You want more light upstairs — whether that's a dark loft room, a stuffy bathroom, or a bedroom that feels more like a cave. A roof window is one of the most cost-effective ways to transform a space, and Velux is the brand most UK homeowners reach for first. But how much does it actually cost, and what will push your quote up or down?
This guide covers supply-and-fit prices for every common roof window type in the UK in 2026 — from a basic centre-pivot Velux in a standard tiled roof to a solar-powered electric blind unit on a slate pitch. We also cover what separates a fair quote from an overpriced one, and the questions worth asking before you book anyone in.
All prices below are supply-and-fit unless stated otherwise. They are guide figures based on typical 2026 UK market rates and will vary by location, roof complexity, and the contractor you use.
What is a Velux window — and is "Velux" always the right brand?
Velux is a Danish company that pioneered the modern roof window in the 1940s and now dominates the UK market so thoroughly that most homeowners use "Velux" the same way they say "Hoover" — as a catch-all for any roof window. The reality is that several strong alternatives exist, and your roofer may actually quote a different brand without it being a downgrade.
The main brands available in the UK and their rough price positioning compared to Velux:
| Brand | Origin | Price vs Velux (supply only) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Velux | Denmark | Benchmark | Widest range, best spare parts availability |
| Fakro | Poland | 10–20% cheaper | Strong quality, growing UK market share |
| Keylite | Ireland | 15–25% cheaper | Popular with UK roofers, good value |
| Roto | Germany | Similar to Velux | Well-regarded, less common in UK |
| RoofLITE | Denmark | 10–20% cheaper | Budget-conscious alternative |
Velux window types and what each one costs
Velux makes several distinct product families, each suited to different roof pitches, room types, and budgets. Here is what each one looks like in terms of typical UK supply-and-fit cost in 2026.
Centre-Pivot (GGL / GPL range)
The classic Velux — rotates 180° for easy cleaning
This is the window most people picture when they think Velux. The sash rotates around a central pivot point, making it easy to clean the outside glass from inside. It works on roof pitches from 15° to 90° and comes in energy-rated glazing options from double to triple.
The GGL is the standard double-glazed version; the GPL adds a second inner pane for improved thermal performance in rooms where condensation or heat retention is a priority.
- Easy external glass cleaning from inside
- Wide range of sizes and glazing options
- Most common — easy to source parts
- Works on nearly all pitched roof angles
- Pivot bar partially obstructs view when open
- Not suitable for rooms needing maximum overhead clearance
Top-Hung (GGU / GPU / CABRIO range)
Opens from the bottom — unobstructed view and easier roof access
Top-hung windows are hinged at the top, so the sash swings outward from the bottom. This gives a completely clear view when the window is open — no pivot bar across the middle — and the open sash acts as a small balcony guard rail on the CABRIO model. They suit steeper pitches and are popular for bedroom and loft living rooms where aesthetics matter.
- Unobstructed view when open
- CABRIO converts to balcony — no separate structure needed
- Cleaner sightlines from inside the room
- Higher cost than centre-pivot equivalents
- External glass cleaning requires going onto the roof
Electrically Operated (INTEGRA / GGU Solar range)
Operated by remote or app — ideal for hard-to-reach positions
Electric Velux windows open and close via a motor, controlled by a wall switch, remote, or smartphone app depending on the model. The INTEGRA range can be connected to a rain sensor so the window closes automatically in wet weather. The solar-powered version has a built-in photovoltaic panel on the exterior frame and needs no mains wiring — particularly useful for retro-fit installs where running a cable would be disruptive.
Installation cost is higher because the electrically operated models cost significantly more to supply, and mains-powered variants require a qualified electrician to connect the wiring — a separate trade cost if your roofer is not Part P certified.
For a single window in an existing loft conversion, a solar-powered model often works out cheaper overall — no electrician call-out, no chasing cables into the ceiling. In a new build or full renovation where all trades are on site anyway, mains electric is the tidier long-term choice.
Flat Roof Windows & Roof Lights
Fixed or opening units for flat and low-pitch roofs (0°–15°)
Standard pitched roof windows cannot be used on flat roofs. Flat roof windows sit flush or slightly raised above the roof surface in an upstand frame. They range from fixed rooflights (no opening mechanism) to electrically operated units. Velux makes the CVP and CFP ranges; Fakro, Keylite, and specialist manufacturers like Coxdome and Sunsquare also produce popular alternatives.
