Building cost in Tower Hamlets: 2026 rates.
Tower Hamlets combines Georgian terraces in Spitalfields and Wapping, ex-warehouse lofts in Shoreditch, and Canary Wharf flats. Rear extensions on the borough's terrace stock cost £3,000–£4,100/m²; loft conversions £70k–£135k; refurbs £2,500–£3,800/m² on 2026 rates. Listed building consent is common across E1 and E14 and adds 8–14 weeks to programme.
| Project type | Typical 2026 cost |
|---|---|
| Rear extension | £3,000–£4,100/m² |
| Loft conversion (total) | £70,000–£135,000 |
| Full refurbishment | £2,500–£3,800/m² |
| Basement (per m²) | £5,000–£7,800/m² |
All figures exclude VAT (20% on most refurb/extension work), professional fees (8–14% typical), party wall awards and statutory costs.
- Spitalfields, Fournier Street and Wapping include Grade II* listed Georgian terrace stock
- Restricted access and crane lifts in E14 high-rises add £8–25k of preliminaries to flat refurbs
- Tower Hamlets' basement SPD restricts excavation under listed buildings
- Article 4 directions remove PD rights across most central conservation areas
- Party Wall Act 1996 awards typically £1,000–£2,800 per adjoining owner
Listed building consent and freeholder licence-to-alter dominate programme, get heritage advice and a cost expert briefed pre-design.
Frequently asked, Tower Hamlets
How much does a Spitalfields Georgian refurbishment cost?
A full strip-and-reinstate refurb of a 150m² Spitalfields Grade II Georgian terrace costs £600,000–£950,000 on 2026 rates, plus VAT and fees. Heritage joinery, lime mortar, conservation glazing and listed building consent add 15–25% versus non-listed equivalents.
Can I extend a Tower Hamlets terrace under PD?
PD rights are removed by Article 4 across most Tower Hamlets conservation areas (Spitalfields, Wapping, Fournier Street, Brick Lane). Outside Article 4 zones, single-storey rear extensions up to 6m on terraces can proceed under PD prior approval.
What does an E14 flat refurbishment cost?
A full refurb of a 70–100m² Canary Wharf flat typically costs £150,000–£280,000 on 2026 rates, plus VAT and fees. Lift access charges, weekday delivery windows, freeholder-approved contractor lists and acoustic floor build-ups push the figure 12–20% above a freehold equivalent.
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