2026 insulation deep dive

Insulation Cost by Property Type

Compare current loft-quilt and cavity-wall insulation benchmarks for common UK property types before applying measured-area and regional adjustments.

Last reviewed: 1 September 2026 · Sources checked September 2026

Loft quilt£654–£1,206
Cavity wall£950–£4,600
Property-type benchmarks are useful for a first budget, but cavity-wall suitability and the actual area to be insulated should be confirmed before treating them as a quote.

Calculate your insulation cost

Loft and cavity-wall insulation by property type

FlatLoft
Cavity wall £950
Terraced / mid-terraceLoft £654
Cavity wall £1,800
Semi-detachedLoft £825
Cavity wall £2,700
DetachedLoft £1,206
Cavity wall £4,600
BungalowLoft £1,205
Cavity wall £2,400

Cavity-wall cost per square metre

Glass wool£25–£30 / m²
Polyurethane foam£30–£65 / m²
Suitability surveyAllow separately where charged

What can add cost?

  • Removing old or failed insulation before replacement.
  • Repairing cracks, wall ties or damp-related defects before cavity filling.
  • Poor loft access, tanks, pipework or restricted working space.
  • Loft boarding, hatch improvements and insulation protection.
  • Irregular wall area or exposed elevations requiring a more cautious specification.

Loft versus cavity wall: why the price difference?

Loft quilt is usually a simpler installation over an accessible horizontal area. Cavity-wall work depends on external wall area, drilling pattern, material, access and whether the wall is suitable. That is why a semi-detached cavity-wall project can be several times the headline loft-insulation benchmark.

Sources

Checkatrade

Cavity Wall Insulation Cost 2026

Used for property-type and per-m² cavity-wall benchmarks.

View source ↗
Checkatrade

Loft Insulation Costs 2026

Used for current 270mm quilt-insulation examples by property type.

View source ↗

Frequently asked questions

How much is loft insulation for a semi-detached house in 2026?

A current benchmark for 270mm quilt insulation in a semi-detached home is about £825, before unusual access, removal or boarding work.

How much is cavity wall insulation for a 3-bed semi?

Property-size guidance currently puts a typical semi-detached cavity-wall insulation project around £2,700. Actual wall area, material and survey findings can change the quote.

How much does cavity wall insulation cost per m²?

Current guidance places glass wool around £25–£30 per m² and polyurethane foam around £30–£65 per m².

Can every house have cavity wall insulation?

No. The wall construction, exposure, damp risk and condition need to be checked first. A professional suitability survey is important before installation.