How Much Does a Luxury
Refurbishment Cost in London?

The honest truth about luxury refurbishment costs in London

Every conversation about luxury refurbishment costs in London starts with the same frustration: figures found online are almost always either too low, too vague, or suspiciously precise. The reality is that cost depends on four overlapping variables, specification, location, access, and condition, and no responsible contractor should quote without understanding all four.

What follows is Crown Building's honest breakdown, based on contracts we have delivered across Mayfair, Chelsea, Kensington, and Hampstead. Updated for 2026 material and labour costs.

Cost ranges by specification tier

All figures quoted net of VAT. 1 sq ft ≈ 0.093 m². Updated Q2 2026.

What drives cost upward in prime London

Access and logistics are frequently underpriced in estimates for central London. A townhouse in Belgravia or a lateral apartment in South Kensington with no vehicle access, a conservation area restriction on working hours, and a party wall to manage on all four sides will carry a significant premium over a suburban equivalent of identical floor area.

M&E replacement is often the hidden cost in older period homes. Rewiring, re plumbing, and installing underfloor heating in a Victorian property stripped to shell can add £14 to £38/sq ft alone. Before any surface finishes have been specified.

Structural changes, such as removing load bearing walls, installing RSJs, or underpinning, are priced per structural element rather than per square metre, and can add £15,000 to £80,000 depending on scope. Always appoint a structural engineer before pricing, not after.

Real numbers from recent Crown Building projects

To give you a real world anchor: a 3,014 sq ft (280m²) private residence refurbishment of a period Chelsea townhouse, delivered by Crown Building in 2025, came in at approximately £365/sq ft net of VAT. Including a bespoke Calacatta marble kitchen, full M&E replacement, bespoke joinery throughout, and smart home integration. Total contract sum: £1.1m.

A 4,200 sq ft (390m²) Mayfair lateral apartment, ultra premium specification including book matched onyx, a bespoke library, and full Lutron automation. Was delivered at £452/sq ft, with a total contract sum of £1,900,000.

Getting an accurate budget: the right approach

The only way to obtain a meaningful cost is through a structured tender process against a defined specification. Any contractor offering a price before reviewing drawings, conducting a site visit, and understanding your specification is not pricing your job, they are giving you a number to win the conversation.

Crown Building offers a free initial consultation and cost consultancy at the outset of every project, giving clients a realistic budget framework before any design fees are committed. Call 020 3675 3999 or book a consultation here.