The short answer
In the UK in 2026, a simple business website typically costs between about £800 and £5,000. Online shops usually start around £3,500, and custom web applications and marketplaces start at around £5,000 and rise quickly with features. The right number depends on what the site has to do, not on how many pages it has.
Typical UK website costs in 2026
| Type of project | Typical UK range |
|---|---|
| Basic brochure website | £800 to £2,500 |
| Professional business website | £2,500 to £5,000 |
| E-commerce website | £3,500 to £8,000+ |
| Custom web application | £5,000 to £15,000+ |
| Hosting | £100 to £500 a year |
| Maintenance | £30 to £200 a month |
| Domain name | £10 to £30 a year |
These are market ranges from a UK web developer's June 2026 pricing guide, not SQNWeb's price list.
What changes the price
- Function. A site that shows information is cheaper than one with user accounts, bookings or payments.
- Content. Who writes the copy and finds the images? Writing is real work.
- Design. A custom design costs more than a tailored template.
- Integrations. Payments, booking systems, maps and other APIs each add build and testing time.
- SEO. Doing it during the build is cheaper than fixing it afterwards.
- Languages. A second language means a second set of content and structure.
How to compare quotes
Ask each supplier the same five questions: is the price fixed or hourly, what exactly is included, who writes the content, who owns the site and code at the end, and what happens after launch. A cheaper quote that leaves out SEO, content and hosting is often the more expensive one in the end.
How we quote
We charge per project, not per hour. After a free first consultation we scope the work with you and give you one fixed price in writing before anything starts. A focused business site is often a matter of weeks. If your project is closer to a platform, see marketplace development. For a simple business site, see web design.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a simple business website cost in the UK?
About £800 to £5,000 in 2026, depending on the number of pages, the design and the content. A basic brochure site sits at the lower end.
Why do quotes vary so much?
Because the scope varies. Two quotes for "a website" can cover very different amounts of design, writing, SEO and testing. Compare what's included, not just the total.
Is a fixed price better than paying by the hour?
For most small businesses, yes, because you know the total before you commit. Hourly billing can suit open-ended work where the scope genuinely can't be known, but you carry the risk of the bill growing. Whichever you choose, ask what happens if the scope changes.
Are there ongoing costs?
Yes. Budget for a domain (about £10 to £30 a year), hosting (about £100 to £500 a year) and, if you want someone to look after the site, maintenance at roughly £30 to £200 a month.
Sources
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