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Replacement windows can cost around £4,000 for a semi-detached three-bedroom house, depending on factors such as the material used. But double glazing can save you £260 per year – that’s around 20 per cent off the average heating bill, making the investment well worth it. The savings are even more significant with triple glazing, with some manufacturers claiming reductions of 50 per cent.
Here, we’ll cover styles, designs and materials for windows and assess how they impact the price you’ll pay. Our experts also explain the ideal time to replace your existing windows, how to measure up, and how to get the best new window quotes.
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To help you understand the cost of replacement windows, we’ve provided average costs for a typical three-bedroom home with eight windows. We’ve calculated the average costs across various styles and frame materials. As prices can vary depending on window sizes and your chosen installer, we recommend getting quotes from several installers. You can use this form to get free quotes.
| Window type | Material | Average cost per window | Average cost for three-bedroom house |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casement | uPVC | £525 | £4,200 |
| Casement | Aluminium | £1,054 | £8,400 |
| Casement | Timber | £1,581 | £12,600 |
| Sash | uPVC | £1,100 | £8,800 |
| Sash | Timber | £3,300 | £26,000 |
| Bow/Bay | uPVC | £1,700 | £13,000 |
| Bow/Bay | Aluminium | £3,400 | £27,200 |
| Bow/Bay | Timber | £5,100 | £40,500 |
Our team of experts has spent hundreds of hours researching windows, studying their performance and features, customer feedback and costs to help you make an informed decision when it comes to buying new windows. To see more about our process, find out how we cover windows.
When it comes to window prices, uPVC (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride) is the most cost-effective of all the available frame materials.
uPVC windows are a popular choice for residential properties, thanks to its durability, low maintenance and cost-effectiveness. uPVC is a viable alternative to the more traditional timber and aluminium frame materials.
| Casement window frame material | 600mm x 900mm | 900mm x 1,200mm | 1,200mm x 1,200mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| uPVC | £527 | £597 | £650 |
Typically, double glazed uPVC windows have excellent insulation properties, helping to reduce energy loss, resulting in lower bills and a more comfortable indoor environment. They are also effective at noise reduction, and as most are pre-fitted with multi-point locking systems, they increase your home’s security level. Once available only in white, many manufacturers now offer coloured uPVC windows and numerous finishes, allowing homeowners to individualise their homes according to their taste. Some manufacturers even offer uPVC that mimics the look of timber, giving homeowners the best of both worlds.
| Casement window frame material | 600mm x 900mm | 900mm x 1,200mm | 1,200mm x 1,200mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminium | £1,054 | £1,194 | £1,300 |
While less popular than uPVC, aluminium windows tend to have a slimmer profile, allowing for greater glass real estate. This is because aluminium is a stronger material, but it doesn’t offer the same thermal efficiency as uPVC. As such, aluminium windows can be prone to condensation and are cold to the touch in winter.
Like uPVC, aluminium windows are easy to maintain, requiring only an occasional wash to keep them looking their best, and come in a choice of colours to match the aesthetics of your home.
Aluminium window prices usually cost around double the price of uPVC windows.
| Casement window frame material | 600mm x 900mm | 900mm x 1,200mm | 1,200mm x 1,200mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timber | £1,581 | £1,791 | £1,950 |
Timber is a popular choice for homeowners looking to combine the benefits of double glazing with the traditional aesthetic of wooden window frames. Although timber frames can significantly increase your property’s value, they can cost around three times the price of uPVC, making them the most expensive option.
Timber can last many years when properly maintained, which means occasionally refinishing and repainting the surface to restore its weatherproof properties. It’s also well-suited for older or period properties and homeowners who prefer the look and feel of natural materials.
Reduce installation costs by prioritising draughty windows. While installing a complete set of new windows is more cost-effective due to reduced labour and material costs, upgrading the most problematic windows keeps prices down. These could include single glazing, leaky units, damaged, or front-facing windows.
