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Orangery cost

Orangery Cost & Buying Guide for 2025

Are you considering adding an orangery to your home? We cover everything you need to know, including average costs and what you need to think about.

orangery cost and buying guide

An orangery is a beautiful and functional addition to any home, combining the light and airiness of a conservatory with the more substantial feel of an extension. But how much does an orangery typically cost in the UK?


All Everest orangeries are bespoke with a lot of factors that can influence the cost and the size can range from a small extension at the rear of your house to a grand detached building in your garden.


This guide is designed to provide you an insight into costs, as well as highlighting all the things you need to consider when buying an orangery.



How much does a new orangery cost in 2025?

The cost of an orangery can vary significantly depending on a number of factors, but to offer a guideline for expectation, an average-sized (3m x3m) orangery costs between £15,000 to £25,000.


For a bigger build or more customisation, you can expect to pay between £15,000 to £50,000.


Please note, that like an extension, an orangery has a lot of factors that can influence the price, so these are not actual Everest list prices but guide price ranges only.

An orangery drawing

What is an orangery?

An Orangery can be considered to be half way between a conservatory and an extension. Mixing brick with large areas of glass and a glass lantern roof.


More traditional orangeries tend to incorporate all or some of the following features:

  • Large tall windows
  • Stone or brick built dwarf walls
  • A flat roof with a central glass lantern
  • A cornice along on the roofline

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What is an orangery?



Orangery choices that make a difference to the cost

When planning your orangery there are a few main choices to consider which all impact the cost of your orangery:

  • Size of the structure - an orangery that is a similar size to a conservatory will fall under permitted development. Anything over 3m x 3m, or a standalone strucutre in size will require planning permission and building regulations and their associated costs.
  • Window frame material - uPVC window frames are more affordable than timber framed structures.
  • Glazing specifications - most conservatories and orangeries are double glazed but some opt for the energy efficiency of triple glazing. There are also special solar coatings that can improve solar gain on south facing windows.
  • Amount of windows and doors - usually overlooked, the amount of not just windows but also the windows that open and how many doors are included.
  • Details and finishing - on top of the obvious choices such as window frame, there are also choices for the finishing on elements such as decorative glazing, type of handles and locks.

Other extras that impact the cost of an orangery

As is the case with all building projects, certain variables can impact the overall cost of an orangery. They include:



Foundations

The type of soil and whether there are any drains or trees nearby can significantly impact the cost of preparing your orangery foundations. All ground must be properly inspected and surveyed before any work can be planned or commenced.


Clay soil can be challenging to build on because it can become waterlogged and the clay can considerably expand. In drier weather, the clay shrinks and contracts. When dealing with clay deeper foundations are needed. Nearby trees can lead to the surrounding ground swelling and contracting by as much as 40mm due to drinking up the water content. Drains and sewers are also a problem and can impact the cost of moving them or building around them.


Read more about foundations for your orangery or conservatory.



Heating

Most orangeries will need heating to help keep them warm with options including radiators, log-burning stoves and underfloor heating.


Also bear in mind that conservatories are usually exempt from building regulations, if they meet certain criteria, which includes them being fitted with an independent heating system with a separate temperature and on/off controls.


If the orangery has an open wall through the house into the extension, and is operated on the same heating system, it may need building regulations.


Read more about building regulations for an orangery.



Electrics and wiring

Most likely, you will want an electricity supply into your new orangery for lights and plug sockets or underfloor heating.


If you would like to use your orangery as a kitchen there will be more work to install all of the various different appliances, as well as your ceiling lights and any additional feature lights.



Window shutters and blinds

An orangery with large areas of glass is beautiful to allow light to flood in, but sometimes, you might want to limit the amount of light. Custom fit shutters on the roof, or the sides can help to regulate the heat on hot days. You also might want some privacy at night.


The finishing touches of any integrated blinds and shutters also need to be considered.



Building regulations

Orangeries can be subject to building regulations, depending on the size and construction elements (such as heating and glazing). Using a company registered in the Competent Person Scheme, such as Everest, means that building regulations for glazing are automatically granted. Depending on how the orangery is designed and built, you might also need to apply for building regulations for example, if the main wall is open from the house. Again, a competent supplier such as Everest can advise and help you with this.


Planning permission

You might also need planning permission, depending on the size and location of your orangery. For example, how close it is to a boundary, how far from the back of house and the floorplan. Usually, you can have an orangery built under the permitted rights which means you don’t need planning. Again, a reputable company like Everest has a planning department that can help you to ensure that your orangery will be compliant.


If your structure is particularly large or standalone, then you may need to gain planning permission. If this is the case, depending on the partner you choose, you will have to pay the costs to apply and be granted permission to build - before you start any construction work.

Conservatory styles

An Everest lean-to conservatory

Lean-to Conservatory →

Reminiscent of a Mediterranean sunroom and generally an ideal choice for extra space

An Everest Victorian conservatory

Victorian Conservatory →

These stunning period style conservatories can be modified to fit the shape of your garden

An Everest Edwardian conservatory

Edwardian Conservatory →

A focus on lightness and openness with elegant design features characteristic of the Edwardian era

Is an orangery cheaper than a conservatory?

Orangeries do tend to be more expensive than conservatories because the build process is often lengthier and more complicated. Conservatories are predominantly made up of glass while orangeries have a flatter and more substantial brick base, can have decorative Cornice added for extra styling, and are built to be in a similar style to the property.


Generally speaking, an orangery is essentially a (single-storey) extension that is frequently confused with conservatories. The main differentiating factor between a conservatory and an orangery is the amount of glass that is used. Conservatories are fully glazed structures with a low brick base wall while orangeries tend to be brick structures with large, tall windows. Because of this, orangeries are built to be an extension to a property, significantly adding to its overall value.


