"How much does a website cost?" is one of the most common questions we get asked at PYCO IT. And honestly, it's a bit like asking "how much does a car cost?" - the answer depends entirely on what you need.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down the real costs of building a website in the UK in 2025, from simple brochure sites to complex e-commerce platforms. No fluff, just honest pricing.
Website Cost Summary for 2025
| Website Type | Price Range | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Template Website (DIY) | £0 - £500 | 1-2 weeks |
| Basic Brochure Site | £1,500 - £3,000 | 2-4 weeks |
| Professional Business Site | £3,000 - £8,000 | 4-8 weeks |
| E-commerce Store | £5,000 - £25,000 | 6-12 weeks |
| Custom Web Application | £15,000 - £100,000+ | 3-12 months |
What Affects Website Cost?
Before we dive into specific prices, let's understand the factors that influence cost:
1. Design Complexity
A custom design created from scratch costs more than using a pre-built template. Custom designs typically add £1,000-£5,000 to your project, but they ensure your site stands out from competitors.
2. Number of Pages
More pages mean more design work, more content, and more development time. A 5-page site is significantly cheaper than a 50-page site.
3. Functionality
Features like booking systems, member areas, payment processing, and integrations with other software all add to the cost. Each custom feature might add £500-£5,000 depending on complexity.
4. Content Management System (CMS)
WordPress sites are generally cheaper than custom-built solutions. Headless CMS setups with frameworks like Next.js cost more but offer better performance.
Detailed Breakdown by Website Type
Basic Brochure Website (£1,500 - £3,000)
Perfect for small businesses that need an online presence. Typically includes:
- 5-10 pages (Home, About, Services, Contact, etc.)
- Mobile-responsive design
- Contact form
- Basic SEO setup
- Social media integration
Professional Business Website (£3,000 - £8,000)
For established businesses wanting to make an impact:
- 10-25 pages with custom design
- Blog functionality
- Advanced SEO optimisation
- Analytics integration
- Newsletter signup
- Live chat integration
E-commerce Website (£5,000 - £25,000)
For businesses selling products online:
- Product catalogue with categories
- Shopping cart and checkout
- Payment gateway integration
- Inventory management
- Order management system
- Customer accounts
- Shipping calculations
Ongoing Costs to Consider
The initial build is just part of the picture. Budget for these ongoing costs:
- Domain name: £10-£50/year
- Hosting: £50-£500/year
- SSL certificate: Often free with hosting
- Maintenance: £50-£500/month
- Content updates: Variable
How to Get the Best Value
Here are our tips for getting the most from your website budget:
- Know your requirements: The clearer you are about what you need, the more accurate your quotes will be.
- Prioritise features: Launch with essential features and add more later.
- Prepare your content: Having your text and images ready saves development time.
- Choose the right partner: The cheapest quote isn't always the best value. Look for experience and reliability.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Be wary of agencies or freelancers who:
- Quote without understanding your requirements
- Promise unrealistically low prices
- Can't show you previous work
- Don't mention ongoing costs
- Won't give you ownership of your website
Getting a Quote from PYCO IT
At PYCO IT, we believe in transparent pricing. Our web development services start from £2,999, and we always provide detailed quotes with no hidden costs.
We'll take the time to understand your business, your goals, and your budget before recommending the best approach. And we'll be honest if we think a simpler solution would work better for you.
Ready to Get Started?
Get a free, no-obligation quote for your website project.
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