If you're considering a kitchen extension in East London, one of the first questions on your mind is likely: "How much is this actually going to cost?" It's a fair question: and one that deserves a straight answer.
The truth is, kitchen extension costs in London vary significantly depending on size, specification, and finish. This guide breaks down what you can realistically expect to pay in 2026, where you can save money without compromising quality, and where it pays to invest a little more.
What Does a Kitchen Extension Cost in East London?
Let's start with the headline figures. In East London, a kitchen extension typically starts from around £35,000 for a modest project. However, most homeowners find their projects land somewhere between £40,000 and £55,000 once they factor in a decent kitchen fit-out and quality finishes.
For larger or more ambitious builds: think open-plan living spaces with bi-fold doors, roof lanterns, and bespoke cabinetry: costs can climb to £100,000 or more.
Here's a quick snapshot of what to expect:
- Small kitchen extension (15–20 m²): £35,000–£60,000
- Medium kitchen extension (20–30 m²): £60,000–£90,000
- Large kitchen extension (30–40 m²): £90,000–£150,000+
These figures include the building work but not necessarily the full kitchen installation. More on that below.
Cost Per Square Metre: The Key Benchmark
When comparing quotes, the most useful figure to understand is the cost per square metre. In London, you should budget for:
- Basic specification: £1,800–£2,200 per m²
- Mid-range specification: £2,200–£2,800 per m²
- High-end specification: £2,800–£4,000+ per m²
A "basic" build doesn't mean poor quality: it simply means standard finishes, conventional materials, and a straightforward design. A high-end build might include underfloor heating, polished concrete floors, structural glazing, or a vaulted ceiling.
For context, a 20 m² kitchen extension at a mid-range specification would cost roughly £44,000–£56,000 for the build alone.
The Kitchen Itself: A Separate Budget
Here's where many homeowners get caught out. The figures above cover the building extension: the walls, roof, flooring, electrics, and plumbing. The actual kitchen (units, worktops, appliances) is typically quoted separately.
Budget an additional £15,000 to £40,000 for the kitchen fit-out, depending on your taste:
| Kitchen Component | Budget Range |
|---|---|
| Base units and cabinets | £2,000–£8,000 |
| Worktops (laminate to quartz/granite) | £1,500–£4,000 |
| Appliances (oven, hob, fridge, dishwasher) | £1,500–£6,000 |
| Flooring and tiling | £1,000–£2,500 |
| Lighting and electrics | £800–£2,000 |
A basic but functional kitchen setup can be achieved for around £15,000. If you're looking at bespoke cabinetry or high-end German brands, you could easily spend £40,000–£50,000 on the kitchen alone.
Why London Costs Run Higher
If you've seen national averages online and thought "that sounds reasonable," be prepared for a reality check. London construction costs run 20–40% higher than the rest of the UK.
Several factors drive this:
- Labour rates: Skilled tradespeople in London command higher wages due to demand and cost of living
- Material transport: Getting materials into East London: often through narrow Victorian streets with parking restrictions: adds time and cost
- Planning and compliance: London boroughs tend to have stricter requirements, particularly in conservation areas
- Site constraints: Terraced houses, party wall agreements, and limited access all add complexity
This isn't something to be alarmed about: it's simply the reality of building in the capital. A good contractor will factor these considerations into your quote from the outset.
Where to Save Money (Without Regret)
Not every pound needs to go on the flashiest option. Here are areas where you can trim costs without sacrificing quality or long-term satisfaction:
Flooring: Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) has come a long way. It's durable, waterproof, and significantly cheaper than natural stone or engineered wood. Perfect for a kitchen where spills happen.
Worktops: Quartz looks beautiful, but a well-chosen laminate or solid surface can achieve a similar aesthetic at a fraction of the cost. Consider splurging on the island worktop only if budget is tight.
Appliances: Mid-range brands like Bosch, Neff, and AEG offer excellent reliability. Unless you're a serious home cook, you likely won't notice the difference between a £600 oven and a £2,000 one.
Lighting: Recessed LED downlights are affordable and effective. You can always add pendant lighting over an island later.
Layout simplicity: Every corner unit, angled run, or non-standard configuration adds cost. A straightforward galley or L-shaped layout is more cost-effective to build and install.
Where to Invest (It Pays Off Later)
Some elements are worth spending more on because they're difficult or expensive to change later:
Structural glazing: Bi-fold or sliding doors transform how your extension feels. Natural light makes the space feel larger and connects the kitchen to your garden. This is the single most impactful investment for most East London extensions.
Insulation and heating: Underfloor heating is far easier to install during the build than retrofit later. Good insulation keeps energy bills down for decades.
Electrics and plumbing: Future-proof your extension with plenty of sockets, USB points, and water connections. Adding these later means lifting floors and chasing walls.
Roof quality: A flat roof with proper drainage and a 20-year guarantee costs more upfront but avoids expensive repairs down the line.
How Long Does a Kitchen Extension Take?
Most kitchen extensions in East London take between 10 and 16 weeks from groundworks to completion. This varies depending on:
- Size and complexity of the build
- Weather conditions (groundworks in winter can slow things down)
- Planning permission requirements
- Party wall agreements with neighbours
A realistic timeline might look like this:
- Design and planning: 4–8 weeks
- Building regulations approval: 2–4 weeks
- Construction: 8–12 weeks
- Kitchen installation and finishing: 2–3 weeks
If your project falls under permitted development, you can skip the planning permission stage entirely: though building regulations approval is always required.
For more on the design and build process, our guide on design and build in East London covers what to expect.
Getting an Accurate Quote
The cost ranges in this guide are useful for early planning, but every project is different. When you're ready to get serious quotes, make sure you:
- Get at least three quotes from established contractors
- Compare like for like: ensure each quote includes the same scope of work
- Ask what's excluded: kitchen fitting, landscaping, and decoration are often separate
- Check for hidden costs: party wall surveyors, building control fees, and skip hire can add up
- Request a detailed breakdown: a lump sum figure without itemisation makes it hard to compare
Be cautious of quotes that seem dramatically lower than others. In construction, a cheap quote often signals corners being cut: or a contractor who will find ways to add costs once work begins.
Planning Your Budget
A sensible approach is to break your total budget into three parts:
- 70% for the build itself
- 20% for the kitchen fit-out
- 10% contingency for unexpected costs
That contingency isn't pessimism: it's realism. Older East London properties often throw up surprises once walls come down or floors come up. Drainage issues, structural problems, or asbestos in older builds are not uncommon.
Next Steps
A kitchen extension is a significant investment, but it's also one of the most rewarding improvements you can make to your home. Done well, it adds usable space, natural light, and genuine value to your property.
If you're considering a kitchen extension in East London and want to understand what's achievable within your budget, get in touch with WJ Construction. We're happy to talk through your options and provide honest advice on costs, timelines, and what to expect.