How Much Does Underfloor Heating Cost in 2025 – m² Price Guide

Imagine stepping onto a warm, toasty floor on a chilly winter morning – an underfloor heating system (UFH) turns that luxury into reality. If you’re wondering about the cost of underfloor heating, this guide breaks it down by square meter, room size, and labour, with the latest prices and insights for 2025.

Whether you’re considering electric or wet (water-based) systems, we’ll cover installation costs, running expenses, and how UFH compares to traditional radiators.

What Is Underfloor Heating and Why Consider It?

Underfloor heating offers an energy efficient, eco-friendly alternative to radiators, distributing heat evenly across your home. Paired with a modern A-rated gas boiler or heat pump, it can slash energy bills while keeping your space cosy.

For example, upgrading from an inefficient boiler (costing around £2,500-£3,000 in 2025) to a new system could save UK households up to £650 annually, according to recent energy reports.

There are two main types:

• Electric UFH: Ideal for small spaces like bathrooms or kitchens.
• Wet UFH: Better for whole-home heating, using water pipes connected to a boiler or air source heat pump.

Underfloor Heating Costs Per Square Meter in 2025

Costs vary based on system type, property (new build vs. renovation), and installation complexity. Here’s the latest underfloor heating installation cost pricing:

Wet Underfloor Heating (Water-Based)

• New Build: £125-£140/m²
• Renovation: £140-£195/m² Wet underfloor heating (water-based) systems are 25-40% more efficient than radiators, especially with an air source heat pump, making water underfloor heating systems a top choice for larger projects.

Electric Underfloor Heating

• New Build: £60-£85/m²
• Renovation: £65-£90/m²
  Electric systems are cheaper to install but costlier to run due to higher electricity rates.

Average Installation Costs by System Size

• 10m² Electric UFH: £850-£1,000
• 10m² Wet UFH: £1,300-£1,500
• 100m² Wet UFH (e.g., 3-bedroom home): £5,500-£6,500 (around £55-£65/m² for new builds with screed systems like ClipTrack).

Labour Costs for Underfloor Heating Installation

Labour costs for installing underfloor heating typically range from £220-£320 per day in 2025, depending on location and system type. Installation time varies:

• Small rooms (e.g., bathroom): 1-2 days
• Whole house: 3-5 days

For renovations, additional costs may arise from removing and replacing flooring, especially in older homes with uneven surfaces or larger rooms.

Room-by-Room Cost Estimates

Here’s what you can expect for common room sizes:

Small Bathroom (6m²)

Here’s what you can expect for a small underfloor heating project in a bathroom (6m²):

Electric UFH: £350-£500

Wet UFH: £550-£950

Labor: £220-£260/day

Medium Bathroom or Kitchen (11m²)

• Electric UFH: £600-£900
• Wet UFH: £900-£1,700
• Labor: £250-£320/day

Large Kitchen (21m²)

• Electric UFH: £1,150-£1,700
• Wet UFH: £1,800-£3,400
• Labor: £250-£320/day

Can You Install Underfloor Heating Yourself?

DIY installation can cut labour costs, but it’s tricky—especially if you plan to install electric underfloor heating or wet systems in larger spaces. You’ll need:

• Electric UFH: Basic skills for mats and wiring (still requires an electrician for connection).
• Wet UFH: Plumbing expertise to link pipes to a boiler (a plumber is essential).

Professionals ensure even heat distribution and prevent issues like leaks or electrical faults. For small electric projects (e.g., a bathroom), DIY is feasible with insulation boards and screed, costing £50-£100 extra in materials.

Running Costs: Electric vs. Wet Underfloor Heating

Wet UFH Running Costs

• Highly efficient—25% better than radiators with a boiler, 40% with a heat pump.
• Annual cost for a 100m² home: £600-£800 (gas boiler) or £400-£600 (heat pump), per 2025 UK energy rates.

