How Much Does an Electrician Cost in Portsmouth? | 2026 Local Pricing Guide
If you need electrical work carried out at your home, flat or rental property in Portsmouth, one of the first questions you’ll ask is how much will it cost? Electrician prices can vary depending on the type of job, urgency and the condition of your electrical system, so having a clear idea of typical costs helps you plan properly and avoid unexpected bills.
This 2026 guide explains average electrician costs in Portsmouth, what affects pricing, and what homeowners and landlords should expect to pay for common electrical work.
Average Electrician Costs in Portsmouth (2026)
As a general guide, electrician pricing in Portsmouth typically falls within the following ranges:
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- Hourly rate: £50 – £85 per hour
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- Half-day rate: £180 – £320
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- Full-day rate: £350 – £650
Smaller jobs are often charged hourly, while larger projects such as rewiring, consumer unit upgrades or fault finding are usually quoted as a fixed price after inspection.
Typical Costs for Common Electrical Jobs
Below are average price ranges for common electrical work in Portsmouth in 2026:
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- Replacing a socket or switch: £60 – £120
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- Installing additional sockets: £80 – £160 per socket
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- Light fitting installation: £70 – £140
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- Fault finding & repairs: £90 – £180+
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- Consumer unit (fuse board) replacement: £450 – £950
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- Partial house rewire: £2,000 – £3,500
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- Full house rewire: £3,500 – £7,500+
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- EICR electrical safety report: £150 – £300
Prices vary depending on access, property size and whether remedial work is required following inspection.
What Affects the Cost of an Electrician in Portsmouth?
1. Type and Complexity of the Job
Straightforward jobs such as replacing a socket are far cheaper than complex work like rewiring, fault finding or installing new circuits. Jobs that require testing and certification also take longer and increase cost.
2. Property Type and Age
Portsmouth has a wide mix of:
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- Victorian and Edwardian terraces
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- Post-war houses
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- Flats and converted properties
Older properties often require more work due to outdated wiring, limited earthing or older fuse boards, which can increase labour time.
3. Urgency and Call-Out Times
Emergency or same-day call-outs usually cost more, especially:
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- Evenings
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- Weekends
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- Bank holidays
Out-of-hours rates can be 20–50% higher than standard daytime pricing.
4. Materials and Fixtures
Costs will increase depending on:
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- Quality of sockets and switches
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- Smart or specialist fittings
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- Brand and specification of consumer units
Higher-quality materials cost more upfront but generally offer better safety and longevity.
5. Certification and Compliance
Electrical work that requires certification — such as rewiring, consumer unit upgrades or EICRs — costs more due to inspection, testing and paperwork, but this is essential for safety and legal compliance.
Do Electricians in Portsmouth Charge Call-Out Fees?
Some electricians charge a call-out fee, particularly for small or urgent jobs. This usually covers:
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- Travel
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- Initial inspection
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- The first hour of labour
Call-out fees typically range from £60 to £120, depending on time of day and urgency.
How to Avoid Overpaying for Electrical Work
To ensure fair pricing:
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- Request a clear written quote where possible
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- Confirm whether materials are included
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- Ask about call-out fees before booking
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- Check NICEIC or NAPIT registration
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- Use a local electrician familiar with Portsmouth properties
Clear communication upfront helps avoid unexpected costs later.
Is It Worth Choosing the Cheapest Electrician?
Not always. The cheapest quote can sometimes lead to:
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- Poor workmanship
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- Repeat faults
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- Safety risks
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- Failed inspections
Using a qualified, insured electrician ensures work is completed safely and correctly the first time.
Electrical Costs for Landlords in Portsmouth
Landlords have legal responsibilities to maintain safe electrics. Typical landlord costs include:
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- EICR inspections every 5 years
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- Remedial work following inspection reports
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- Consumer unit upgrades to meet modern standards
Failing to comply can result in fines and enforcement action.
Is Electrical Work Worth the Cost?
Professional electrical work:
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- Improves safety
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- Reduces fire risk
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- Increases property value
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- Prevents costly future repairs
In most cases, investing in proper electrical work saves money long-term.
Why Use a Local Portsmouth Electrician?
A local electrician offers:
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- Faster response times
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- Knowledge of Portsmouth housing stock
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- Familiarity with landlord and rental regulations
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- Ongoing support for future electrical work
Local experience helps ensure work is completed efficiently and to a high standard.
Final Thoughts
Understanding local electrician costs in Portsmouth in 2026 helps homeowners and landlords plan electrical work with confidence. While prices vary depending on job type and urgency, choosing a qualified local electrician ensures safety, compliance and long-term reliability.
Whether you need a small repair, a safety inspection or a full rewire, clear pricing and professional workmanship make all the difference.