Quick answer:
Planning to install a new shopfront in London? The cost ranges between £1,900 and £12,700+, depending on your frontage size, the frame system, the safety glass specification, access, and add-ons like roller shutters, signage, and making good.
If you want a number you can actually trust, get an itemised quote that includes removal, disposal, and final finishing.
At Redwood Shopfront, we survey, supply, and install with transparent pricing. This guide breaks down what you actually pay for, typical London price ranges, and provides a few example budgets so you can estimate your project before requesting quotes.
What are the Average shop front Costs?
At Redwood Shopfront, our new installations for small to medium units typically range from:
- Simple Aluminium Shopfront for smaller frontage): £1,900 – £4,500 and
- Mid-range safety glass: £4,500 – £7,500
- Premium / Toughened Glass Systems (Frameless look, larger spans): £7,500 – £12,700+
- Timber Shopfronts (Conservation Areas): £12,000+ (Highly bespoke)
What “a new shopfront” usually includes (and what it often doesn’t)
A proper quote should clearly list what’s included.
Typically Included |
NOT Included |
|---|---|
Aluminium frame system (or specified system)
| |
BS EN 12600 Compliant safety glass
|
Fascia/signage/LED lighting
|
Shopfront door (single or double) + DDA Compliant hardware
|
Electrical works (power for shutters, lighting, access control)
|
Fixings, trims, sealants
|
Structural work (lintels, brickwork rebuilding, floor threshold changes)
|
Installation labour
|
Planning/landlord permissions
|
Basic making good around the frame
|
Decorating or internal finishing beyond basic making good
|
2026 London shopfront cost ranges
We believe in transparency and quality. We don’t just give you a price; we give you a solution that fits your business needs and your budget.
Here are the ranges most businesses see when installing a new shopfront in London.
Shopfront Type |
Avg. Price Range |
Usually Includes |
|---|---|---|
Simple aluminium shopfront
|
£1,900 – £4,500
|
Standard aluminium frame, safety glass, basic door set, straightforward install
|
Mid-range shopfront
|
£4,500 – £7,500
|
Upgraded thermal efficiency glass, powder-coated finish
|
Premium / specialist systems
|
£7,500 – £12,700+
|
Specialist systems, larger glass spans
|
Key Factors Driving Costs in London
1. Frontage Size and DDA Compliance
A wide frontage with a single door is a totally different job than a wider frontage with multiple glazed panels costs more in materials and labour.
- overall frontage width and height
- number of glazed panels
- door type (single, double, DDA compliant)
- transoms/toplights
- internal framing requirements
A simple layout saves money.
Note: All new installations must consider the Equality Act (DDA), and we always ensure your thresholds and door widths are compliant to avoid legal issues with the council.
2. Glass specification & Safety Standards
Shopfront glass must be compliant with BS EN 12600.
- 6mm toughened: £42/m²
- 10mm toughened: £62/m²
- 12mm toughened: £80/m²
For better energy savings in 2026, ask about ‘Low-E’ thermal coating, which can reduce your shop’s heating bills.
Practical advice: If your shop experiences high foot traffic or has a history of break-ins, laminated security glass is often a worthwhile investment.
3. Security add-ons
Security is a top priority for London business owners.
- Laminated Glass: Costs roughly 20% more than toughened glass but stays in place if smashed, preventing easy entry.
- Certified Shutters: Upgrading to LPS 1175-rated shutters can lower your annual business insurance premiums.
Hidden Costs: Planning & Council Fees
Not every shopfront needs planning permission, but signage and external appearance changes can trigger consents, especially in conservation areas like those in Barking, Ilford, or Central London.
If you’re applying for advertisement consent, the Planning Portal’s England fee guide lists:
- Signage/Business Signs: £168
- Other advertisements: £588
Fees are subject to annual inflation changes.
Tip: If you are unsure, contact us. We can review your frontage and identify likely planning issues early so you don’t waste money.
How to Save Money (Without Sacrificing Quality)
- Simplify the Layout: Fewer glass panels and straight lines reduce fabrication time.
- Bundle Your Services: Installing shutters at the same time as the shopfront can save up to 15% on labour costs.
- Specify “Making Good”: Ensure your installer includes the perimeter sealing and trim, so you don’t have to hire a separate handyman.
Get an Accurate Quote Fast
To help us give you a “to-the-penny” estimate, please have the following ready:
Checklist to speed up quoting:
- Photos: Clear pictures of the current frontage (inside and out).
- Rough Dimensions: Approximate width and height.
- Access Requirements: Note any parking restrictions or specific trading hours.
- Security Needs: Do you require integrated shutters or high-security glass?
Red flags to watch out for:
- No mention of glass specification
- No mention of removal/disposal
- “Making good” is missing or vague
- Quote isn’t itemised
- Very low price with lots of “to be confirmed” items
Ready to Transform Your Business?
A new storefront is an investment that starts paying returns immediately through increased foot traffic and improved brand perception.
Don’t guess the cost, get an accurate price today. Contact us now for a free, no-obligation site survey and quote.
Call us on: 07380 111166, Email: info@redwoodshopfront.co.uk
FAQ
How much does a new shopfront cost in London in 2026?
Our recent installations show the average price range between £1,900 to £12,700+, depending on size, glass specification, frame system, access, and extras such as shutters and signage.
What should be included in a proper quote?
At minimum: glass spec, frame system, door/hardware, installation, removal/disposal, and making good. If those are missing, the final bill usually grows later.
Do roller shutters increase the cost a lot?
They can, especially electric shutters or higher-security specs. If security is a priority, it’s often better to price shutters at the same time as the shopfront so everything fits cleanly.
What glass should I choose: toughened or laminated?
Toughened glass is strong and common for safety glazing. Laminated is better for security because it tends to stay in place when impacted. Many shopfronts use a combination depending on risk and location.
Is it cheaper to repair a shopfront or replace it?
Repairs are usually cheaper compared to a new installation. Replacement makes more sense if the frame is failing, the frontage is unsafe, or security problems keep repeating.
Do I need planning permission to replace a shopfront in London?
If you’re changing the external appearance materially or if you’re in a conservation area, you may need to obtain consent. Signage often requires advertisement consent, and fees depend on the type.
As the lead technical writer for Redwood Shopfront, Tom has over 7+ years of hands-on experience in the London commercial property sector, establishing himself as a leading authority on shopfront design and high-security structural glazing. Helping business owners in high-traffic areas like Soho and Walthamstow navigate complex security requirements, including LPS 1175 and PAS 24 compliance. His work ensures that every storefront is not just visually striking, but fully secured against modern threats.
Comments are closed