The Short Answer
On our estimates, swapping an existing light fitting for a new one costs about £60 to £130 with a basic fitting, and takes 30 to 60 minutes. Moving a light to a new position is £120 to £250. Hanging a chandelier is £90 to £250, more if it's heavy enough to need extra support.
Have several lights done in one visit: electricians often charge less per light when there are a few to do.
Light fitting prices
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Replace an existing fitting | £60 to £130 |
| Move a light to a new position | £120 to £250 |
| Chandelier or heavy pendant | £90 to £250 |
| Electrician by the hour | £45 to £65 |
Moving a light
Moving a light (£120 to £250 on our estimates) costs more than a swap because the wiring route changes, not just the fitting. It's commonly done to centre a ceiling light in a room, put it over a dining table, or suit a new layout. The price depends on how far it moves and how easy it is to get into the ceiling, and a quote should include making good the old position and testing and certifying the altered circuit.
Before you book
- Swap or new wiring? A like-for-like swap is quick. New positions or new wiring make it a bigger job.
- Dimmers and smart bulbs: check they're compatible with your existing wiring and switches before you buy.
- Access above the ceiling: restricted access or deep loft insulation adds time or limits where a light can go.
- Hidden problems: old or damaged wiring, awkward access or outdated junction boxes can stretch the job. I'd ask the electrician to look before quoting, to avoid surprises.
- Several at once: if you're changing more than one light, book them together.
Chandeliers and heavy fittings
- A large, heavy fitting needs a stronger ceiling mount, and may need extra brackets or extra timber fitted in the ceiling.
- Double-height or stairwell ceilings may need access equipment.
- No ceiling rose, old wiring that needs work, or plaster to repair after the old fitting comes down all add to the price.
Can you do it yourself?
Replacing a light like for like isn't notifiable in England. A confident DIYer may manage a simple swap, but anything with new wiring, switches or getting into the ceiling is best left to an electrician, who tests the work and gives you a certificate. A new circuit, a new consumer unit, or work in a bathroom's special location is notifiable: use an electrician registered with Blue Flame, Certsure (NICEIC and ELECSA), NAPIT or OFTEC, who certifies it, or tell building control. See what you should get at the end.
In a bathroom, Electrical Safety First prefers enclosed ceiling lights to ones that hang down, and says any fitting that isn't enclosed should be out of reach of someone using, or still wet from, the bath or shower.
Downlights
Spotlights through a ceiling are priced differently: see downlights.
Get light fitting installation quotes
Light fittings are priced per fitting, by whether the wiring's already there.
Free, no obligation. We're paid by MyJobQuote when a tradesperson buys your job, never by you.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an electrician charge to change a light fitting?
About £60 to £130 for a straightforward swap with a basic fitting, on our estimates.
How much does it cost to move a light?
About £120 to £250 to move a light to a new position, on our estimates.
Can I change a light fitting myself?
Replacing a fitting like for like isn't notifiable in England, so the law doesn't stop a competent person doing it. I'd still use an electrician for anything with new wiring or switches.
How much to hang a chandelier?
About £90 to £250 on our estimates, more if the ceiling needs extra support.
Why does moving a light cost more than replacing one?
Because the wiring route changes: the electrician runs new cable to the new position, makes good the old one, and tests and certifies the altered circuit.
Do I need an electrician to fit a dimmer switch?
Check first that the dimmer suits your bulbs, wiring and switches. A like-for-like change isn't notifiable in England, but I'd use an electrician if you're unsure.
How long does it take to change a light fitting?
About 30 to 60 minutes for a like-for-like swap.
How we priced thisView sources (3, 2 official)
Rules come from the legislation and official guidance, read at source. Prices are our estimates: we check them against trade price data, retailer shelf prices and specialists' price lists, then build them up from their parts so the totals add up. Below are the sources behind the page; the trade price guides we only compare against aren’t listed. Where sources disagreed, we've said so. More on our method.
- OfficialThe Building Regulations 2010, regulation 12(6A) and (9): notifiable electrical work and 'special location' (England), legislation.gov.uk. Checked 14 Oct 2026.
- OfficialThe Building Regulations 2010, Schedule 3: self-certification schemes (para 16, roof coverings), legislation.gov.uk. Checked 15 Oct 2026.
- IndustryElectrical safety advice for the bathroom, Electrical Safety First. Checked 16 Oct 2026.
