Conservatory vs Orangery Pricing & Key Differences 2025

What Exactly Is a Conservatory?

A conservatory is a glass structure attached to your home, designed to maximize natural light and create a bright connection between your indoor space and garden. The defining characteristic is that at least 75% of the roof must be glazed, and more than half the wall area needs to be transparent.

Modern conservatories have come a long way from their Victorian predecessors. Today’s designs incorporate energy-efficient double or triple glazing, advanced temperature control systems, and a range of roof options including glass, polycarbonate, or even hybrid solid roofs with glazed panels.

Popular Conservatory Styles

• Lean-to: The most affordable option with a simple sloped roof, perfect for modern homes and bungalows
• Victorian: Classic curved bay front with decorative roof detailing and ornate ridge designs
• Edwardian: Square or rectangular layout maximizing usable floor space with clean lines
• Gable-ended: Features a high, pitched roof with a triangular glass gable providing impressive height
• P-shaped or T-shaped: Combines two conservatory styles for larger, more versatile spaces

What Exactly Is an Orangery?

An orangery sits somewhere between a conservatory and a traditional brick extension. Originally designed in the 17th century to house citrus trees during winter, modern orangeries combine solid brick or stone construction with large windows and a distinctive flat roof featuring a central glass lantern.

The key difference is that orangeries have less than 75% of the roof glazed and less than 50% of the walls made from glass. This gives them a more substantial, room-like appearance that integrates seamlessly with your home’s existing architecture.

What Makes Orangeries Special

The solid perimeter roof of an orangery creates an internal pelmet or ceiling around the edges of the room. This allows for spotlights and creates subtle shadows that enhance the ambiance. The brick pillars and walls provide natural breaks for radiators, electrical outlets, and wall lighting, making orangeries feel more like a true extension of your home rather than a separate garden room.

Breaking Down The Costs

The price of your glass extension depends on several factors beyond just choosing between a conservatory or orangery. The market offers both standard and premium specifications, with significant quality differences between them.

Standard vs Premium Orangery Pricing

It’s important to understand that orangery pricing varies dramatically based on specification. Standard market orangeries range from £30,000-35,000 for a 16m² build, but premium specification orangeries with superior thermal performance, New Generation Glass technology, and building works included typically cost £55,000 for 12m², £85,000 for 20m², or £115,000 for 30m² builds.

Premium orangeries achieve U-values of 0.18 (far exceeding building regulations), include comprehensive building works, offer 50+ year lifespan, and come with 10-year structural warranties. Standard orangeries typically achieve U-values of 0.28-0.35 with 20-30 year expected lifespan.

Factor	Conservatory Impact	Orangery Impact
Size	Small 3m x 3m: £9,000-12,000	Standard 3m x 3m: £16,000-25,000 Premium 12m²: £55,000
Medium Size	4m x 4m: £13,000-16,000	Standard 16m²: £30,000-35,000 Premium 20m²: £85,000
Large Size	5m x 5m: £18,000-25,000	Standard 25m²: £40,000-50,000 Premium 30m²: £115,000
Frame Material	uPVC: £1,500/m² | Aluminium: £2,000/m²	uPVC: £1,200/m² | Hardwood: £2,500/m² Premium with thermal breaks included
Thermal Performance	Standard: U-value 1.4-1.8 Modern: U-value 0.8-1.2	Standard: U-value 0.28-0.35 Premium: U-value 0.18
Roof Type	Polycarbonate: cheapest | Glass: +£2,000 | Solid: +£4,000	Lantern roof standard | New Generation Glass: premium
Building Works	Often quoted separately: +£3,000-6,000	Standard: separate quote Premium: typically included
Foundations	Standard concrete base: £800-1,500	Engineered foundations: £2,000-4,000
Installation	2-4 weeks | Labour: £2,000-4,000	6-12 weeks | Labour: £5,000-10,000
Expected Lifespan	Standard: 20-25 years Quality: 25-30 years	Standard: 20-30 years Premium: 50+ years
Warranty	Typically 5-10 years	Standard: 5-7 years Premium: 10 years structural

Energy Efficiency: The Hidden Cost Factor

One aspect often overlooked when comparing prices is the ongoing energy cost. This is where orangeries can actually save you money in the long run.

Conservatory Energy Performance

Traditional conservatories with older glazing are notorious for temperature swings. They become uncomfortably hot in summer and cold in winter, leading to higher heating and cooling bills. However, modern conservatories with high-performance glazing, solid or hybrid roofs, and proper insulation have largely solved this problem.

Key improvements include low-emissivity glass coatings that reflect heat back into the room during winter, solar control glass that prevents overheating in summer, and thermal breaks in frames that reduce heat transfer. A well-specified modern conservatory can achieve similar thermal performance to an orangery.

