windows prices, but in the UK, the typical cost of replacing all the windows on a semi-detached three-bedroom house would be around £4,000. Although not cheap, it’s a worthwhile investment because double glazing can decrease your annual heating bill by up to £260, which is a reduction of 20 per cent. The upfront costs of triple glazing tend to be higher than for double glazed windows, but you can save even more with this upgrade.

In this guide, we look at overall installation costs and explain how they can be affected by the various styles, designs and materials of replacement windows. We also provide advice on knowing when it’s time to replace your windows and tips on how to accurately measure your home for new windows and ensure you get the most competitive quotes.

To receive an accurate assessment and quote, the Independent Advisor team recommends allowing reputable window installers access to your property.

We’ve provided the average costs for double glazing a three-bedroom home with eight windows in various styles and frame materials. This should give you an idea of current replacement windows prices; however, we recommend getting several quotes, as these prices depend on the size of your windows and your chosen installer.

Use this form to get free quotes.

Windows prices based on style and material

Our experts spent hundreds of hours researching the best options to assist you in making an informed decision when purchasing new windows. We examined the performance and features of each type of window, analysed customer feedback and compared costs. Here’s a full breakdown of how we cover windows.

When it comes to replacement windows prices, the cheapest frame material is uPVC.

Durable and affordable, uPVC windows need minimal upkeep, making them a popular choice among homeowners looking for an alternative to more traditional timber and aluminium frames.

With their excellent insulation properties, double glazed uPVC windows can help minimise energy loss, leading to reduced electricity bills and a warmer house. As well as providing soundproofing, these windows can increase the security of your home if they are pre-fitted with multiple locking points.

Many manufacturers offer various finishes of coloured uPVC windows, allowing you to personalise your home’s appearance. If you like the look of timber but want something more affordable, some companies even offer uPVC with a wood effect finish.

A casement design made with uPVC is the most budget-friendly window style. Meanwhile, since bay and bow windows are more complex to manufacture and install, they are the most expensive.

Casement windows with uPVC are the least expensive option, and prices range from £527 to £650 per window. Frames are also available in aluminium or timber, with the latter being the costliest option. Although casement windows usually have side-hinged panes that open outwards, they can also have hinges at the top or bottom. If you have young children, the bottom-hinged designs are the safer option.

Sash windows are typically found on period properties, but they are often installed on new builds in an attempt to mimic traditional architecture. Prices generally range from £1,100 to £3,200 per window, with the cost of uPVC sash windows being the most affordable.

Combining modern technology with a classic style, sash windows consist of one or more movable panels that slide vertically – or sometimes horizontally – to open and close.

Few manufacturers produce sash windows with aluminium frames, so your choice is usually limited to uPVC or timber. Although timber frames cost more upfront, if properly maintained, they can last much longer than uPVC.

Tilt and turn windows have a modern design that offers several opening options for ventilation and ease of cleaning. With prices between £512 and £990 per window, they are more expensive than casement windows, but they have a wide variety of available materials, making them increasingly popular in the UK.

Tilt and turn designs usually have multiple locking points and a unique hardware system that allows them to work in two distinct ways:

• Tilt function: turning the handle to the first position allows the window to tilt inwards from the bottom, which creates a small opening for ventilation at the top
• Turn function: turning the handle to the second position allows the side hinge pivot point to swing the window inwards like a door

Available with uPVC, aluminium or timber frames, tilt and turn windows suit different budgets and architectural preferences, as they come in various styles and finishes.

Bay windows cost between £1,700 and £8,400 to install, making them one of the most expensive window styles on the market. They create more interior space by bowing outwards from the property, and they also add an interesting visual element to the exterior.

​​Consisting of three or more window panels arranged at angles, bay windows form a curved or polygonal shape. The most common configuration is a large central window with two smaller, angled windows on each side, which creates a rectangular bay.

Although the cost of bay windows is typically higher than casement or tilt and turn window frames – because they require more materials and are more difficult to install – you do have a choice of uPVC, aluminium or timber.

Like bay windows, bow windows extend outwards from the property. Also like bay windows, they are expensive – costing between £1,700 and £8,400 per replacement window – as they require more materials and take longer to install.

Rather than extending from the ground, bow windows extend from the wall, and instead of the more angular look of bay windows, they have glass panels that form a gentle arc, giving them their unique look.

Bow windows come in uPVC, timber and aluminium, with uPVC being the cheapest option. However, not all manufacturers sell bow windows.

If you know how to measure your windows, you can estimate the cost of replacing them, making it easier to compare quotes. It also simplifies the process of ordering new windows online or shopping for blinds or curtains. Don’t worry, though; your window installer will also take detailed measurements.

If you can, measure your windows in millimetres from the exterior of your property. Be sure to take measurements from the edges of the bricks, as it’s essential that you measure the window aperture (the hole in the wall the window frame sits in) rather than the frame.

Some suppliers might ask you to deduct 5-10mm from your figures to allow for natural shifting, so check if they need you to do so.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to measuring your windows:

The key differences between double and secondary glazing involve their structure and price. Secondary glazing is less expensive, as you don’t need to buy completely new windows, but it’s not as energy efficient, so it won’t save you as much on your energy bills as double glazing. Although the cost of triple glazing has decreased recently, it’s still the most expensive option, but it’s more energy efficient.

Double glazed windows have two panes of glass separated by a spacer bar. Between the panes, the gap is filled with an insulating gas – usually argon – or air, which creates a vacuum to keep the warmth inside your home. The design of double glazing prevents moisture from gathering between the panes, making it more effective at reducing condensation.

Double glazing has a wide variety of materials, styles and colours, so it can increase your property’s appearance and value. It also makes your home more secure and provides excellent noise reduction.

