uPVC Window Installation Costs in 2025: A Complete Guide

For homeowners planning to upgrade to new, energy-efficient windows, understanding the cost of uPVC window installation in 2025 is essential. While uPVC windows are known for their affordability, durability (lasting 20–30 years), and low maintenance, many installations come with hidden costs that aren’t immediately obvious.

A frequently asked question is: “How much does it cost to install uPVC windows in the UK?” The answer varies significantly depending on the number of windows, property size, and region. For example, installing new double-glazed windows in a one-bedroom house may cost £2,500–£3,500, whereas larger properties can exceed £10,000.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of uPVC window installation costs in 2025, including:

• Key factors influencing total installation cost
• A breakdown of prices by window type and size
• uPVC window fitting labour costs in the UK, with comparisons across different regions
• Typical expenses for glazing, frame customisation, and added features
• Cost-saving strategies and budgeting tips

By the end, you’ll have a detailed understanding of installation pricing and how to use tools like a double glazing cost calculator UK for an accurate quote.

Key Factors That Influence uPVC Window Installation Costs in 2025

The cost of installing uPVC windows in the UK can vary significantly—from £250 to £600 per window—depending on multiple variables. To help you estimate your total budget accurately, here are the most important elements that influence the final price:

• Location-based labour charges
• Window dimensions and style
• Type of glazing used
• Custom frame finishes and colours
• Installation complexity (e.g. replacements vs. new openings)
• Energy efficiency rating

a) Window Size & Style

The size and style of your uPVC window are two of the most significant cost drivers. Larger windows require more materials and labour, while different styles vary in both installation complexity and design features.

Here’s a breakdown of common window styles and their associated costs and considerations:

✔ Casement Windows – The most commonly installed window type in UK homes. Hinged at the side and opening outward, they are simple to install and maintain.
🧾 Typical installed cost: £250–£400
🏷️ Recommended brands: NCL VEKA, Simta

✔ Sash Windows – Slide vertically and often cost more due to their traditional mechanism and premium aesthetic.
🧾 Typical installed cost: £350–£600
🏷️ Recommended brands: Aparna for design, Encraft for energy efficiency
💡 Use Case: Ideal for heritage-style properties or conservation areas

✔ Bay and Bow Windows – Extend outward from the home, requiring more complex structural work and multiple panels.
🧾 Typical installed cost: £1,000–£2,500
🏷️ Popular upgrades: Triple glazing, integrated seating

✔ Fixed Windows – Do not open and require no moving parts or locks. Most affordable style, used in stairwells, hallways, and decorative applications.
🧾 Typical installed cost: £200–£350
🏷️ Recommended brands: Kinbon, Wintech

📌 Note: Sliding windows (e.g., 2-track or 3-track) fall between casement and sash in price, offering better ventilation but slightly higher installation time.

b) Glazing Type

Glazing refers to the number and type of glass panes used in a window, which directly impacts cost, energy efficiency, and noise control. The more advanced the glazing, the higher the initial investment—but also the greater the long-term savings.

Here’s a breakdown of popular glazing types and what they offer:

✔ Standard Double Glazing –
Comprises two panes with a sealed air gap, offering basic thermal insulation and noise reduction.
🧾 Typical U-value: 1.2–1.6 W/m²K
💷 Cost impact: Baseline (included in most quotes)
✅ Best for: General home use

✔ Triple Glazing –
Three panes of glass with gas-filled cavities, significantly reducing heat loss and noise.
🧾 U-value: As low as 0.8 W/m²K
💷 Cost impact: +20–30% vs. double glazing
🏷️ Recommended brands: Encraft (thermal efficiency), Okotech (noise insulation), Astrix (build quality)
✅ Best for: Cold regions, homes near airports or highways

✔ Low-E (Low-Emissivity) Glass –
Special coating reflects heat back into the home while letting sunlight in. Often combined with double/triple glazing.
🔍 Energy savings: Up to 25% reduction in heating bills
🏷️ Featured brand: Wintech – advanced low-E coating for UK climates

✔ Toughened/Laminated Glass –
Reinforced for extra strength and safety; ideal for ground-floor windows or high-risk areas.
💷 Cost impact: +10–15% vs. standard glass
✅ Best for: Commercial properties, security-conscious homeowners
🏷️ Top options: Saint-Gobain (laminated), AIS Glass (toughened)

📌 Tip: Always verify the Window Energy Rating (WER) when choosing glazing. An “A+” rating can offer greater ROI over time, especially when working with trusted installers like Bowland Windows.

c) Finish & Frame Color

c) Finish & Frame Colour

The finish and colour of your uPVC window frames play a big role in visual appeal—and in cost.

• Finish refers to the surface texture (smooth, matte, woodgrain).
• Colour refers to the actual tone (white, grey, oak, etc.).

Standard white uPVC frames are the most affordable, but homeowners increasingly opt for customised finishes to elevate curb appeal. These enhancements typically add 10–20% to the base cost, depending on the method and material used.