Orangery Energy Performance

Orangeries typically offer better insulation from day one due to their solid brick walls and more substantial construction. The reduced glass area means less heat loss in winter and better temperature stability throughout the year. The solid perimeter roof also provides natural insulation.

With proper design, an orangery can be used year-round without excessive heating costs. The brick walls retain warmth more effectively than glass, and the smaller glazed areas are easier to insulate. Many orangeries achieve U-values comparable to modern extensions, making them eligible for building regulation approval without requiring a separate heating system.

Which One Should You Choose?

The decision between a conservatory and an orangery comes down to your specific needs, budget, and what you want from the space.

Choose a Conservatory If:

• You want to maximize natural light and garden views
• Your budget is £9,000-18,000
• You need the project completed quickly (2-4 weeks)
• You prefer a lighter, more open feel
• You want a distinct garden room rather than a permanent extension
• Your home has limited space or awkward access
• You’re happy with a structure that feels separate from the main house

Choose an Orangery If:

• You want a space that feels like a true extension of your home
• Your budget stretches to £30,000-35,000+
• You can accommodate a 6-12 week build
• Energy efficiency and year-round comfort are priorities
• You want to maximize property value increase
• You prefer more privacy with a balance of light
• You need the space to function as a kitchen, dining room, or primary living area
• Your home’s architecture suits a more substantial structure

Planning Permission and Building Regulations

Both conservatories and orangeries can often be built under permitted development rights, meaning you may not need planning permission. However, there are important differences in how they’re treated.

Conservatory Regulations

Conservatories can be exempt from building regulations if they meet certain criteria. The floor area must be less than 30 square meters, it must be single storey, the glazing and electrical installations must comply with regulations, and crucially, it must have an independent heating system with separate controls and be separated from the house by external quality doors.

This last requirement is why many older conservatories feel disconnected from the main house. However, if you want an open-plan design without a separating door, your conservatory will need to meet full building regulations, which typically means better insulation standards.

Orangery Regulations

Orangeries are treated more like traditional extensions and usually need to comply with building regulations. This means meeting insulation standards, ensuring structural stability, and having the work inspected by building control. The upside is that orangeries can be fully integrated with your home’s heating system and don’t require a separating door.

Most orangeries fall under permitted development rights as long as they don’t extend beyond certain limits (typically 3 meters for attached properties, 4 meters for detached), stay below 4 meters in height, and don’t cover more than 50% of your garden. Always check with your local planning authority before starting work.

Long-Term Value and Return on Investment

When considering the cost, it’s worth thinking about the long-term value each option brings to your property.

Conservatory Value Addition

A well-built conservatory typically adds 5-7% to your property value. For a £300,000 home, that’s £15,000-21,000 in added value from a £12,000-15,000 investment. The return varies significantly based on location, with conservatories in warmer southern regions often valued higher than in colder northern areas.

The quality of the conservatory matters enormously. A budget uPVC conservatory with a polycarbonate roof may actually reduce your property’s appeal to some buyers who see it as dated or impractical. A modern conservatory with a solid or hybrid roof, quality materials, and good energy performance will command a much better return.

Orangery Value Addition

Orangeries typically add 10-15% to property value because buyers perceive them as permanent extensions rather than garden rooms. The actual increase depends heavily on the quality and specification of the orangery.

For a standard £500,000 home, a premium orangery costing £85,000 could add £50,000-75,000 in value (10-15% increase), meaning you could potentially see a return that exceeds your initial investment. For a £750,000 property, the value increase could reach £75,000-112,500.

Beyond immediate property value, premium orangeries deliver long-term financial benefits. Superior insulation (U-value 0.18) can save £400-800 annually in heating costs compared to standard extensions. Over 20 years, that’s potentially £8,000-16,000 in energy savings. When you factor in that a premium orangery lasts 50+ years versus 20-30 years for standard builds, the lifetime value proposition becomes compelling.

Estate agents consistently rank well-designed premium orangeries as highly desirable features. They create genuine year-round living space, improve home flow, and demonstrate quality investment to potential buyers. The key is that orangeries expand your actual living space in a meaningful way, serving as primary living areas like kitchens or family rooms rather than occasional-use garden rooms.

Maintenance and Lifespan

The ongoing maintenance requirements differ between conservatories and orangeries, which affects their long-term cost-effectiveness.

Conservatory Maintenance

Conservatories need regular cleaning to maintain their appearance, especially the roof and gutters. Glass panels collect dirt, leaves, and algae, requiring professional cleaning every 12-18 months. The seals around glazing units need inspection annually, and you should budget for seal replacements every 10-15 years.

uPVC frames are low maintenance but can discolor over time. Aluminium frames are more durable but cost more initially. Hardwood frames look beautiful but need treating every 3-5 years. Expect a well-maintained conservatory to last 20-25 years before needing significant refurbishment or replacement.

