How Much Does a Website Cost in the UK in 2026? The Complete Pricing Guide

Trying to pin down how much does a website cost UK 2026 is frustrating because the answer isn’t a single number — it’s a range that depends on what you need the site to do, how quickly you need it, and who’s building it. Two businesses can both “need a website”, yet one needs a simple brochure site to win local enquiries, while another needs an eCommerce platform with stock syncing, subscriptions and returns logic.

At Xiza Digital, we’re a UK web development agency and we build websites for businesses that want something solid, secure and easy to manage — without getting sold things they don’t need. This guide lays out realistic 2026 price ranges, what’s included, where costs creep in, and how to choose the right level of investment for your stage of business.

If you want to skip ahead and discuss your project, you can explore our services, see how we work on our process, browse examples in our portfolio, or send an enquiry via contact.

1. Why website costs are so confusing in 2026

Website pricing has never been particularly transparent, but in 2026 it’s even more varied because “a website” can mean anything from a £200 template setup to a £50,000+ bespoke build.

Common reasons quotes vary wildly

• Different definitions of “done” — some quotes include strategy, content help, SEO foundations and training; others include only a basic build.
• Platform choice — WordPress, Shopify, Webflow, headless CMS, custom builds… each has different setup time and ongoing costs.
• Design expectations — template-based design is quicker; custom design and components take longer (and cost more).
• Content readiness — if you have clear copy and photos, costs drop; if everything needs creating, costs rise.
• Compliance and security — GDPR, cookie consent, accessibility, security hardening and backups aren’t always included.
• Ongoing support — some providers price low upfront then charge heavily for changes and maintenance.

A quick reality check: the cheapest option isn’t always cheaper

A £500 site that doesn’t load well, doesn’t convert, and needs rebuilding within a year can cost more than a £3,000–£6,000 site that quietly generates leads for years with minor tweaks. The key is matching the build to your business goals and timeline.

2. The 5 types of websites and their UK price ranges (2026)

Below are sensible, UK-based price ranges for 2026. These assume you’re hiring a freelancer or agency (not doing it yourself), and they reflect typical small-to-medium business needs.

Type 1: Starter brochure website (1–5 pages)

Typical cost (UK, 2026): £800–£2,500

Best for sole traders and new businesses that need a credible presence: services, about, contact, and a clear call-to-action.

• Template or lightly customised theme
• Basic on-page SEO setup (titles, meta, headings)
• Mobile-friendly layout
• Contact form
• Basic security setup and analytics

Watch-outs: ultra-low pricing often excludes copy, images, GDPR cookie setup, and post-launch support.

Type 2: Small business website (5–15 pages) with conversions in mind

Typical cost (UK, 2026): £2,500–£7,500

This is the sweet spot for many UK SMEs: enough pages to target services/locations, build trust, and generate enquiries consistently.

• Customised design aligned with your brand
• Improved conversion structure (CTAs, trust signals, layouts)
• Local SEO foundations (especially useful for service areas)
• Blog or resources section (optional but common)
• Speed and performance optimisation

Good fit when: you’re spending money on Google Ads, networking, or referrals and need your website to convert properly.

Type 3: Lead generation + content-driven website (SEO-focused)

Typical cost (UK, 2026): £5,000–£15,000+

Built for businesses that want consistent organic traffic and leads. Think structured service pages, supporting content, and clear internal linking.

• Keyword and content planning
• Content templates for service pages, case studies, FAQs
• Technical SEO foundations (indexing, schema, redirects)
• Scalable structure for growth over 12–24 months

Important: an SEO-ready site is not the same as “SEO done”. Ongoing content and optimisation is where results compound.

Type 4: eCommerce website (Shopify/WooCommerce)

Typical cost (UK, 2026): £4,000–£25,000+

Costs depend heavily on catalogue size, product complexity, shipping rules, subscriptions, bundles, integrations (like Xero), and how much merchandising/content support you want.

• Shop setup, payments, delivery, tax
• Product templates and collection/category structure
• Transactional emails and legal pages
• Speed, security and tracking setup

Typical additional costs: paid apps, email marketing, feed management, ongoing CRO (conversion rate optimisation).

