Website Costs UK Explained
So, how much does it cost to make a website in the UK in 2026? The short answer is anywhere from £50 a year to £30,000 or more. That range is wide. Wider than the M62 on a Friday afternoon.
The real cost depends on what you need and who builds it. A simple brochure site is one thing. A full ecommerce build is another level. If you are looking at web design and development services or exploring professional web development, you will see how fast prices change once features stack up.
Cleartwo helps you make sense of it all. Think of it like having a local guide who knows every shortcut. You can guess your way through. Or you can get it right first time.
How Much Does It Cost To Make A Website UK
Website costs vary because no two businesses are the same. Think of it like buying a car. You can get a solid runaround. Or you can go top spec with all the extras.
The main factors are design, features, and the team behind it. A freelancer may charge less. A full team offering UX design services and UI design expertise will charge more. You are paying for planning, testing, and polish. It is the difference between repainting a room and redesigning the whole house so it flows properly.
Cost Of A Basic Brochure Website For UK Businesses
For a sole trader or small business, this is often the starting point. A simple 4 to 8 page website usually costs between £500 and £2,500.
You get a homepage, about page, services page, and contact details. Clean and functional. Nothing fancy. Just solid and professional.
You can build it yourself using a website builder for £10 to £25 per month. Sounds cheap. But you do everything yourself. Design, content, fixes, updates. It is like cooking a full Sunday roast for the first time. Brave, but not always smooth.
How Much Does An Ecommerce Website Cost In The UK
Ecommerce changes the game. Costs often range from £1,500 to £35,000 or more. It depends on products, features, and custom work.
Some platforms are simple to start with but charge monthly fees. You can see examples in this guide on building a Shopify store. It explains things clearly.
Others offer more control but need more setup. According to WooCommerce pricing, the core system is free. But hosting, add ons, and payment fees add up.
If you need custom checkouts or stock systems that link with your tools, proper ecommerce solutions from Cleartwo make a big difference. Think of it like tailoring a suit. Off the rack works. But custom fits better.
Freelancer Vs Agency Costs In The UK
This is a common question. Freelancer or agency?
Freelancers may charge £1,000 to £3,000 for a smaller site. Agencies often range from £5,000 to £30,000 or more. The gap looks big. The difference is depth.
A freelancer is like hiring one skilled tradesperson. An agency is like bringing in the full team. Strategy, design, development, and support. With Cleartwo, you get everything under one roof. That is not just a website. That is a strong digital base.
Website Builder Monthly Costs In The UK
Website builders feel simple. You pay monthly. You pick a template. Job done.
Most business plans cost between £10 and £40 per month. Hosting is often included, which keeps things tidy.
But once you add ecommerce tools, booking systems, and email marketing, costs rise. It is like going into the Trafford Centre for one item and leaving with five bags. It adds up.
Hidden Website Costs UK Businesses Miss
Hidden costs catch many businesses out. They are not always clear at the start.
- Premium themes with yearly fees
- Plugin subscriptions that auto renew
- Hosting upgrades as traffic grows
- Security tools to protect customer data
- CRM systems to manage leads
- Payment processing fees on every sale
- Ongoing SEO so people can find you
It is like buying a house. The price is one thing. The upkeep is another.
How Much WordPress Website Development Costs In 2026
WordPress is popular across the UK. It is flexible and powerful.
A basic WordPress website may cost £1,000 to £5,000. A more complex build can reach £10,000 or more.
The real value comes with proper WordPress development services and ongoing support. Without support, it is like owning a performance car and skipping the service. Fine at first. Then trouble.
Ongoing Website Maintenance And Hosting Costs
When your site goes live, the work does not stop. That is just the start.
Basic hosting costs around £100 to £300 per year. Managed options such as managed hosting services cost more. But they save time and stress.
Maintenance can range from £50 to £500 per month. It depends on updates, backups, security, and content changes. You can read more in this breakdown of website maintenance packages. It explains what is included.
VAT And HMRC Considerations For UK Businesses
Now the serious bit. HMRC.
Most website costs count as business expenses. If you are VAT registered, you can often reclaim VAT on development, hosting, and maintenance.
Smaller updates are usually treated as regular expenses. Larger custom builds may be classed as capital expenses. That means different tax treatment. Always check with your accountant. It saves hassle later.
How To Get Accurate Website Quotes And Avoid Overpaying
Many businesses feel unsure at this stage. No one wants to overpay.
Think of it like getting quotes for home improvements. If you are vague, the pricing will be vague too.
Be clear about your goals. State how many pages you need. List the features that matter. Ask for itemised quotes. Check if SEO, hosting, and maintenance are included. If it is not written down, do not assume it is covered.
Compare at least three quotes. If one is far cheaper, ask why. Cheap can mean corners are cut. That is rarely the smart move.
Example Website Budgets For UK Businesses
Let us keep it local.
A small Manchester business launching its first proper site may invest around £1,500 for a brochure website with basic SEO included. A growing ecommerce brand could spend £5,000 to £15,000 for a stronger setup with marketing tools and integrations.
Larger organisations with custom systems and high traffic can go beyond £20,000. It depends on your goals and how fast you plan to grow.
Final Thoughts On Website Costs In The UK
So, how much does it cost to make a website in the UK? It depends on what you build and how serious you are about growth.
A cheap website that does nothing is not a bargain. It is a risk.
The smart move is to invest in something solid. Something that grows with your business and brings results. Cleartwo helps businesses build websites that work properly from day one. Guesswork is fine for pub quizzes. Not for your online presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a basic website cost in the UK? Most basic websites cost between £500 and £2,500. It depends on design, features, and who builds it.
Is it cheaper to build a website yourself? It can be cheaper in money. But it costs time and effort. The final result may not look as professional.
How much does an ecommerce website cost in the UK? Costs usually range from £1,500 to £35,000. Complexity and features make the difference.
What are ongoing website costs? Hosting, maintenance, plugins, security, and marketing tools can total £50 to £500 per month.
Can I claim website costs as a business expense in the UK? In most cases yes. VAT can often be reclaimed if you are registered. Always confirm with your accountant.
