How Much Does Web Design Cost in the UK? (2025 UK Web Design Pricing Guide)

Web Design

24 September 2025

5 min read

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If you're planning to launch a website in 2025, one of your first questions is likely: How much does web design cost in the UK?

Short answer: It depends. The cost of web design in the UK varies based on the type of website, level of customisation, who builds it (freelancer vs agency), and ongoing services like hosting, maintenance, and SEO.

In this 2025 UK Web Design Pricing Guide by MRZ Tech, we cover:

  • Average website design cost in the UK
  • Freelance vs agency web design pricing
  • Small business vs eCommerce website cost
  • Extra expenses: maintenance, hosting, domain
  • Key factors that influence UK web design cost
  • How to get the best web design quotes in the UK
  • Tips to save money without compromising quality
  • Long-term ROI of investing in professional web design

Average Web Design Cost UK (2025 Overview)

Here's a snapshot of typical pricing based on website type:

Type of Website Average Cost (UK) Description
Basic Brochure Website £500 – £3,000 Simple 5–10 page site for basic online presence
Small Business Website (with CMS) £1,500 – £5,000 Built with WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace
eCommerce Website £5,000 – £25,000+ Includes product pages, checkout, payment integration
Custom-Built / Large Agency Project £10,000 – £50,000+ For corporates or advanced custom solutions

Note: These are general estimates. Your exact costs depend on your project scope, industry, and expectations.

Key Factors That Affect Web Design Cost in the UK

Understanding the variables that influence pricing helps you make better budget decisions:

  1. Type of Website

    A brochure website is relatively simple—mainly consisting of homepage, about us, services, and contact pages. In contrast, an eCommerce or membership website requires extensive backend development, payment integration, product management, and user account systems.

  2. Level of Customisation
    • Template-Based Design: Ideal for fast deployment and budget projects. However, templates limit design flexibility.
    • Custom Design : Offers total creative control, brand alignment, and UX design tailored to your goals. Requires more time and higher investment.
  3. Freelancer vs Agency

    Who builds your site plays a major role in cost:

    • Freelancers: Offer affordable rates but often lack access to marketing and tech specialists.
    • Agencies: Provide a team of experts—designers, developers, project managers, and SEO strategists—which means better results but higher cost.
  4. Features & Functionality

    The more advanced your features, the higher the cost. Examples:

    • Booking systems
    • Membership portals
    • Chatbots
    • CRM/email integrations
    • Multi-language support
    • SEO tools & analytics setup
  5. Ongoing Services

    Beyond the build, websites require ongoing support:

    • Hosting
    • Domain renewal
    • Security patches
    • Regular backups
    • Performance monitoring

Freelancer vs Agency: Web Design Cost UK

Choosing between a freelancer or agency depends on your goals, budget, and timeline.

Freelancers

    Pros:

  • Lower pricing
  • One-on-one communication
  • Flexible schedules
  • Cons:

  • Limited capacity for large projects
  • May lack expertise in SEO or complex integrations

Pricing Guide:

  • Basic site: £500–£2,500
  • Intermediate site: £3,000–£5,000

Agencies

    Pros:

  • Full team of specialists
  • Strong project management
  • Comprehensive strategy (design, SEO, branding)
  • Cons:

  • Higher cost
  • Less personal interaction

Pricing Guide:

  • Small business site: £2,500–£7,500
  • eCommerce: £5,000–£25,000+
  • Advanced/corporate projects: £10,000–£50,000+

Small Business Website Cost UK

Small businesses often need a website that balances cost, design, and functionality.

Options:

  • DIY Builders: Wix, Squarespace, or GoDaddy—£200–£1,000/year. Best for micro-businesses or MVPs.
  • Freelancer: £750–£3,500. Offers some flexibility and professional touch.
  • Agency: £2,500–£7,500. Includes strategy, design, SEO, and support.

Typical spend for UK small businesses: £1,500–£5,000

eCommerce Website Cost UK

Selling online adds complexity. Here’s a breakdown:

    Template-Based eCommerce (Shopify, WooCommerce):

  • £2,000–£7,500.
  • Best for startups and small retailers.
  • Custom eCommerce Platforms (Magento, Laravel, Bespoke):

  • £10,000–£25,000+.
  • Best for large-scale operations, wholesalers, or unique workflows.

Additional Costs:

  • Payment gateway fees (e.g., Stripe, PayPal)
  • SSL certificate (£50–£200/year if not free)
  • Shipping, tax, and inventory software

Tip: Always ensure your eCommerce site is mobile-optimised and secure.

Website Maintenance Cost UK

A live website is never really “done.” Ongoing updates and security checks are vital.

Typical Monthly Maintenance Includes:

  • Core CMS & plugin updates
  • Malware scans & security fixes
  • Performance optimization
  • Monthly content updates
  • Uptime monitoring

Cost Range: £50–£200+/month depending on support level

MRZ Tech offers custom maintenance packages tailored to your platform and growth needs.

Hosting and Domain Costs UK

These are your website’s recurring infrastructure costs:

  • Domain Name: £10–£20/year
  • Web Hosting:
    • Shared Hosting: £100–£200/year
    • VPS or Cloud Hosting: £200–£500+/year
  • SSL Certificate: £50–£200/year (may be included in hosting)

Choose reliable hosting with good uptime, fast speeds, and 24/7 support.

How to Get the Best Website Design Quotes in the UK?

Before hiring anyone, define your project requirements:

  • Business goals
  • Number of pages
  • Required features (e.g., blog, contact form, eCommerce)
  • Brand guidelines
  • SEO or marketing needs

Steps to follow:

  1. Write a clear brief.
  2. Get 3–5 quotes from trusted providers.
  3. Compare value—not just cost.
  4. Ask about portfolios, timelines, and post-launch support.
  5. Choose based on expertise and communication.

Tips for Affordable Web Design in the UK

Want a quality site without overspending? Here’s how:

  • Use a CMS (like WordPress) to reduce dev time.
  • Start with core pages, add more later.
  • Use pre-built templates with minor customisations.
  • Outsource small tasks (e.g., copywriting or image sourcing).
  • Bundle services (e.g., design + SEO + maintenance) with one provider.
  • Avoid "too good to be true" offers—they usually are.

Web Design UK: Quick FAQ

    How much does a simple website cost in the UK?

    £500–£3,000 for a brochure-style site.

    How much is an eCommerce website in the UK?

    £5,000–£25,000+ depending on size and functionality.

    What’s the average cost for a small business website in the UK?

    Most spend £1,500–£5,000 for a professional presence.

    Are there hidden website costs?

    Yes—include hosting, domain, maintenance, SEO, and content creation in your budget.

Final Thoughts: Web Design Cost UK 2025

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are the general benchmarks:

Provider Type Typical Budget Range
Freelancers £500–£5,000
Agencies £2,500–£10,000+
eCommerce £5,000–£25,000+
Custom Builds £10,000–£50,000+

When requesting quotes, be transparent about your goals and budget. A good agency or freelancer will help you prioritise and find smart ways to meet your goals.

Pro Tip: Choose a partner who offers ongoing support, SEO, and growth-focused design—not just a quick website build.

Why Choose MRZ Tech for Your Website Project?

At MRZ Tech, we’ve built hundreds of websites for clients across the UK and beyond. Whether you need a brochure site or an advanced eCommerce solution, we offer:

  • Transparent pricing
  • Customised design & development
  • SEO-friendly builds
  • Scalable solutions for future growth
  • Expert support & maintenance

Need a professional website that fits your budget?

Contact MRZ Tech today for a free consultation and personalised quote!


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