✔ Coloured Frames –
Popular shades include anthracite grey, black, cream, and chartwell green. These are usually created using foil lamination, which is heat-bonded to the frame for durability and fade resistance.
🧾 Cost increase: 10–15% vs. standard white
✅ Best for: Modern or minimalist home designs

✔ Woodgrain Finishes –
Mimic real wood (e.g., golden oak, rosewood, mahogany) and offer a warm, traditional look without the maintenance.
🧾 Cost increase: 15–20%
✅ Best for: Heritage homes or rustic designs

✔ Prominance Frame Options –
Offers over 20 colour and woodgrain combinations with UV-resistant coating and 10-year anti-fade warranty. Their “Royal Touch” finish line blends classic aesthetics with modern protection.

📌 Tip: Opt for a textured or matte finish if you want a premium look that resists fingerprints and scratches better than gloss.

Additional Cost Factors

a) Material Selection

Your choice of window frame material directly impacts cost, durability, and performance. While uPVC is the most popular in the UK for its affordability and thermal efficiency, other materials offer unique benefits.

✔ uPVC (Unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride)

• 📉 Cost: Most budget-friendly option
• 🧊 Thermal Efficiency: Excellent
• 🛠️ Maintenance: Minimal – no painting or sealing required
• 🧱 Best for: Standard residential properties
• 🔧 Top Brand: NCL VEKA – Known for German-engineered multi-chamber profiles offering exceptional energy ratings and long-term durability.

✔ Wooden Frames

• 📈 Cost: High – especially hardwood like teak or mahogany
• 🧊 Thermal Efficiency: Good (when properly sealed)
• 🛠️ Maintenance: Requires regular painting or sealing
• 🧱 Best for: Heritage homes and period properties

✔ Aluminium Frames (often overlooked)

• 💷 Cost: Mid-to-high
• 🧊 Thermal Efficiency: Lower than uPVC unless thermally broken
• 🛠️ Maintenance: Low – powder-coated finish resists rust and corrosion
• 🧱 Best for: Modern architectural styles, large panes, or commercial use

📌 Tip: uPVC offers the best price-to-performance ratio for most UK homeowners. However, timber or aluminium might be worth the investment in properties requiring higher aesthetics or structural strength.

b) Dual Colouring

Dual colouring allows you to choose different frame colours for the interior and exterior sides of your uPVC windows—providing the flexibility to match both your internal décor and external architectural requirements.

✔ Cost Impact:

• Dual-colour frames typically add 15–25% to the base price due to the added customization and coating technology.

✔ Why It’s Popular:

• 🏠 Interior Aesthetic Match: Match modern interiors with black, grey, or oak-toned finishes inside.
• 🏘️ Planning Compliance: Keep traditional white or heritage colours externally to comply with planning norms.
• 💷 Resale Advantage: Offers visual flexibility for future buyers, increasing appeal.

✔ Maintenance:

• High-quality coatings require no repainting and resist fading or peeling over time.

✔ Top Brand Highlight – Lesso:

• Offers a wide palette of fade-resistant dual-tone finishes using UV-stable powder coating. Ideal for homeowners wanting aesthetic flexibility without compromising on performance.

📌 Tip: Dual-colour frames are ideal if your home’s interior style differs greatly from its exterior or if you plan to repaint walls in the future.

c) uPVC Window Security Features

Security in uPVC windows is achieved through a combination of lock mechanisms, reinforced hardware, and certified design standards, all of which contribute to burglary resistance and peace of mind.

✔ Multi-Point Locking Systems

• These systems secure the window at multiple points along the frame (typically 3–5), making it far harder to force open.
• Now standard in most UK uPVC installations and often required by insurance providers for full coverage.
• 🛡️ Added Tip: Pair with internal beading to prevent the glass from being removed externally.

✔ Anti-Snap Locks & Reinforced Hinges

• Anti-snap cylinders prevent burglars from breaking the lock and turning it manually.
• Heavy-duty hinges, often reinforced with steel, reduce the risk of doors being forced off their frames.
• 🔐 Together, they offer a 35–45% increase in break-in resistance compared to basic setups (Source: Police UK Security Survey).

✔ Secured by Design (SBD) Certification

• This UK Police initiative certifies products that meet rigorous safety performance standards.
• SBD-certified windows are independently tested against impact, jemmying, and lock manipulation.
• 🏡 Benefit: Some insurers offer up to 10% premium discounts for homes using SBD-compliant products.

📌 Pro Tip: Always ask your supplier or installer if the windows meet BS 7412 PAS 24 security standards—often a requirement for new builds and renovations.

d) Installation Complexity and Its Cost Impact

The complexity of installing uPVC windows can significantly affect the final cost, based on site conditions, property type, and regulatory compliance. This section outlines typical scenarios:

✔ Installing uPVC Windows in a New Opening

• Requires structural modifications, including brick removal, lintel fitting, and internal plastering.
• Typical cost range: £650–£900 per window, depending on wall thickness and property access.
• 🧱 Example: Creating an opening in a cavity wall often involves both a builder and a certified installer.

