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

Short answer: most UK small businesses pay between £1,500 and £5,000 for a professionally designed website, plus £30–£100 a month to keep it hosted, secure and updated. Simple template sites can cost under £1,500. Online shops and web apps usually start from £5,000.

Website prices vary a lot because "a website" can mean anything from a one-page template to a booking system connected to your accounts. This guide breaks down what you get at each price, the ongoing costs people forget, and how to compare quotes.

Typical UK website costs at a glance

These are typical ranges we see in quotes across the UK market. Individual prices vary with scope, location and experience.

What affects the price

• Number of pages and templates. Ten service pages that share one layout cost less than ten unique designs.
• Custom design or template. Custom design takes longer, but it fits your brand and your customers better.
• Content. Professional copywriting and photography add cost, but they often matter more than the design.
• Features. Booking, payments, client logins and integrations each add build and testing time.
• SEO groundwork. Keyword research, redirects from an old site and schema markup take time but protect your rankings.

Ongoing costs to budget for

• Domain name: about £10–£20 a year.
• Hosting: £5–£30 a month for most small business sites.
• Updates, security and backups: done yourself, or £30–£100 a month on a care plan.
• Email: Google Workspace or Microsoft 365, charged per user.

How to compare website quotes

1. Check who owns the domain, design and code at the end.
2. Ask whether SEO basics, redirects and analytics are included.
3. Ask for the PageSpeed score of a recent site they've built.
4. Confirm how many rounds of changes are included.
5. Check payment terms and what happens if the project stops.
6. Check whether the price includes VAT.

What AtSyc charges

Paying once, our Starter websites start from £995, Business websites from £2,495 and online shops from £2,995. If you'd rather spread the cost, pay monthly plans start from £59/month with hosting and updates included. See full pricing.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a professional website for under £500?

Sometimes, from a freelancer using a template, but expect limited design, SEO and support. Check exactly what's included and who owns the site.

Is a website builder cheaper than paying a designer?

Upfront, yes. Over three years, subscription fees plus your own time often add up to a similar amount, with less flexibility.

Do I pay VAT on a website?

If your web designer is VAT-registered, VAT at 20% is added to the price. Always check whether a quote includes VAT.