Orangery Maintenance

Orangeries require less frequent maintenance due to their more solid construction. The brickwork needs occasional repointing (every 20-30 years), and painted surfaces require repainting on a similar schedule to your house. The smaller glazed areas mean less cleaning, though the roof lantern will still need attention.

The more substantial construction means orangeries typically last longer, 30-40 years or more with proper maintenance. They’re also easier to upgrade or modify because the solid walls can support structural changes that would be impossible with a glass conservatory.

Premium vs Standard Orangeries: What’s the Difference?

Not all orangeries are created equal. Understanding the difference between standard market orangeries and premium specification builds is crucial for making the right investment decision.

Standard Market Orangeries (£30,000-35,000)

Standard orangeries meet basic building regulations with U-values around 0.28-0.35. They typically use standard double glazing, basic frame systems, and often quote building works separately from the orangery structure itself. Expected lifespan is 20-30 years with 5-7 year warranties being typical.

While more affordable upfront, standard orangeries may require replacement or significant refurbishment within 25-30 years. The thermal performance, while meeting regulations, doesn’t deliver the same year-round comfort or energy efficiency as premium specifications.

Premium Specification Orangeries (£55,000-115,000)

Premium orangeries represent the highest quality in the market, featuring solid insulated cavity walls achieving U-value 0.18 (significantly exceeding building regulations). They incorporate New Generation Glass technology with advanced solar control, 150mm solid roof insulation with cold bridge elimination, and building works typically included in the quoted price.

The investment delivers tangible benefits. Premium specifications achieve 50+ year lifespans with comprehensive 10-year structural warranties. The superior thermal performance means genuinely comfortable year-round use with lower heating costs. Over a 40-year period, you might spend £85,000 once for a premium orangery versus £60,000 initially plus another £60,000 for replacement (totaling £120,000) with standard builds.

Key Specification Differences

• Thermal Performance: Premium U-value 0.18 vs Standard 0.28-0.35 (lower is better)
• Glass Technology: Premium uses New Generation Glass with advanced solar control vs standard double glazing
• Roof Insulation: Premium 150mm+ solid insulation vs standard 100mm
• Foundations: Premium engineered foundations vs standard concrete base
• Building Works: Premium typically includes all works vs standard often quotes separately
• Warranty: Premium 10-year structural vs standard 5-7 years
• Lifespan: Premium 50+ years vs standard 20-30 years
• Energy Savings: Premium saves £400-800/year vs standard specification

What’s Typically Included in The Price?

Understanding what’s included versus what costs extra helps you compare quotes accurately. Standard market orangeries often have significant additional costs that aren’t immediately obvious.

Standard Market Orangery Packages Usually Include:

• Orangery structure (frame, glass, roof lantern)
• Basic double glazing
• Standard installation
• 5-7 year warranty

Standard Market Orangery Extras (Often Quoted Separately):

• Building works (brickwork, plastering, electrics): +£5,000-10,000
• Foundations and groundworks: +£2,000-4,000
• Building regulations approval: +£1,500-2,500
• Architectural drawings: +£500-1,500
• VAT (20%): +£6,000-7,000 on £30,000 base
• Project management and quality control

Premium Orangery Packages Typically Include:

• Complete orangery structure with premium specifications
• New Generation Glass technology throughout
• All building works (brickwork, plastering, electrics, finishing)
• Premium engineered foundations and groundworks
• Professional design consultation with 3D visualizations
• Expert installation by qualified team with project management
• VAT typically included in quoted price
• 10-year comprehensive structural warranty
• Aftercare support service

Additional for Both (Usually Separate):

• Building regulations approval and architectural drawings: £1,500-2,500
• Any necessary planning permission applications

When comparing quotes, always ask exactly what’s included. A £32,000 quote that requires another £10,000 in building works, VAT, and fees actually costs £42,000+ total. A £55,000 premium quote with everything included may represent better value and fewer surprises during the project.

Both conservatories and orangeries offer excellent ways to extend your home and bring in natural light. The right choice depends on balancing your budget, the intended use of the space, how quickly you need it completed, and whether you prioritize maximum light or better insulation and integration with your home.

If budget allows and you want a truly year-round living space that feels like part of your home, an orangery is worth the investment. If you’re working with a tighter budget or simply want a bright garden room where you can enjoy your outdoor space in comfort, a modern conservatory with upgraded glazing and roofing will serve you well.

Whichever you choose, invest in quality materials and professional installation. The difference between a budget build and a well-executed project is dramatic, both in terms of enjoyment and long-term value.