Double glazing can save between £235 and £260 annually, with the biggest savings occurring over winter. The initial investment may take a few years to repay through increased savings; however, aspects like draught-proofing and insulation will instantly show significant improvements.
Casement designs are often the most affordable window style, especially when made of uPVC, with bay and bow windows being the most expensive, as they are harder to install and manufacture.
| Casement frame material | 600mm x 900mm | 900mm x 1,200mm | 1,200mm x 1,200mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| uPVC | £527 | £597 | £650 |
| Aluminium | £1,054 | £1,194 | £1,300 |
| Timber | £1,581 | £1,791 | £1,950 |
Casement windows are the most affordable types of windows, with prices ranging from £527 to £650 for uPVC. They can be constructed from uPVC, aluminium or timber, with the latter being the most expensive. They usually feature side-hinged panes that open outwards, but can be found in bottom-hinged configurations – which are the safer option for households with young children – or top-hinged.
| Sash window frame material | 600mm x 900mm | 900mm x 1,200mm |
|---|---|---|
| uPVC | £1,100 | £1,180 |
| Timber | £3,300 | £3,200 |
Sash windows are often found on period properties, but can be installed in new builds to mimic traditional architecture. They cost between £1,100 and £3,200 on average, with uPVC sash windows being the most affordable.
Sash windows combine the advantages of modern technology with classic styling, consisting of one or more movable panels that can be slid vertically – or sometimes horizontally – to open or close.
Few manufacturers produce aluminium sash windows, meaning you generally only have a choice between uPVC and timber, with the latter having a high initial outlay but the potential to last much longer than uPVC, if properly maintained.
| Tilt and turn frame material | 600mm x 900mm | 900mm x 1,200mm | 1,400mm x 1,400mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| uPVC | £500 | £570 | £655 |
| Aluminium | £720 | £850 | £1,020 |
| Timber | £1,000 | £1,111 | £1,500 |
Tilt and turn windows cost between £512 and £990, offering a modern design with multiple opening options for ventilation and ease of cleaning. Despite costing more than casement windows, they are growing in popularity in the UK thanks to their flexibility in terms of material.
Tilt and turn designs are typically constructed with multiple locking points, and incorporate a unique hardware system, allowing them to operate in two distinct ways:
They can be made from uPVC, aluminium, or timber, and are available in various styles and finishes to suit different architectural preferences and budgets.
| Bay window frame material | 1,016mm x 914mm | 3,200mm x 1,980mm |
|---|---|---|
| uPVC | £1,700 | £2,800 |
| Aluminium | £3,400 | £5,600 |
| Timber | £5,100 | £8,400 |
Bay windows are one of the most expensive window styles on the market, with the cost of installation sitting between £1,700 and £8,400. Bay windows bow outward from the property, creating additional interior space and adding visual interest to the exterior.
Comprising three or more window panels arranged at angles, bay windows traditionally form a curved or polygonal shape. The most common configuration is a large central window flanked by two smaller angled windows on each side, creating a rectangular bay.
Since bay windows are more intensive to install and require more materials, they are more expensive than casement or tilt and turn window frames. They are, however, available in uPVC, aluminium and timber, with a range of different finishes and colours that can help bring down the cost of replacing windows.
| Bow window frame material | 1,016mm x 914mm | 3,200mm x 1,980mm |
|---|---|---|
| uPVC | £1,700 | £2,800 |
| Aluminium | £3,400 | £5,600 |
| Timber | £5,100 | £8,400 |
Similar to bay windows, bow windows protrude from the property and require more materials to install, resulting in a high outlay of between £1,700 and £8,400 for replacement windows.
Unlike bay designs, bow windows extend from the wall, rather than the ground. They are characterised by their curved shape, as opposed to the bay’s more angular appearance, with the glass panels arranged in a gentle arc.
Although not sold by some manufacturers, bow windows can be produced in uPVC, timber and aluminium, with the former being the cheapest option.