Type 5: Bespoke web app / custom build (portals, bookings, memberships)

Typical cost (UK, 2026): £15,000–£80,000+

This is where the “website” is really a piece of software: client portals, booking systems, membership platforms, internal dashboards, custom workflows, or headless builds.

• Discovery and specification
• UI/UX design and prototyping
• Custom development and testing
• Ongoing improvements (most successful apps iterate)

When it’s worth it: when the site saves staff time, reduces errors, or directly increases revenue at scale.

3. Breakdown: what you’re actually paying for

When you see a website quote, you’re not paying for “pages”. You’re paying for time, skill, risk management and responsibility. Here’s what typically sits inside the cost.

Discovery & planning (often 5–15% of the budget)

• Clarifying goals: enquiries, bookings, sales, downloads
• User journeys: what people need and how they’ll find it
• Competitor review and differentiation
• Site structure planning (sitemap)

If discovery is skipped, you often pay later through rewrites, redesigns and “can we just add…” requests.

Design (often 20–40% of the budget)

• Visual design aligned with your brand (or basic brand tidy-up)
• Component design (buttons, cards, forms, layouts)
• Mobile, tablet and desktop considerations
• Accessibility best practice (contrast, focus states, readable type)

Development (often 30–50% of the budget)

• Building templates and components
• CMS setup so you can edit content
• Forms, automation, email routing
• eCommerce setup (if needed)
• Security hardening and spam prevention

Content support (variable)

Content is one of the biggest “hidden” parts of a website build. Some clients come with polished copy and photography; others need help from scratch.

• Copywriting (often £300–£1,000+ per core page depending on depth)
• Photography (a half-day shoot in the UK might be £400–£1,200+)
• Video (can range from a few hundred to several thousand)
• Content entry and formatting

SEO foundations (not full SEO)

• Technical setup: sitemap, robots, canonical tags
• Page titles and meta descriptions
• Heading structure and internal linking
• Image optimisation and alt text basics
• Local SEO basics (NAP consistency, map embed where relevant)

Testing & launch

• Mobile and browser testing
• Form testing and email deliverability checks
• Redirects (especially if replacing an old site)
• Analytics setup (GA4 or alternative), Search Console
• Backup and rollback plan

Training & handover

• How to edit pages, post blogs, upload images
• Simple guidance to avoid breaking layouts
• Documentation or recorded walkthroughs

4. Fixed price vs monthly payment plans

In 2026, it’s common to see two ways to pay: a one-off fixed project fee or a monthly website plan. Neither is automatically “better” — it depends on cashflow, long-term needs and how much ongoing support you want.

Fixed price projects: best for ownership and flexibility

With a fixed project fee, you pay for the build, then separately pay for hosting, maintenance, and any future improvements.

Pros:

• Clear start and end point
• You own the asset outright (assuming your contract states this)
• Easier to change providers later

Cons:

• Bigger upfront cost
• Ongoing improvements may get delayed if not budgeted

Monthly website plans: best for predictable cashflow

Monthly plans usually bundle design/build, hosting, maintenance, and a set amount of support time. Some plans are essentially a finance arrangement; others are a genuine “website + ongoing care” service.

Pros:

• Lower upfront cost
• Ongoing support is included (often with a fair usage policy)
• Encourages continuous improvement rather than “launch and forget”

Cons:

• Contracts may be 12–36 months
• You must check who owns the site if you cancel
• Scope can be limited (and extra work is billable)

What we recommend most often

If you’re a UK small business that relies on enquiries, we generally prefer either:

• Fixed build + a sensible maintenance plan (so the site stays secure and up to date), or
• A monthly plan that includes real ongoing work (not just “hosting and a plugin update once a quarter”).

To understand how we structure timelines, approvals and handover, have a look at our process.

5. Hidden costs to watch out for (UK, 2026)

Some costs aren’t “hidden” on purpose — they’re just not discussed early enough. These are the ones we recommend planning for upfront.

Domain, hosting and email

• Domain: typically £10–£30/year (more for premium domains)
• Hosting: £10–£60/month for typical SME sites; more for high-traffic or eCommerce
• Email: Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace typically £5–£15/user/month

Maintenance, updates and security

If you’re on WordPress or a plugin-based stack, updates matter. Without maintenance, you risk:

• Security vulnerabilities
• Broken layouts after updates
• Slow performance over time

UK maintenance plans commonly range from £30–£200+/month depending on complexity and support needs.

