This cost guide covers typical UK price ranges for:
- TV aerial installation (loft, chimney, wall mount)
- aerial repairs (cable faults, signal issues, replacements)
- satellite dish installation and repairs (realignment, LNB replacement)
- extra TV points and distribution upgrades
Typical costs at a glance (UK 2026)
These are typical ranges you’ll see in UK pricing guides and installer examples. Exact prices vary with height/access, cabling routes, and signal conditions.
TV aerial installation
- Average TV aerial installation: around £250 (materials + labour) in one widely-used UK cost guide.
- Another UK quote-based guide suggests an average around £100 for a straightforward aerial install (often lower when access is easy and the job is simple).
- A broader range often quoted for aerial installs is ~£150–£300 depending on complexity and location.
Aerial repairs and common callouts
- Aerial repair prices “from ~£45” appear in some installer pricing pages (often for straightforward faults).
- “Aerial replacement from ~£80” is a common baseline in installer price guidance (but can rise with new pole/brackets/cable runs).
Satellite dish installation and repairs
- Satellite dish installation often quoted ~£100–£500 depending on install type and placement.
- Dish realignment: commonly ~£50–£80 in UK guides (basic alignment).
- Example installer fixed pricing shows dish re-alignment ~£80 + VAT and LNB replacement (with diagnostics) ~£80–£100 + VAT depending on LNB type.
Price table: common jobs and realistic ranges
| Job | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New TV aerial installed | ~£150–£300+ | Can be lower for simple installs, higher for difficult access or new cable routes. |
| Loft aerial install | ~£60–£150+ | Often cheaper than chimney installs; signal strength must be adequate. |
| Replace aerial (like-for-like) | ~£80–£200+ | More if pole/brackets/cable need renewing too. |
| Aerial repair / fault find | ~£45–£150+ | Cable joints, water ingress, connectors, amplifier faults. |
| Extra TV point / additional room feed | ~£45–£120+ | Depends on cable route and making good. |
| Satellite dish install | ~£100–£500 | Height, wall/chimney mount, number of feeds, cable run length. |
| Dish realignment | ~£50–£80 | Often a quick fix after wind movement. |
| LNB replacement (incl. diagnostics) | ~£80–£120+ | Sky Q wideband/extra outputs can cost more. |
What affects the price most (and why quotes vary so much)
1) Height and safe access
A 2-storey gable end is usually faster than a steep roof with awkward ladder placement. If scaffolding or a tower is needed, costs jump.
2) Cable route complexity
The job can be “easy” or it can involve:
- long cable runs
- drilling through thick walls
- hiding cables internally (chasing/plastering isn’t usually included)
- routing to multiple rooms
3) Signal strength in your area
In weak-signal areas, installers may recommend:
- a higher gain aerial
- masthead/loft amplifier
- replacing old coax and connectors
4) What you’re connecting to (Freeview / Freesat / Sky Q / multi-room)
Multi-room feeds and newer satellite setups often need more cabling and different LNB types.
5) Like-for-like repair vs “proper renewal”
A cheap “swap the aerial head only” can be false economy if the old pole, lashing wire, or cable is degraded (especially in exposed locations).
Common faults (so you know what you’re paying to fix)
“No signal” after wind
Often a moved dish (realignment) or a loose connection. Dish realignment is commonly priced in the £50–£80 bracket.
Break-up / pixelation on Freeview
Common causes:
- water ingress into coax
- corroded connectors
- damaged aerial elements
- failing amplifier/power supply
Only one room works (others don’t)
Usually a splitter/amp issue, a damaged cable run, or a loose wall plate connection.
Moved house / new TV setup
Sometimes the aerial is fine — you just need a clean re-tune and a check that the distribution is correct.
Planning rules for satellite dishes (quick homeowner guide)
In many cases, satellite dishes are permitted development, but there are rules and exceptions (especially in designated areas and for certain placements). Planning Portal’s guidance highlights you should check whether you need planning permission, listed building consent, or landlord permission, and that you’re responsible for siting antennas appropriately.
If you’re in a flat, conservation area, listed building, or renting, mention it when you request quotes.
How to get quotes that are actually comparable
When you ask for quotes, include:
- property type + storeys (bungalow/2-storey/3-storey)
- whether it’s aerial or satellite
- how many TV points/rooms
- what’s happening (“No signal after wind”, “pixelation evenings”, “one room only”)
- photos of the current aerial/dish location (from ground level)
And ask each installer to confirm:
- what’s included (parts + labour + cabling length assumptions)
- access method (ladder/tower/scaffold)
- whether the quote includes testing/signal level checks
- warranty/guarantee terms
FAQs
How much does a new TV aerial installation cost in the UK?
Many guides put typical installs in the ~£150–£300 range, with some quoting an average around £250 (materials + labour).
How much does satellite dish realignment cost?
A basic realignment is commonly ~£50–£80 depending on location and access.
Why do aerial/dish jobs get expensive on some houses?
Height, steep roofs, awkward access, long cable routes, and multi-room feeds all add time and equipment. Safety access can be the biggest cost driver.
Do I need planning permission for a satellite dish?
Often no, but it depends on building type, size, siting, and whether you’re in a designated area or listed building. Planning Portal has detailed rules and guidance.