How much does a handyman cost in London?
A handyman in the UK typically charges £30–£60 per hour, or £150–£280 for a full day, with a minimum call-out fee of £40–£80. In London (London), a handyman typically charges £30–£65 per hour — that is +7% versus the UK average of £30–£60.
London handyman rate: £30–£65 per hour. London runs at index 107 (UK = 100), so local prices are adjusted +7% from the national band.
Handyman prices in London
| Job | UK typical | London | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard hourly rateOften a 1–2 hour minimum | £30–£60 | £30–£65 | per hour |
| Half-day rateBest for a list of small jobs | £90–£150 | £95–£160 | per half day |
| Day rateTackle a whole snagging list | £150–£280 | £160–£300 | per day |
| Minimum call-outCovers travel + first job | £40–£80 | £45–£85 | minimum fee |
| Flat-pack assemblyWardrobes more than a desk | £40–£100 | £45–£110 | per item |
| Hang a TV / shelvesDepends on wall type | £40–£90 | £45–£95 | per job |
City prices are the UK bands scaled by the London regional price level. Source: ONS — Relative regional consumer price levels of goods and services, UK: 2016 (all-items relative price level, UK=100) (2016). ONS release.
What changes a handyman's price
- Minimum charge: Most handymen have a one- or two-hour minimum, so a 20-minute job still costs the minimum — batch several small jobs into one visit.
- Region: London and the South East run 20–40% above the national average.
- Scope of work: A handyman handles general maintenance and small jobs. Notifiable gas or electrical work must go to a registered engineer — that boundary affects who you should book.
- Materials: Fixings, brackets, and consumables are usually billed on top of labour unless agreed otherwise.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a handyman cost per hour in London?
UK handymen typically charge £30–£60 per hour, usually with a one- or two-hour minimum. A day rate of £150–£280 is far better value if you have a list of small jobs to clear in one visit.
What can a handyman legally do?
A handyman can do general repairs and maintenance — flat-pack assembly, hanging shelves and TVs, minor carpentry, sealing, small painting, and similar. Notifiable gas work must go to a Gas Safe engineer and notifiable electrical work to a registered electrician.
Is a handyman cheaper than a specialist tradesperson?
For small, simple jobs, yes — a handyman’s hourly rate is lower than a specialist plumber or electrician. For anything specialist, regulated, or guaranteed, the right trade is cheaper in the long run because it is done correctly and certified.
Handyman cost in other cities
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