✔ Replacing Existing uPVC Windows

• Less labour-intensive, as the structural opening and frame alignment already exist, making the uPVC window fitting process quicker and more straightforward.
• Typical cost range: £300–£500 per window, including removal and disposal of old units.
• ⚒️ Ideal for upgrades or retrofitting in 10–20-year-old homes.

✔ Listed Buildings or Conservation Areas

• Requires planning permission under Historic England or local authority guidelines.
• Installers must follow specifications for materials, colour, and visibility.
• 🏛️ Compliance note: Alterations to Grade I or II listed properties without approval may result in fines.

📌 Installer Tip: Complex installations may take up to a full day per window. Always confirm whether your installer includes prep work, scaffolding, or disposal in the quoted price.

e) Energy Efficiency Rating and Cost Implications

The energy efficiency rating of uPVC windows indicates their ability to reduce heat loss and improve thermal comfort, directly impacting your heating bills and environmental footprint.

✔ A-Rated Windows

• Meet UK Building Regulations Part L standards for thermal performance.
• Typically have a U-value of around 1.4 W/m²K, which means moderate heat retention.
• Represent a cost-effective choice with good energy savings, ideal for most residential properties.

✔ A+ and A++ Rated Windows

• Exceed standard energy efficiency requirements with U-values as low as 1.2 W/m²K or better.
• Cost approximately 10-15% more upfront compared to A-rated windows but can reduce heating bills by 5-10% annually.
• Often incorporate advanced glazing and gas fills, such as argon or krypton, for superior insulation.

✔ Passive House Standard Windows

• Designed for ultra-low energy buildings, these windows achieve U-values below 0.8 W/m²K.
• Their premium design includes triple glazing, thermally broken frames, and airtight seals.
• Installation cost is significantly higher, often 20-30% more than A++ windows, but suitable for high-performance, zero-energy homes.

📌 Government Incentives: Many UK homeowners qualify for schemes like the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) or Green Homes Grant, which may subsidize the cost of high-efficiency windows.

Investing in higher energy ratings balances upfront installation costs with long-term savings on heating bills, making it a key consideration when budgeting for uPVC window installation.

Does Double Glazing Add Value to a House? Understanding the Benefits and Impact on Property Value

Double glazing, which involves two panes of glass separated by a spacer, significantly improves a home’s energy efficiency, security, and aesthetic appeal. These benefits translate directly into increased property value and marketability.

✔ Enhances Energy Efficiency and Reduces Heating Costs
Double-glazed windows reduce thermal transmittance, minimizing heat loss through windows by up to 50% compared to single glazing. This improvement can lower household energy bills by 10-20%, making homes more attractive to energy-conscious buyers.

✔ Improves Home Security
The use of toughened or laminated glass combined with multi-point locking systems increases resistance to forced entry. Properties equipped with double glazing featuring such security measures often meet or exceed Secured by Design (SBD) standards, enhancing buyer confidence.

✔ Boosts Curb Appeal and Interior Comfort
Modern double-glazed windows contribute to a sleek, updated facade, improving overall curb appeal. They also reduce noise pollution by up to 40%, increasing indoor comfort, which is a strong selling point in urban and high-traffic areas.

✔ Increases Property Market Value and Buyer Interest
Studies indicate that homes with double glazing can sell faster and command a price premium of approximately 3-5%, reflecting buyer preference for low-maintenance, energy-efficient, and secure features.

Checklist: How to Hire a Window Fitter in the UK

Hiring a professional and reliable window fitter is essential to achieve a durable installation, maintain warranty coverage, and comply with UK building regulations.

✔ Verify Certifications and Accreditations
Ensure the fitter holds recognized industry accreditations such as TrustMark, CERTASS, or FENSA registration. These certifications guarantee compliance with building standards and provide consumer protection.

✔ Request and Review References
Ask for client testimonials and review independent platforms like Checkatrade, Trustpilot, and Google Reviews. Positive feedback on workmanship, professionalism, and punctuality indicates a trustworthy fitter.

✔ Obtain and Compare Multiple Detailed Quotes
Get at least three itemized quotes outlining materials, labor, warranties, and any additional fees. This allows you to compare pricing transparently and avoid hidden costs.

✔ Confirm Warranty Coverage
Choose installers who provide a minimum 10-year guarantee on both materials and installation workmanship. A robust warranty protects your investment against defects and premature failure.

✔ Check Insurance and Liability Coverage
Confirm that the fitter has valid public liability insurance and professional indemnity insurance to cover potential damages during installation.

✔ Assess Experience and Portfolio
Request examples of previously completed projects, particularly those similar in scope and property type to yours. Experienced fitters are better equipped to handle complex installations or listed building regulations.

✔ Agree on a Realistic Installation Schedule
Ensure the installer provides a clear timeline, including preparation, installation, and any follow-up work. Confirm availability aligns with your preferred dates to minimize disruption.

Conclusion: Understanding uPVC Window Installation Costs

Being familiar with windows cost, particularly uPVC window installation costs, allows homeowners to budget effectively and maximize value. While new windows cost varies by window type, location, and supplier, investing in premium-grade uPVC windows offers long-term savings on energy, improved security, and increased property value. If you need expert advice or a free quote, feel free to reach out to our team for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)