Electric UFH Running Costs

• More expensive due to electricity prices (£0.28-£0.32/kWh in 2025).
• Annual cost for a 10m² bathroom: £150-£200; not ideal for whole-home use.

Wet systems win for long-term savings, while electric suits small, occasional-use areas.

New Build vs. Renovation Costs

New Builds

• Electric UFH: As low as £40-£60/m²; installs in 2-3 hours.
• Wet UFH (Screed): £55-£70/m²; integrates seamlessly into construction schedules.

Renovations

• Electric UFH: £65-£90/m²; great for single rooms.
• Wet UFH: £140-£195/m²; requires pre-routed panels or levelling compounds, adding £10-£20/m².

Is Underfloor Heating Worth It?

Pros

• Even heat distribution, no cold spots.
• Frees up wall space by eliminating radiators.
• Boosts property value (5-10% in UK homes, per 2025 estate trends).
• Wet systems qualify for the UK’s Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) with heat pumps—up to £12,000 over 7 years (check Ofgem for updates).

Cons

• Higher upfront costs than radiators.
• Installation disrupts existing floors in renovations.
• Electric systems have steep running costs for large areas.

Tips to Maximise Efficiency

• Use smart thermostats (£100-£200) with setback features to lower nighttime temperatures.
• Keep wet UFH on low during winter—slow heat-up times waste energy if switched off.
• Pair with a heat pump (£8,000-£15,000 installed) for maximum savings.

Best Underfloor Heating Systems for UK Homes in 2025

• Electric UFH: Best for bathrooms, kitchens, or small retrofits (e.g., Warmup, ThermoSphere).
• Wet UFH: Ideal for new builds or whole homes (e.g., Uponor, Polypipe).

For the best underfloor heating system in UK homes in 2025, consider the following options:

For alternatives, explore electric combi boilers (£2,000-£3,500)—a gas-free option for homes off the grid.

Final Thoughts

Underfloor heating costs range from £350 for a small bathroom to £6,500 for a full home, with wet systems offering the best long-term value. While electric UFH is cheaper upfront, wet UFH paired with a modern boiler or heat pump saves more over time.

Ready to invest in cosy floors?

Factor in your property type, budget, and energy goals to find the perfect fit.

FAQS

How long does underfloor heating last?

Electric UFH systems typically last 20-25 years, while wet UFH systems can exceed 50 years with proper maintenance. High-quality components and professional installation extend lifespan. Many manufacturers offer warranties—10-25 years for electric systems and up to a lifetime for wet system pipes.

Does underfloor heating require regular maintenance?

Electric UFH needs minimal upkeep – occasional thermostat checks suffice. Wet UFH requires annual boiler servicing (around £100-£150 in 2025) and periodic system flushing (every 5-7 years, £300-£500) to remove sludge and maintain efficiency.

Can underfloor heating replace all radiators in my home?

Yes, wet UFH can fully replace radiators in well-insulated homes, providing sufficient heat output (typically 100W/m² for new builds, 70W/m² for retrofits). Electric UFH is better as a supplementary system due to higher running costs, unless paired with solar panels to offset electricity prices.

How does underfloor heating affect my home’s energy efficiency rating?

Installing UFH, especially wet systems with a heat pump, can boost your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating by 1-2 bands (e.g., from D to B). This reflects lower energy use and carbon emissions, potentially increasing property value by 5-15% in the UK market as of 2025.

Is underfloor heating safe for households with pets or children?

Yes, UFH is safe—there are no hot surfaces to touch, unlike radiators. Systems operate at low temperatures (25-40°C for wet, 27-31°C for electric), reducing burn risks. Ensure proper insulation to avoid heat loss and maintain pet comfort.

Can I add underfloor heating to just one room without affecting the rest of my heating system?

Absolutely. Electric UFH is perfect for single-room upgrades, requiring only a dedicated circuit. Wet UFH can also be zoned into an existing system with a separate manifold, though it’s more complex and may need a plumber to adjust your boiler setup.