Cost varies considerably with size. A small 60×60cm fixed rooflight can be fitted for around £800; a large bespoke walk-on rooflight or multi-unit glazed frame can run to several thousand pounds.
What affects the cost of roof window installation?
The window itself is only part of the total cost. Labour, access, roof type, and the condition of the existing structure all influence what you will pay. Here is what roofers actually price around:
Roof material and pitch
Natural slate, old clay tiles, and concrete interlocking tiles all require different flashing kits and more careful handling than modern plain tiles. Expect to pay £80–£150 more on a slate roof versus a standard tiled roof, as the flashing work is slower and slate is fragile to work around.
New opening vs existing
If a window already exists and you're replacing like-for-like, the job is faster and cheaper. Cutting a brand new opening requires removing rafters or cutting between them, fitting a structural header (lintel) to support the load, and more extensive re-tiling. This adds £300–£600 to the total.
Number of windows
The biggest saving in roof window work comes from doing multiple units on the same visit. Scaffold or ladder access costs roughly the same whether a roofer is fitting one window or three. A second window on the same roof typically adds £400–£700 rather than the full single-window price.
Location
London and the South East typically run 20–35% higher than the Midlands or North of England for the same job. Rural areas with limited local roofers can also push prices up due to travel time and limited competition.
Scaffolding and access
A two-storey roof that requires a full scaffold tower adds £400–£800 to the project. Many roofers use a ladder and roof ladder for single-window jobs on accessible roofs without scaffold, keeping costs down — but do not let a roofer cut corners on safety to reduce your bill.
Glazing specification
Standard double glazing is the baseline. Energy-rated triple glazing (Velux's ENERGY or THERMO range) can add £80–£200 to the window supply cost but pays back through reduced heat loss — particularly relevant for rooms directly under the roof plane.
Blinds and accessories
Velux blinds are not included in the window price. Blackout blinds for a bedroom or roller blinds for a bathroom are ordered separately and cost £70–£250 per window depending on the model. Fitting blinds is simple and most homeowners do this themselves after installation.
Internal lining and plastering
The roofer fits the window and flashings externally. Internally, the reveal around the window frame usually needs boarding, insulating, and plastering — a separate decorator or plasterer job that costs £150–£350 per window and is often overlooked when budgeting.
Replacing an existing roof window — what to expect
If you already have a roof window and it is leaking, draughty, or mechanically broken, a like-for-like replacement is significantly cheaper than a new installation. The opening already exists, the rafters are unaffected, and re-tiling around the new frame is minimal. The main cost is the new window unit plus a half-day of labour.
Do I need planning permission for a Velux window?
For the vast majority of UK homes, roof window installation falls under Permitted Development Rights — meaning no planning application is required. The key conditions are:
- The window must not project more than 150mm above the existing roof plane
- It must not be installed on a roof slope that fronts a highway
- The highest part of the window must not exceed the highest part of the existing roof
- Your property must not be in a designated area (Conservation Area, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, National Park, or World Heritage Site)
- The property must not be a listed building
If any of those conditions apply, you will need to apply for planning permission or listed building consent before work begins. Velux windows in Conservation Areas are sometimes approved with conditions (e.g. conservation-style flashings), but you need your local authority's written confirmation before proceeding.
The installation process: what happens on the day
Understanding what a roofer actually does on site helps you know whether the work has been done properly and whether the price you were quoted reflects the real scope of the job.
- 1️⃣Access and preparation — Roofer sets up ladder access or scaffold, removes tiles around the existing or new opening, and assesses the rafter positions.
- 2️⃣Structural work (new openings only) — If a new opening is being cut, timber is trimmed, a header is fitted between adjacent rafters, and any trimmer rafters are installed to transfer the load.
- 3️⃣Window frame installation — The outer frame is fixed to the rafters using the manufacturer's bracket system. The roofer checks the frame is square and level.
- 4️⃣Flashing installation — Flashing kits (EDW, EDP, EDL depending on tile profile) are fitted around the frame perimeter to create a watertight weathered junction with the roof covering.
- 5️⃣Re-tiling — Surrounding tiles are refitted, cut to fit around the flashing apron, and bedded where necessary. Any damaged tiles identified during access are replaced at this point.
- 6️⃣Sash fitting and check — The glazed sash is fitted into the outer frame, the opening mechanism is tested, and the roofer checks for any gaps or misalignment.
