Home rebuild cost calculator
Estimate your home's rebuild cost — the figure that should form the basis of your buildings insurance sum insured. Remember: rebuild cost is not the same as market value.
Gross internal area — total floor space across all floors.
e.g. £5,000–£25,000+ for a garage. 0 if none.
Typically 10–15%. Includes architect, surveyor, and clearance costs.
Assumptions and methodology
Uses broad £/m² rebuild cost bands anchored to RICS/BCIS guidance by region and build quality, with property type multipliers applied. The result is a range (low to high) to reflect the inherent uncertainty. A professional rebuild cost assessment from a RICS-accredited surveyor is always recommended, especially for older, unusual, or listed properties.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ✕Using the purchase price or market value as the sum insured for buildings insurance — rebuild cost is usually lower.
- ✕Forgetting to include professional fees and debris removal (typically 10–15% on top of construction costs).
- ✕Not reviewing the sum insured annually — rebuild costs have risen significantly in recent years.
- ✕Assuming the online estimate is sufficient for unusual or listed properties.
Frequently asked questions
Market value includes the land and reflects buyer demand. Rebuild cost is the cost to demolish and reconstruct the building from scratch — it does not include the land. In most UK areas, rebuild cost is lower than market value, but for older or unusual properties it can be higher.
This is a rough estimate using broad regional averages. For an accurate figure — especially for older, listed, or unusual properties — commission a professional rebuild cost assessment from a RICS-accredited surveyor.
Architectural fees, structural engineering, project management, planning/building regulations costs, and the cost of clearing the site before rebuilding. This typically adds 10–15% on top of pure construction costs.
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Sources
- RICS / BCIS — Rebuild cost assessment guidance and £/m² rates (verified January 2026)
Disclaimer
This is a simplified estimate based on the assumptions shown above. It isn't a quote, and a real insurer may arrive at a different figure. Use it as a starting point, then check the details with your insurer or adviser.