Your installer will take detailed window measurements, but knowing how to measure your windows accurately should help you understand project costs before comparing quotes, ordering new windows online, or thinking about dressings such as blinds or curtains.
Window measurements are given in millimetres (mm) and should, if possible, be taken from the exterior of your property. It’s essential to measure the window aperture rather than the frame, taking the measurements from the edges of the bricks.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to measuring your windows:
Some suppliers will ask for a 5mm to 10mm deduction from your figures to allow for any natural shifting, so remember to ask if this is necessary.
Double glazing and secondary glazing have two main differences: structure and price. Secondary glazing is less expensive than double glazing since it is not as energy-efficient and does not require completely new windows, as double glazing does. Though secondary glazing is cheaper, its energy-efficient counterpart could help save more money on energy bills in the long run.
Double-glazed windows consist of two panes of glass, separated by a spacer bar, with the gap filled with either an insulating gas – usually argon – or air, creating a vacuum. This sealed unit stops the warmth inside your home from transferring to the external pane of glass and prevents condensation between the panes, making it more effective at reducing interior condensation.
Double glazing offers effective acoustic insulation, improves your home’s security and, thanks to the vast choices in materials, styles and colours, can increase the kerb appeal and value of your property.
However, if a unit develops a fault, repairs can be challenging, and may involve replacing the entire window, which can be expensive and time-consuming.
Secondary glazing involves adding an additional pane of glass or acrylic on the interior side of an existing single-glazed window, creating a second layer of insulation. While not as efficient as double glazing, secondary glazing still improves thermal insulation, although the likelihood of condensation is greater.
Generally cheaper than double glazing, secondary glazed window installation is less intrusive, as it doesn’t require replacing the existing windows. This makes it a popular option for listed buildings or homes in conservation areas.
Secondary glazing is less visible from the exterior, maintaining the original appearance of the building. However, it might not be as visually appealing from the inside.
Ultimately, the choice between double and secondary glazing depends on budget, requirements, and aesthetic preferences. Double glazing is generally more effective at improving thermal insulation, while secondary glazing is cheaper and easier to install.
Triple glazing offers improved energy efficiency when compared with double glazing. Much like double glazing, which features two panes and one gas gap, triple-glazed windows are built using three panes and two gaps. This allows the windows to better regulate indoor temperatures, keeping homes cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Triple glazing historically had a reputation for being vastly more expensive than double glazing, but in recent years the price has come down to around 10 to 20 per cent more than double glazing, while some companies offer a triple glazing upgrade for the same price as double-glazed windows.
There are some factors that can affect the cost of new windows. While there are not many, the factors that could bump up the cost include:
Typically, double glazing is fitted by a team of two installers. The daily cost for their services averages about £500, with an hourly rate of between £25 and £35 per person. The day rate for a single installer ranges from £200 to £280.
Installing one window can take up to three hours, barring complications, while fitting replacement windows in a whole property varies based on their number, type and size.
The labour costs can vary depending on the region, with London and the South East generally commanding higher prices than other parts of the country.
Double glazing windows have an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years, which is typically when homeowners choose to replace them.
However, there are a few other telltale signs of when they need to be replaced, including:
When comparing window quotes and prices, it’s essential to ensure you’re making an informed decision based on your requirements, preferences, and budget. Begin by researching the available options for materials and styles before you contact any suppliers.
To provide accurate quotes, suppliers – or their sales representatives – will need to book an appointment to visit your home, take measurements and discuss your options.
Although off-the-shelf window units are available, they are unlikely to fit your property exactly, resulting in issues such as draughts, dampness, and a reduced lifespan for your windows. Using a professional installer avoids these problems.
You should never feel pressured to decide on the spot and certainly shouldn’t sign any contracts without taking time to read the small print. Reputable suppliers like Anglian and Everest will allow you the time to determine whether you want to accept their quotes and move forward with the installation.
