A small kitchen under 10 m² costs £4,000 – £7,000 for a budget refit, £8,000 – £13,000 mid-range and £15,000 – £25,000 for a premium finish, fully fitted. With only 6 – 9 units the material cost is lower, but fitting, plumbing and electrics do not scale down as much as people expect.
Here is where the money goes in a small kitchen and how to get a high-end look without the high-end price.
Small kitchen cost breakdown (8 m², 8 units)
| Item | Budget | Mid-range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Units, doors & handles | £1,200 – £1,800 | £2,500 – £3,500 | £5,000 – £8,000 |
| Worktops (3.5 m) | £150 – £300 | £700 – £1,500 | £1,500 – £2,500 |
| Appliances | £1,000 – £1,500 | £1,800 – £3,000 | £4,000 – £7,000 |
| Fitting & removal of old kitchen | £1,200 – £1,600 | £1,800 – £2,500 | £2,500 – £3,500 |
| Plumbing & electrics | £400 – £800 | £900 – £1,500 | £1,500 – £3,000 |
| Flooring (8 m²) | £250 – £400 | £500 – £900 | £900 – £1,800 |
| Total | £4,000 – £7,000 | £8,000 – £13,000 | £15,000 – £25,000 |
Indicative UK prices, 2027/28, including VAT where applicable.
Why small kitchens are not proportionally cheaper
Fixed costs such as the sink, tap, hob, oven, extractor, electrical certificate and skip hire are the same whatever the size. Labour minimums also apply: a fitter still needs 3 – 4 days for a small kitchen. Where you do save is on units, worktop metres and flooring.
Design tips that save money in a small kitchen
Small kitchens reward simple choices that also happen to be cheaper.
- Keep the layout: a galley or single-run kitchen keeps plumbing and electrics in place
- Use a slimline 450 mm dishwasher and a single oven with a combination microwave above
- Choose light, handleless or slab doors that make the space feel bigger for less
- Open shelving instead of wall units on one side saves £300 – £800
- A compact worktop run means quartz becomes affordable at 3 – 4 metres
Frequently asked questions
What counts as a small kitchen?
Generally under 10 m² (roughly 3 m × 3 m or a 2 m × 4 m galley) with 6 – 9 units. Many terraced houses, flats and older semis have kitchens in this range.
Can I get a small kitchen for under £5,000?
Yes, with flat-pack units, laminate worktops, basic appliances, existing flooring and layout, and an independent fitter, £4,000 – £5,000 is achievable outside London.
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