After-builders cleaning in the UK typically costs GBP20-GBP35 per cleaner per hour (GBP25-GBP40 in London), or around GBP5-GBP9.50 per square foot for commercial work. By size, expect GBP130-GBP220 for a small flat up to GBP270-GBP450 for a 4-5 bed house. Final sparkle cleans sit at the top of the range. Figures are indicative for 2026 and attract 20% VAT.
How much does after-builders cleaning cost in the UK?
As a 2026 guide, post-construction cleaning is GBP20-GBP35 per cleaner per hour, rising to GBP25-GBP40 in London, or roughly GBP5-GBP9.50 per square foot for commercial work. By property size: small studio or 1-bed GBP130-GBP220 (GBP160-GBP260-plus in London), 2-3 bed GBP180-GBP320 (GBP220-GBP390 London), and 4-5-plus bed GBP270-GBP450 (GBP300-GBP650-plus London). The end-of-build sparkle clean - the final detailed pass before handover - sits at the top of the range at GBP25-GBP40 per hour.
What drives the price of a post-construction clean?
After-builders cleaning is labour-intensive and messy: fine construction dust settles everywhere, and there is paint, plaster, adhesive and sealant residue, sticker and protective-film removal, and detailed cleaning of new fixtures, glazing and floors. Price is driven by floor area, how heavy the build was, the number of phases (rough clean, then sparkle), access, waste removal and the equipment needed. Multi-phase commercial handovers cost more than a single domestic pass.
Rough clean, final clean or sparkle clean?
Post-construction cleaning is often staged: a rough clean once trades finish, a main clean, then a final sparkle clean immediately before handover. On commercial projects we can price each phase or the full sequence. It pairs naturally with a deep clean and, for fit-outs, an ongoing commercial cleaning contract once the space is occupied. See the commercial cleaning prices pillar for the wider picture.
How do the wage floor and VAT affect the price?
After-builders rates sit above routine cleaning but rest on the same wage floor - National Living Wage GBP12.71 an hour from April 2026, real Living Wage GBP13.45 UK / GBP14.80 London - plus employer's NI, holiday pay, specialist equipment, waste handling and margin. The extra time and equipment lift the hourly rate. Post-construction cleaning is standard-rated at 20% VAT.
How do you get an accurate after-builders quote?
Condition varies enormously after a build, so a survey or detailed photos matter. We assess the site, agree the phases and return a fixed price, and can set up ongoing cleaning once you are occupied. Request a fixed quote to begin.
Indicative UK after-builders cleaning costs (2026 guide only)
| Basis | Typical price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Per hour, per cleaner | GBP20 - GBP35 | GBP25-GBP40 in London |
| Commercial, per sq ft | GBP5 - GBP9.50 | Build-dependent |
| Small studio / 1-bed | GBP130 - GBP220 | GBP160-GBP260+ in London |
| 2-3 bed | GBP180 - GBP320 | GBP220-GBP390 in London |
| 4-5+ bed | GBP270 - GBP450 | GBP300-GBP650+ in London |