Paid plugins, apps and licences

• Cookie consent tools
• Form tools (especially if you need conditional logic)
• eCommerce subscriptions, bundles, reviews
• Premium SEO tools

It’s normal for a site to have £10–£150/month in software costs if it relies on third-party tools.

Content creation and ongoing SEO

Many sites launch with minimal content then struggle to rank or convert. Budget for:

• Copy refreshes based on real customer questions
• New service pages as you expand
• Case studies (massively underused, very persuasive)

GDPR, cookie compliance and accessibility

Compliance isn’t a one-time tick box. You may need:

• Cookie banner and preference management
• Privacy and cookie policy updates
• Accessibility improvements (especially for public sector and larger orgs)

We’re not solicitors, but we’ll flag common requirements and help you implement the technical side properly.

Integrations you didn’t think about

• CRM (HubSpot, Pipedrive, Zoho)
• Email marketing (Mailchimp, Klaviyo)
• Bookings (Calendly, Acuity, custom)
• Accounting (Xero/QuickBooks)

Integrations can be simple or surprisingly fiddly depending on your workflow and whether you need data to sync both ways.

6. When to invest more vs when to save

Not every business needs a £10k+ site. But equally, some businesses try to save £2k and accidentally cap their growth for the next two years. Here’s how we’d think about it.

Invest more when your website is part of your sales engine

Spending more tends to pay off when:

• You rely on inbound enquiries (Google, referrals, socials)
• You’re running paid ads and need landing pages that convert
• Your average customer value is high (e.g. £2,000+ projects)
• You’re in a competitive space where trust matters (finance, legal, property, specialist trades)
• You need the site to reduce admin (automated booking, qualification forms)

Save (sensibly) when you’re validating an idea

It can be smart to keep costs down if:

• You’re testing a new service and just need a credible presence
• You have very limited content and no photography yet
• You don’t have a clear offer (yet) and expect it to change

In these cases, we’d rather build something lean that can evolve than overspend on a site you’ll rewrite in six months.

Numbers to help you decide

Ask yourself:

1. What is one new customer worth to you? If one job is worth £1,500, a £4,500 website that helps win 3 extra jobs per year is paying its way.
2. How many leads do you need per month? If you need 20 enquiries/month, conversion and visibility matter far more.
3. How much time will the site save you? If better forms save you 2 hours/week, that’s ~100 hours/year.

7. Xiza’s transparent pricing approach

We don’t believe in vague quotes. When we price a website, we explain what’s included, what’s optional, what assumptions we’re making (for example, whether you’re supplying copy), and what ongoing costs to expect.

Our work is UK-based and we support businesses across the UK, including London and the South East, as well as clients in nearby commuter areas and regional towns where local search matters. If you’re a service business covering multiple areas, we’ll also talk honestly about what “local SEO” can and can’t do without ongoing content.

How we scope projects (so you don’t get surprises)

• We start with goals: what the site needs to achieve, not how many pages you think you need.
• We plan the structure: pages, navigation, CTAs, and any future expansion.
• We define what you’re providing: copy, images, logos, testimonials, case studies.
• We agree what “launch” means: tracking, SEO basics, redirects, training.
• We confirm ongoing responsibilities: updates, backups, monitoring, changes.

Typical 2026 budget ranges we see at Xiza

Every project is different, but as a guide:

• Small brochure sites: commonly £1,500–£3,500 depending on design and content
• SME marketing sites: commonly £3,500–£9,500 (often the best ROI range)
• SEO-focused builds: commonly £6,000–£15,000+ depending on content planning and templates
• eCommerce: commonly £6,000–£25,000+ depending on catalogue and integrations

If you’d like to see the sort of outcomes these budgets can produce, our portfolio shows real examples.

When we might not be the right fit

We’re happy to say no when it’s in your best interest. We may not be a good fit if:

• You need the absolute cheapest site possible and quality/strategy aren’t priorities
• You want a site tomorrow with no time for planning or content
• You’re expecting page-one rankings without investing in content and ongoing SEO

If you’re unsure, start with a simple conversation. You can reach us via our contact page and we’ll tell you honestly what we’d recommend.

