Updated 25 September 2026
Downlights cost UK 2026
The going rate for downlights in 2026 is £40–£90/downlight (total, ex VAT). Below: a calculator, what the job involves, materials at three price levels, and the prep that changes the price.
Market band£40–£90/downlight
Worked example, 6 downlight£409
Time on site5 h
Downlights calculator
Price a real job freeUses your rates, your speed and your receipts.
Market band source: Trade2Base.
What the job involves
| Stage | Task | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| work | Set out and isolate | 1 h |
| work | Cut, wire and fit downlight | 0.6 h per downlight |
Materials at three price levels
| Material | Budget | Trade choice | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire-rated LED downlight each | £8 Fixed LED downlight — Cheapest compliant | £14 Fire-rated integrated LED — Keeps the ceiling's fire rating | £25 Dimmable colour-switchable fire-rated — Choose warm or cool |
Trade prices ex VAT, estimates checked 2026-09-25. Log your receipts in Grafto and your own prices replace these.
What changes the price
- Loft above the ceiling? yes - loft access · no - ceiling between floors
Good practice
- Use fire-rated downlights where the ceiling is a fire barrier
Prep to look for
| Condition | Check | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Possible asbestos (Artex) | textured swirl ceiling where downlights or cables go | Textured ceiling: test for asbestos before cutting |
| Old cabling | rubber, lead-sheathed or cloth-covered cables | Old cable types: recommend a rewire |
Questions
How much does downlights cost in the UK in 2026?
The researched market band is £40–£90/downlight (total, ex VAT), from Trade2Base. A worked example of 6 downlight comes to about £362–£497 across budget, trade and premium materials.
How long does downlights take?
The worked example of 6 downlight takes about 5 hours.
What changes the price of downlights?
Mainly size and access, plus any prep found on site: possible asbestos (artex), old cabling.