How Much Does an Electrician Cost in Southampton? A 2025 Local Pricing Guide
If you’re planning electrical work at your home or rental property in Southampton, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: how much will it cost?
Electrician prices in Southampton can vary depending on the type of work, urgency, and the age and condition of the property. Homes across Shirley, Bitterne, Portswood, Woolston, Hedge End and Totton all have different electrical demands, particularly where older wiring is involved.
This guide breaks down average electrician costs in Southampton in 2025, what affects pricing, and how to ensure you get safe, reliable electrical work at a fair price.
Average Electrician Costs in Southampton (2025)
Most electricians in Southampton charge in one of three ways: hourly rates, fixed prices for common jobs, or emergency call-out fees.
Typical Hourly Rates
-
- £50 – £80 per hour
-
- Many electricians charge a minimum of one hour
Rates may be higher for specialist work, evening visits or urgent repairs.
Day Rates
-
- £350 – £600 per day
Day rates are often used for larger projects such as rewiring, consumer unit upgrades or renovation work.
Emergency Electrician Call-Out Costs
-
- £90 – £150+
Emergency rates usually apply for:
-
- Power outages
-
- Burning smells
-
- Tripping fuse boards
-
- Exposed or damaged wiring
Evenings, weekends and same-day call-outs typically cost more.
Common Electrical Job Costs in Southampton
Below are typical price ranges for popular electrical services in Southampton.
Consumer Unit (Fuse Board) Replacement
-
- £450 – £900+
Includes supply, installation, testing and certification. Many older Southampton homes still have outdated fuse boards that need upgrading for safety.
Electrical Rewiring
-
- 2-bed house: £3,000 – £4,500
-
- 3-bed house: £4,000 – £6,000
-
- 4-bed house: £6,000 – £8,000+
Rewiring is common in older properties across Shirley, Portswood and central Southampton.
Electrical Safety Checks (EICR)
-
- £120 – £250
Often required for landlords, property sales or older homes.
EV Charger Installation
-
- £900 – £1,500+
Costs depend on charger type, cable runs and whether your consumer unit needs upgrading.
Lighting Installation
-
- £60 – £120 per fitting
Costs vary for LED downlights, pendant lights, exterior lighting and smart lighting systems.
Additional Sockets or Switches
-
- £80 – £150 per point
Chasing walls or upgrading circuits may increase the cost.
What Affects the Cost of an Electrician in Southampton?
1. Property Age and Condition
Older homes often require:
-
- Wiring upgrades
-
- Improved earthing
These factors increase labour and material costs.
2. Job Complexity
Simple replacements cost less than:
-
- Full circuit upgrades
-
- Structural alterations
-
- Outdoor electrics
3. Accessibility
Difficult loft access, solid walls or tight spaces can increase time on site.
4. Urgency
Emergency and out-of-hours work costs more than planned jobs.
5. Certification & Compliance
All work must meet BS 7671 wiring regulations, and certification is required for many jobs — this is included in professional pricing.
Is It Worth Using a Local Southampton Electrician?
Yes. Hiring a local Southampton electrician offers several advantages:
-
- Faster response times
-
- Familiarity with local housing stock
-
- Knowledge of council and landlord requirements
-
- Easier follow-up and support
Local electricians are also more invested in reputation and repeat business.
How to Get an Accurate Electrical Quote
To get a clear, realistic price:
-
- Describe the work in detail
-
- Share photos if possible
-
- Ask if testing and certification are included
-
- Confirm whether VAT applies
-
- Request a fixed-price quote where possible
Avoid choosing purely on price — experience and safety matter.
Should You Avoid Very Cheap Electricians?
Extremely low prices can be a red flag. Poor electrical work can lead to:
-
- Safety risks
-
- Failed inspections
-
- Invalid insurance
-
- Costly remedial work later
Always use a qualified electrician who provides certification.
Final Thoughts
The cost of hiring an electrician in Southampton in 2025 depends on the type of work, urgency and condition of the property. While prices vary, investing in professional, compliant electrical work protects your home, your tenants and your long-term investment.
Whether you need a fuse board upgrade in Bitterne, a rewire in Shirley, or an emergency electrician in central Southampton, choosing a reliable local electrician ensures the job is completed safely and to a high standard.