For more on the difference between an orangery and a conservatory and practical guidance on which option to choose, read: ‘What is an orangery?’


While an orangery may have a slightly higher initial price tag compared to a conservatory, on a long term investment it might be more cost-effective.



What is the price of an orangery compared to an extension?

The average cost for a 20m2 extension is £48,000*

The guide range for an orangery is between £15-25,000



Orangeries are often cheaper to build than extensions because they do not tend to involve as much planning and integration, materials or labour, particularly if the extension is two-storey.


The roof is a key contributing factor to orangeries being more cost effective vs. extensions. Most extensions incorporate a solid, insulated and fully tiled roof, while orangeries feature a stylish glass lantern roof.


* Cost estimations provided by Checkatrade.



What to consider before buying an orangery

An orangery is an investment and not a quick decision to make. So before you go ahead, there are several key considerations you need to think about carefully beforehand.



What do you want to use it for?

Do you want to create a modern kitchen-diner or more space to sit back and relax and entertain family and friends? Or perhaps you want to set up a home office or provide the kids with a dedicated play area? What you intend to use your orangery for will influence the overall dimensions and design, so make sure you take the time to think about the overall purpose and the associated practicalities.



How big do you want it to be?

You may have set your sights on a modestly proportioned orangery or something that’s on a much grander scale. Ideally, your orangery should enhance and work alongside your property (see point below), so keep this practical point at the forefront of your mind at all times. Don’t forget – if your orangery exceeds or covers more than 50% of the size of your original house you will have to apply for planning permission.



What type of property do you have?

Is your home a new build or a period property? Does it feature external render or cladding? Is it Grade I or II listed? You ideally want your orangery to seamlessly blend in with the rest of your home, which will complement, as well as enhance it in the process. Make sure you consider the existing style of your property when planning your new orangery.



What do you want the design to look like?

In addition to making sure a new structure complements the rest of your property, it’s essential you consider the overall look and feel. For instance, how large do you want the windows to be and what colour do you want them to be? How do you want the roof to look? Is your orangery going to be standalone or adjoined to your property? Do you want it to be square or rectangular?



Where exactly do you want your orangery to go?

Is your property north/south or east/west-facing and which direction is the land situated where you would like your orangery to go? Orangeries that are south- or west-facing get flooded with more sunlight, so if you want your orangery to benefit from lots of sun, then a south or west positioning (if feasible) is highly recommended.



How much do you want to spend on your orangery?

While this may be an obvious point, it’s an essential one. Being clear on your budget from the outset will make sure you don’t overspend. Shop around for cost estimates from at least three reputable companies and ensure they have the full specifications so that the quotes are comparable. Note: Don’t forget to add all of those extra costs, i.e. electrics, plumbing and building regulation fees, to your overall list of costs to avoid any unexpected surprises you can’t afford.



What you should expect from your new orangery

Your orangery should ideally tick all the following boxes:

  • Be easy to maintain and clean
  • Be able to be used all year round
  • Incorporate high energy rating glass (A++ is currently the highest) to reduce energy bills
  • Be draught-free
  • Let in plenty of light from the windows and the roof
  • Retain the warmth in the winter
  • Stay nice and cool in the summer
  • Be highly secure with multi-point locks and mechanisms
  • Have a seamless indoor-outdoor feel
  • Look good and blend in with your property
  • Add value to your home
  • Comes with a long-lasting guarantee

FAQs

  • +
    What is the difference between an orangery and a conservatory?

    Orangeries and conservatories are both classed as being home extensions, but that’s where the similarities end. It’s the overall percentage of glass involved in the structures that mean they aren’t actually the same thing.


    An orangery has a glass roof that typically covers less than 75% of the overall roof area and glass walls that span less than 50% of the total wall area. Because of this, orangeries tend to offer more privacy than conservatories, as well as greater insulation and thermal regulation.


    A conservatory, on the other hand, incorporates a glass roof that covers at least 75% of the overall roof area and glass walls that span at least 50% of the overall wall area.


    However, it is important to note that this does not make orangeries a lesser structure than conservatories. Designed and installed correctly, orangeries are capable of single-handedly adding real elegance to a property.

  • +
    Does an orangery add value to a property?

    Yes, installing an orangery can potentially add value to a property. Not only can they create additional space, a well-designed and high quality orangery can provide a real design boost, injecting added interest to a property and making it truly unique.


    Ideally, an orangery should be built in proportion to the rest of the property for maximum results and impact. As for typical cost projections, they can reportedly range from anything between 5 and 15%.

  • +
    Do I need planning permission for an orangery?

    You don’t need to obtain planning permission for an orangery, providing it is built within the permitted development guidelines.


    An orangery is classed as a single-storey extension, which means it is subject to the same guidelines and building regulations as an extension. This means it must not:

    • Be more than four metres tall or half the width of your property
    • Exceed or cover more than 50% of the size of your property

    What’s more, if you live within a listed building or conservation area, then check with your local planning office for any restrictions. Make sure you fully understand the permitted development guidelines before work starts as failure to comply with them could result in your orangery having to be rebuilt or completely demolished and rebuilt from scratch in line with the required restrictions.


    Understanding planning permission and permitted development guidelines can be complex, which is why we always recommend you choose a company like Everest that can manage all of the regulatory requirements on your behalf for ultimate peace of mind. For further information, read our guide, which includes details on building regulations and when planning permission is required: ‘Do you need planning permission for an orangery?’

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