Cost of Rewiring: Complete Price Guide by Flat Size

Key facts about electrical installation costs in 2026

Electrical installation and second-fix fit-out for a 1-bedroom flat costs €952 to €1,428, for a 2-bedroom €1,139 to €1,709, for a 3-bedroom €1,435 to €2,153, for a 4-bedroom €2,085 to €3,063 and for a 5-bedroom €2,603 to €3,824. On top of this, you must budget for the inspection report and, in the case of new builds, the external mains connection. For VAT-registered contractors, 23% VAT must be added. Electrical work must only be carried out by a qualified electrician with valid licensing (§22 or §23 equivalent).

What does a full flat rewire include?

The core consists of a complete wiring replacement throughout the property — using copper cables such as CYKY-J or CYKY-O (1.5 mm² for lighting circuits and 2.5 mm² for power sockets), replacing old aluminium wiring found in older blocks. It also includes a new consumer unit with rated circuit breakers, an RCD (Residual Current Device) with 30 mA sensitivity, and in new builds, SPD (Surge Protection Devices).

According to standard regulations, sockets are installed 30 cm from the floor, in kitchens 110 to 115 cm above the worktop, and light switches at 105 to 120 cm. The price includes points for lighting, large appliances (cooker, washing machine, dryer, dishwasher), and a bathroom circuit with RCD protection. Not included are final light fixtures, CAT6/FTP data cabling, or smart home and solar PV preparation. For renovations, the cost of chasing walls and making good/plastering is added.

What are the real costs based on the number of rooms?

The price of electrical work depends on the number of points (outlets), not square metres. A small 1-bedroom flat of 60 m² has fewer points than a 3-bedroom flat of the same area, which is why price lists are categorised by room count.

1-bedroom flat rewiring

In a standard 1-bedroom flat (30 to 45 m²), there are on average 15 to 20 points. A full electrical fit-out for a 1-bed flat costs €952 to €1,428 including the consumer unit. These are typically starter homes or buy-to-let investments.

2-bedroom flat rewiring

In a 2-bedroom flat (50 to 65 m²), the number of points increases to 25–32, and the cost for a 2-bed flat ranges between €1,139 and €1,709. This is the most common layout for small families.

3-bedroom flat rewiring

The most frequent project on the market is the 3-bedroom flat (65 to 85 m²) with 35 to 42 points. A complete 3-bed flat electrical installation costs €1,435 to €2,153. The flat usually includes a separate kitchen with 6–8 sockets, a living room with 3 double sockets, and two bedrooms.

4-bedroom flat rewiring

In larger 4-bedroom flats (85 to 105 m²) with 45 to 55 points, the price for a 4-bed flat rewire rises to €2,085 to €3,063. Larger properties require a more robust consumer unit and sometimes a dual-tariff meter to optimise running costs.

5-bedroom flat rewiring

In 5-bedroom flats or small houses with 60+ points, a full 5-bed electrical installation ranges between €2,603 and €3,824. For these layouts, it is worth considering multi-room AC preparation and an oversized distribution board for future expansion.

For new builds, the cost of installing the external LV connection to the regional grid must be added. Prices also vary by region — wall chasing in the capital can cost up to 40% more than in smaller towns. Within the context of the overall 2026 construction price list, electrical work typically accounts for 8% to 15% of a total renovation budget.

House vs. Flat Electricals — what are the differences?

Electrical installation in a house is more complex than in a flat, with prices rising to €3,500 to €8,000. A house has its own external connection, meter box, and often off-peak signalling for dual-tariff consumption. A significant item is solar PV readiness and hybrid inverter prep — via the Obnov dom scheme, you can often secure grants for solar and electrical upgrades simultaneously. Houses also commonly include EMS (Energy Management System) preparation — an investment of €800 to €2,500 that pays back through demand optimisation.

When do you need an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)?

The inspection report is a formal document issued only by a certified inspector authorised by the Technical Inspection SR. It is mandatory for new build completion, after full renovations, when selling a property, or for insurance claims.

A professional electrical inspection report includes 5 mandatory tests — insulation resistance, earth continuity, RCD trip times, fault loop impedance, and distribution board testing. For residential flats, a re-test is recommended every 5 years, while commercial spaces require it every 2 to 3 years.

How long does a full rewire take?

In a 1-bed flat: 3 to 5 working days; 2-bed: 5 to 8 days; 3-bed: 7 to 10 working days; 4-bed: 8 to 12 days; 5-bed or small house: 10 to 14 days. For every project, add 5 to 7 days for plastering and painting. It is best to book reputable electricians between November and March — during the peak season from April to October, lead times can be 6 to 10 weeks.

How to choose a licensed electrician — 6 steps

First, request a copy of their §22 or §23 certification. Second, verify the company’s registration via the trade register. Third, ask for 3 client references from the last 6 months. Fourth, insist on a written quote with a breakdown of points and equipment brands (e.g., ABB, Legrand, Schneider). Fifth, agree on staged payment terms (30% deposit, 40% after first-fix, 30% after final inspection). Sixth, ensure there is a minimum 24-month workmanship guarantee.

What mistakes should you avoid?

The most common mistake is underestimating the number of sockets. The recommended minimum is 3 double sockets per living area, 6 above the kitchen worktop, and 4 at a desk. Adding them later is 5 times more expensive.

Omitting RCD protection is the second critical error — regulations demand that wet areas (bathrooms, WCs) are protected by a 30 mA RCD. Without it, you won't pass inspection. Insufficient main breaker capacity (old 16 A units vs modern appliances) is solved by requesting an upgrade to 25–32 A. Finally, hiring an unlicensed electrician is a major risk — it will be flagged during the inspection and may require a complete redo.

Real-world example: 3-bedroom flat rewire in Petržalka

Renovation of a 3-bedroom flat (72 m², 1985 concrete build) with smart home prep and FTP cabling. Timeline: Days 1–2 chasing 42 linear metres of walls; Days 3–4 pulling CYKY-J cables; Days 5–6 installing consumer unit with RCD, SPD, and data cables; Day 7 fitting sockets/switches; Day 8 inspection; Days 9–10 making good. After painting, final light fixtures were fitted on Day 24.

Budget: Electrical fit-out €1,850, wall chasing €300, plastering €385, data cabling €470, inspection report €265, light fittings €380. Total €3,650 incl. VAT (€51/m²). The client budgeted €3,200; the reality was 14% higher due to the added data cabling and SPD protection. Within the bathroom pod renovation, electricals made up 22% of the total cost.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about Rewiring Costs

How much does it cost to rewire a 3-bedroom flat?

A full rewire of a 3-bedroom flat (65 to 85 m² with 35 to 42 points) costs €1,435 to €2,153 in 2026, including the consumer unit, copper wiring, RCDs, and all labour.

What is the difference between flat and house electricals?

House installations are more complex, involving external wiring, independent mains connections, and solar readiness. Prices range from €3,500 to €8,000.

What licenses should an electrician have?

An electrician must hold at least a §22 qualification, and for design work, §23. Without these, you cannot obtain a valid inspection report.

How often should I get an electrical inspection?

For domestic properties, an inspection every 5 years is recommended; for commercial premises, every 2 to 3 years.

What are the signs that I need a rewire?

Frequent tripping of breakers, warm socket faceplates, flickering lights when using appliances, and the presence of old aluminium wiring.

Calculate the exact cost of rewiring for your flat

This guide provides a general price range. The specific cost for your flat may vary by 30% depending on the number of points, material quality, and region. Before you call the first contractor, calculate an estimated price for your project using the Numiq online calculator. You will get a real sense of market rates, a stronger negotiating position, and you can save your calculations for later.

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