8. FAQ: website costs in the UK (2026)

How much does a website cost in the UK in 2026?

Most UK small business websites in 2026 fall between £1,500 and £9,500 depending on design, content, and functionality. eCommerce commonly starts around £4,000–£6,000 and can go well beyond £25,000 for complex stores.

Why do some companies charge £500 and others £10,000 for “the same website”?

Because they’re rarely the same. Lower quotes often exclude strategy, copy, SEO foundations, performance work, and post-launch support. Higher quotes usually include planning, better design, more robust build quality, and a smoother process with fewer risks.

Is it cheaper to use a website builder like Wix or Squarespace?

It can be cheaper upfront if you build it yourself. But if you want a developer to customise it properly, costs can end up similar to a WordPress or Shopify build. Also factor in limitations around SEO structure, page speed, and flexibility as you grow.

How much should I budget for website maintenance in 2026?

For a typical UK SME site, budget £30–£200+ per month depending on platform, update frequency, and support needs. eCommerce and high-traffic sites often need more hands-on monitoring.

What ongoing costs should I expect after launch?

• Hosting
• Domain renewal
• Email (Google Workspace / Microsoft 365)
• Maintenance and updates
• Licences for plugins/apps
• Optional: SEO/content and conversion improvements

How much does eCommerce cost in the UK in 2026?

A straightforward Shopify or WooCommerce shop often lands in the £6,000–£15,000 range when done properly (structure, payments, shipping, tracking, emails, and product templates). Costs rise with integrations, subscriptions, complex shipping rules, and large catalogues.

Do I own my website after it’s built?

You should — but not all providers work that way. Always check the contract for ownership of the design, code, and content, plus whether you can move hosting. With some monthly plans, you’re effectively renting the site.

Can I pay monthly for a website instead of upfront?

Yes. Just make sure you understand:

• Contract length (12–36 months is common)
• What happens if you cancel
• What’s included each month (support time, edits, updates)
• Any extra charges for new features or pages

What affects website cost the most?

The biggest drivers are usually:

• How custom the design is
• How much content needs creating
• Complex functionality (eCommerce, bookings, portals)
• Integrations (CRM, accounting, stock systems)
• Timeline (urgent projects cost more)

How long does it take to build a website?

As a rough UK guide:

• Starter sites: 2–4 weeks
• SME sites: 4–10 weeks
• eCommerce: 6–14+ weeks
• Bespoke builds: 3–6+ months

Content delays are the number one reason timelines slip.

Is SEO included in the website price?

Basic SEO foundations often are (technical setup and on-page best practice), but ongoing SEO is a separate service. If you want to compete for valuable keywords in 2026, plan for ongoing content and optimisation rather than treating SEO as a one-off.

Should I choose WordPress or Shopify?

If you’re primarily selling products online, Shopify is often simpler to run. If your site is content-heavy (services, SEO, resources) and you want flexibility, WordPress can be a great choice. The right answer depends on your team, budget, and how you’ll use the site day to day.

Can you redesign my existing website instead of rebuilding it?

Sometimes. If the underlying platform is stable and the build quality is good, a redesign can be cost-effective. But if the site is slow, insecure, or difficult to edit, a rebuild is often cheaper in the long run.

How do I keep website costs down without ruining the result?

• Be clear on your primary goal (enquiries, bookings, sales)
• Provide content early (or budget for copywriting)
• Start with core pages, then expand
• Use proven components rather than inventing everything
• Choose integrations carefully (each one adds complexity)

Conclusion: a sensible way to budget for your 2026 website

If you’ve been searching for how much does a website cost UK 2026, the most honest answer is: it depends — but it shouldn’t be a mystery. In 2026, a solid small business website is usually a few thousand pounds, eCommerce is typically mid-to-high four figures or more, and bespoke builds are priced like software because they are software.

The best next step is to work out what your website needs to achieve (leads, sales, bookings, trust), then choose the simplest build that can deliver that reliably — with clear ongoing costs for hosting, maintenance and improvements.

If you want a straight answer on what your project would cost, we’re happy to talk it through. Explore our services, see recent work, and check how we run projects. When you’re ready, send the details via contact — or message us on WhatsApp and we’ll point you in the right direction (even if we’re not the best fit).

Tags: Website Costs, UK Business, Web Development