A new roof is one of the larger bills a homeowner faces, and the honest answer to "how much" is that it depends on six things: the size of the roof, its pitch and complexity, the covering you choose, scaffolding, what is found underneath, and where you live. This guide walks through each so a quotation makes sense when it arrives.
Typical ranges
These are the ranges we see across Surrey, London and Hampshire in 2026 for a full strip and re-roof including scaffolding, new breathable membrane, treated battens, ventilation and disposal. They are a guide, not a quote.
| Property | Concrete interlocking tile | Clay plain tile | Natural slate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two-bed terrace (approx. 45 m²) | £5,500 – £8,000 | £8,000 – £11,500 | £9,500 – £14,000 |
| Three-bed semi (approx. 75 m²) | £8,000 – £12,000 | £12,000 – £17,000 | £14,000 – £21,000 |
| Four-bed detached (approx. 110 m²) | £11,000 – £16,000 | £16,000 – £24,000 | £20,000 – £30,000 |
London prices sit towards the top of each range because scaffolding, parking and disposal cost more. Hampshire and outer Surrey sit nearer the bottom.
What moves the price
1. Roof area and pitch
Roofers price by the square metre of covering, not floor area. A steep roof has more surface than a shallow one over the same footprint, and needs more scaffold and slower work.
2. Complexity
Every hip, valley, dormer and chimney adds cutting, leadwork and time. A plain gable-to-gable roof is the cheapest shape; a hipped roof with two dormers and a chimney is not.
3. The covering
Large-format concrete interlocking tiles are quickest to lay. Clay plain tiles are small, so there are many more of them per square metre. Natural slate is the most expensive to buy and the most skilled to lay, and lasts longest.
4. Scaffolding
Typically £800 to £2,500 depending on height, access and how long it is up. It is itemised separately in our quotes so you can see it.
5. What is underneath
Rotten rafter ends, failed battens, no underlay, or sarking boards that need replacing all add cost. We photograph and agree any of this with you before carrying on, never afterwards.
6. Extras worth doing while the roof is off
Loft insulation top-up, new fascias and soffits, replacement guttering, and chimney repointing are all much cheaper done while scaffold is already up.
How to compare quotes
- Check each quote covers the same scope: membrane, battens, ventilation, leadwork, disposal and scaffold.
- Ask which tile or slate, by name. "Clay tile" can mean a £0.80 tile or a £2.50 tile.
- Ask what the workmanship guarantee covers and for how long, in writing.
- Be wary of a quote far below the others. It usually means something has been left out.