While it’s always enticing to opt for the most cost-effective solution, quotes that seem too good to be true may raise red flags.
Overly cheap new window quotes can sometimes indicate inferior quality materials, inexperienced installers, or corners being cut during the installation process. These compromises can result in poor insulation, reduced durability, and potential issues like condensation between panes. Instead of long-term energy savings and comfort, you might face unexpected repair bills or premature replacements. It’s imperative to strike a balance between cost and quality.
Researching, asking the right questions, and comparing quotes from reputable companies can help ensure your investment in replacement windows is both sound and beneficial in the long run.
Find the best deal. Most double glazing companies produce tailored quotes since everything from the window style to the lock choice affects the final price. As a result, it’s worth getting quotes from various companies to see who has the best deal, giving homeowners more flexibility regarding haggling.
Check that your installer is FENSA or Certass registered. A FENSA or Certass certificate ensures that new installations comply with relevant building regulations and are registered with the local council – essential when selling a home. They also offer protection for the homeowner in the event of a problem.
Any new windows cost quote should be as detailed and transparent as possible, including all the necessary information to help you make an informed decision.
A quote should include all the relevant details for your project, such as:
If there is any element you are unsure of, or you want clarification on a particular point, make sure you ask before you sign the contract. This allows you to make the best decision on which supplier you want for your windows project.
Replacement windows cost the average UK homeowner around £4,000, though the exact cost will vary depending on your chosen window type and frame material. Individual frame materials offer different benefits, and it’s important to consider a balance between price and benefits. As well as carefully choosing the type of double glazing windows to install, the company you choose is just as important; prices and product warranties all differ. It’s wise not to rush into your decision and take the time to compare quotes, products and warranties from varying windows companies.
Negotiating a lower price on your new windows can be rewarding if you know the best strategies and are prepared to be patient, persistent, and compromise.
Here are some helpful tips:
The prices for new double-glazed windows have increased in recent years, and this is due to a number of factors. The rising costs of raw materials, manufacturing, transportation, and labour are all reflected in the prices homeowners pay.
Glass, in particular, is experiencing higher production costs, meaning window manufacturers must pay more for the same quantity of glass, while both the pandemic and Brexit have caused significant labour shortages in the UK, impacting on window prices. There are certain government grants for windows that can reduce the cost of new windows for homeowners that meet a certain criteria.
Yes, it’s more cost-effective to replace all your windows at once. Completing your windows installation in one go and not in stages can reduce material costs and you’ll save money on labour. Replacing all of your windows at once will also improve your home’s energy efficiency. Windows are the main source of heat loss in a home and windows efficiency declines over time, meaning an increase in energy bills.
Yes, the colour of your windows can affect the overall price. For example, standard white uPVC windows are the most affordable type of windows. But when you change the colour or finish, the cost can increase – grey uPVC windows can cost around 10 per cent more than white uPVC windows, for instance. Similarly, if you opt for wood grain finish, your total cost will be around 10 to 15 per cent higher than white windows.
Installing more expensive windows can be a better investment for homeowners in the long run, as more expensive windows might have better energy efficiency, which can decrease your heating and cooling costs. High-quality windows can include triple glazing, noise reduction technology, and low-emissivity (low-E) coatings, which can all help reduce heat loss.
More expensive windows usually come in a wider range of colours, styles and materials, and can be more durable than their more affordable counterparts. For example, timber, one of the most expensive window materials, will last longer than uPVC, making it more cost effective in the long term. Furthermore, the combination of triple glazed hardwood timber windows with dual colour paint and low-E coatings will be one of the most expensive options out there, but it will provide numerous benefits that more affordable options cannot deliver, such as reduced heat loss, personalisation, and minimised infrared and ultraviolet light.
However, you need to balance these factors with your budget, needs and priorities. Comparing different window prices is the best way to make an informed decision and ensure you are getting the best deal.