However, if they develop a fault, these windows may need to be replaced, which can be expensive and time-consuming.

Secondary glazing adds another pane of glass or acrylic to the inside of an existing single glazed window. This creates a second layer of insulation, improving thermal insulation in your home, but it’s less energy efficient than double glazing, and there’s also a greater chance of condensation.

However, secondary glazing is normally cheaper and easier to install than double glazing, as your existing windows don’t need to be replaced. It’s useful for listed buildings or homes in conservation areas, where planning laws may place restrictions on replacing old windows. Secondary glazing is less obvious from the outside, which helps to maintain the original look of these properties, but it might not be as attractive from the inside.

Ultimately, the choice between double and secondary glazing will be decided by your budget, needs and preferences. Double glazing is usually more efficient at improving thermal insulation, but secondary glazing is cheaper and easier to install.

Triple glazing’s three panes and two gaps – compared to the two panes and one gas gap of double glazing – provides better energy efficiency. This design regulates indoor temperatures better, keeping homes cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Although triple glazing prices were once considered to be much more expensive than those of double glazing, they have recently decreased to around only 10 to 20 per cent more. Also, some companies offer a triple glazing upgrade for the same price as double glazed windows.

Several factors can increase the cost of installing new windows, including:

• Insulation: your home may require additional insulation when installing replacement windows
• Location: if replacing windows above ground-floor level, scaffolding will be required to provide safe access
• Home age: atypical window sizes or structural issues in your home, which may be more common in older properties, can incur higher manufacturing and labour costs
• Additional construction costs: if you require any extra work, such as repairing brickwork or adjusting the opening for a different frame size, this will raise the overall cost and may also increase installation time

Labour costs

Typically, a team of two installers, working at an hourly rate of between £25 and £35 per person, will fit your double glazing. As a result, the average labour cost will be about £500 per day. Meanwhile, for a single installer, the day rate ranges from £200 to £280.

 

The total time required to fit replacement windows on an entire property varies based on the number of windows and their type and size. If there are no complications, it can take up to three hours to install one window.

 

Be aware that different regions may have varying labour costs. For example, prices are typically higher in London and the South East than in other parts of the UK.

You will usually need to replace your windows after 15 to 20 years.

However, look out for the following signs that your windows are losing their efficiency:

• Condensation between the window panes
• Difficulty opening, closing or locking your windows
• Draughts from around your windows, resulting in heat loss
• Poor sound insulation
• Noticeably higher energy bills
• Visible damage to the frames or window seals
• Warping or rotting frames

Before contacting any double glazing companies, research all the material and style options available. Consider your requirements, preferences and budget when deciding between different window quotes.

• Ask for recommendations from people who have recently installed new windows
• Read customer reviews for any companies you’re considering hiring. Check for a history of quality work and excellent customer service. It may be worth paying a little extra for a company with a proven track record
• Consider the costs of labour, installation and any additional fees for removing and disposing of your old windows. Not all companies will include these costs, so make sure you know what’s included in the quote
• Ensure the company is a member of the Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme (FENSA) or the Glass and Glazing Federation
• Check the warranty coverage for both the windows and the installation. With a longer warranty period and comprehensive coverage, you can save money and avoid extra stress

Installers, suppliers or sales representatives will book an appointment to take measurements, discuss your options and provide you with an accurate quote.

Most window companies will make your windows to order from the exact measurements taken during their initial visit. Off-the-shelf window units are unlikely to be an exact fit, which can result in draughts, dampness and a reduced window lifespan, so it’s best to use a professional installer.

Read the fine print before signing a contract, and never allow yourself to be pressured into a snap decision. Any reputable supplier, such as Anglian, will give you plenty of time to consider their quote and decide if you want to proceed with the installation.

Beware of window quotes that are too cheap

Resist the temptation to simply opt for the cheapest quote, as it may be too good to be true.

Excessively cheap quotes for new windows can sometimes mean inferior materials, inexperienced installers or installation shortcuts. These issues can result in poor insulation, reduced durability and other potential problems, such as condensation between the panes. You want your windows to provide long-term energy sayings and comfort, so make sure to balance cost and quality to avoid unexpected repair bills or premature replacements.

By asking the right questions and comparing quotes from reputable companies, you can ensure your investment in replacement windows is beneficial.

To make an informed decision, your quote for new windows should be as detailed and transparent as possible. Any quote from a professional installer should include the following details:

• Window type and specifications: the type of windows – eg casement, sash or bay – as well as:
  • The materials used (eg uPVC, wood, or aluminium)
  • The specifications, including size, colour and finish
• Glazing: whether the glazing is double or triple and any additional features, such as noise reduction or UV protection
• Energy efficiency: the windows’ energy efficiency rating
• Hardware and accessories: any hardware or accessories – such as handles, locks and hinges, including their finishes and styles – particularly if they increase the final cost
• Time frame: an estimated timeline for the project, including when the windows will be delivered and installed
• Installation costs: detailed labour costs, including any additional fees for the removal and disposal of your old windows
• Total cost: all expenses, including materials, labour and any additional services
• Payment terms: the full payment terms, including any required deposit, the payment schedule and the accepted payment methods
• Warranty information: full details on the warranty coverage for both the windows and the installation
• Company details: the company’s contact information and relevant insurance coverage

If you’re unsure about any of these points, ask the installer for clarification before you sign the contract. By doing so, you can be sure you’re making an informed decision about which supplier to hire for your windows upgrade.

In the UK, replacement windows can cost an average of £4,000, but the exact cost will depend on your chosen window type and frame material. Each frame material has its own advantages, so you’ll need to find a balance between any benefits and the price. Don’t rush into your decision, as it’s important that you choose the right installer. Prices and product warranties vary, so take the time to compare quotes, products and warranties from several window companies.