- 7️⃣Internal trim — A basic internal lining board (included in the Velux installation kit) is fitted around the inside of the frame. Full plastering of the reveal is a separate trade.
Getting a fair quote — what to ask your roofer
Roof window quotes vary widely. Some roofers price the window separately from labour; others give an all-in figure. Here is how to compare quotes properly and spot the ones that are missing something.
- Does the price include the window, the flashing kit, and all re-tiling?
- What brand and model are you quoting — and what is the exact size code?
- Is scaffolding included or quoted separately?
- Does the quote cover making good the internal reveal, or is that extra?
- What glazing specification is included — double or triple?
- Are you insured for working at height and do you carry public liability cover?
- Quotes with no window brand or model number specified
- Labour-only prices that exclude the flashing kit (a common hidden extra)
- No mention of scaffold or access method on a two-storey property
- Roofers unwilling to provide a written quote before starting
- Requests for cash in full before any work has begun
- No public liability insurance on request
How many quotes should you get?
For a single roof window, three quotes is the right number. One quote gives you no reference point; two leaves you with a coin flip; three gives you a centre of gravity. Reject the outlier on both ends only if you understand why it is an outlier — the cheapest quote is sometimes cheap because it excludes scaffold or uses a smaller window than you specified.
For larger projects — three or more windows, or a new opening with structural work — get four to five quotes and ask each contractor to confirm their quote covers the same scope before you compare numbers.
Roof windows as a lead source for roofers
If you are a roofing contractor, roof window work is one of the most underutilised job types in the sector. Jobs are typically half a day to a full day, materials are supplier-stocked rather than bespoke, and homeowner demand is consistent year-round — particularly in spring when loft conversions and extension work peaks.
Homeowners searching "Velux installation cost" or "roof window installer near me" are almost always ready to hire — they are past the research phase and in active buying mode. Roofers who appear prominently in local Google results for these terms tend to win a disproportionate share of the jobs, because very few roofing companies actively optimise for roof window queries.
If you want to understand how to get more of these enquiries coming to you directly — without paying Checkatrade or MyBuilder for shared leads — a free visibility audit is the clearest starting point.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Velux window cost to install in the UK in 2026?
A standard Velux centre-pivot roof window (GGL range) supplied and fitted costs between £600 and £1,200, depending on size, glazing specification, and roof type. Electric or solar-powered models typically cost £900 to £1,800 fully installed. These are guide prices — your actual quote will depend on your roof, location, and the contractor you use.
Do I need planning permission for a Velux window in the UK?
Most Velux and roof window installations fall under Permitted Development Rights, so no planning application is required — provided the window does not project more than 150mm beyond the existing roof plane, does not front a highway, and the property is not in a Conservation Area or listed building. Always verify with your local planning authority if you are unsure.
How long does it take to fit a roof window?
A single roof window fitted by an experienced roofer typically takes half a day to a full day, depending on roof type, access, and whether a new structural opening needs to be cut. Multiple windows on the same roof can often be completed in a single day, which is why the per-window cost drops when you do more than one at a time.
Is Velux the only brand worth considering?
No. Fakro, Keylite, Roto, and RoofLITE are all well-regarded alternatives that cost 10–25% less than equivalent Velux models on supply price. They carry comparable 10-year warranties and are widely used by UK roofers. If your roofer recommends an alternative brand, ask them to explain the reasoning — it is often a legitimate cost-saving, not a corner cut.
Does fitting a roof window add value to my home?
Yes. Roof windows that bring natural light into a loft room, bedroom, or bathroom can meaningfully add to a property's perceived value and saleability. Estate agents consistently cite natural light as one of the top factors buyers prioritise. The uplift is harder to quantify than a full loft conversion, but for a dark upstairs room the improvement in liveable quality is significant regardless of resale value.
Can any roofer fit a Velux window?
Velux window installation is within the scope of a competent roofer or carpenter. For windows opening into a habitable room conversion, you may also need a builder to handle structural lintel work. Always use a contractor with verifiable reviews, public liability insurance, and specific experience fitting roof windows. Ask to see examples of previous work if you are unsure.
Are you a roofer missing out on roof window enquiries?
Homeowners searching for Velux installers in your area are ready to hire — most go to whoever ranks first on Google Maps. Our free visibility audit shows you exactly where you stand and what it would take to get there.
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