How much does a care home cost UK? A Comprehensive 2025 Guide

Oct 23, 2025 3 min read •

Elderly Care Financial Planning UK Care Costs

According to data from September 2025, the average weekly cost for residential care for self-funders in the UK is approximately £1,298, rising to £1,535 for nursing care. This guide explains how much does a care home cost UK, outlining the key factors that influence fees and detailing available funding options to help with financial planning.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of UK care home costs in 2025, covering average prices for residential and nursing care, significant regional variations, and financial eligibility criteria for local council funding and NHS support.

Key Points

Average Weekly Costs (2025): Expect to pay around £1,298 for residential care and £1,535 for nursing care as a self-funder in the UK.
Location is a Major Factor: Care home costs are significantly higher in London and the South East compared to regions in the North, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Specialist Care Costs More: Dementia and other specialist nursing care typically carry higher fees due to extra staffing, training, and equipment requirements.
Understand Funding Options: Your eligibility for financial help from your local council is determined by a means-test based on your capital. England's upper capital limit is £23,250 (2025/26).
NHS Continuing Healthcare is Free: Individuals with a 'primary health need' may be eligible for fully funded care from the NHS, which is not means-tested.
Watch for Extra Charges: Standard fees usually cover basic accommodation and care, but additional costs for services like hairdressing, outings, and toiletries are common.
Consider all Financial Assets: The financial assessment considers income, savings, investments, and potentially the value of your property for permanent residential care.
Plan Early: Proper financial planning is essential to manage care home expenses, including understanding all potential funding sources and costs.

Average Care Home Costs in the UK (2025)

Average care home fees in the UK vary based on the level of care needed. For self-funded residents, weekly averages reported in September 2025 were approximately £1,298 for residential care and £1,535 for nursing care. This means annual costs can be around £67,496 and £79,820 respectively. Specialist residential dementia care averaged about £1,343 per week, while nursing dementia care was approximately £1,564 weekly. These are national averages, and actual costs depend on location and specific care home facilities.

Factors Influencing the Cost of a Care Home

Several factors determine care home costs:

Location: Costs vary significantly by region. London and the South East are the most expensive, while the North, Wales, and Northern Ireland are generally more affordable. For instance, self-funded residential care in London averaged £1,548 compared to £1,112 in the North East in September 2025.
Type of Care: Nursing care with 24/7 medical staff is more expensive than residential care. Specialist care, such as for dementia or palliative needs, also increases the cost.
Facilities and Amenities: Luxury homes with extensive facilities typically have higher fees.
Funding Source: Privately funded residents often pay more than those funded by local authorities.
Inclusions and Extras: Most fees cover basic care and accommodation, but additional services like hairdressing or therapies may cost extra. A detailed cost breakdown is essential.

Funding Options for Care Home Fees

Funding for care home fees depends on needs and a financial assessment.

1. Self-Funding: If your assets exceed the upper threshold (£23,250 in England for 2025/26), you are responsible for full costs, potentially using savings, investments, or home equity.

2. Local Authority Funding: If your assets are below the threshold, the local council may help after a financial assessment. Your contribution is based on income and assets. A 'tariff income' from capital applies between the upper and lower limits (e.g., £14,250 and £23,250 in England). Capital below the lower limit is disregarded.

3. NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC): This is full NHS funding for those with significant health needs, based on a healthcare assessment (not means-tested).

4. NHS-Funded Nursing Care (FNC): If you need nursing care but don't qualify for CHC, the NHS provides a weekly contribution (£254.06 in England for 2025/26) towards nursing costs in a care home.

5. Deferred Payment Scheme: In England, if you own your home but lack other funds, the council may pay fees and recover the cost later from your property sale.

How to Compare Care Home Costs

Consider more than just weekly costs. This table compares types of care:


Feature	Standard Residential Care	Private Luxury Residential Care	Standard Nursing Care	Specialist Dementia Nursing Care
Average Weekly Cost (2025)	~£1,298	>£1,500	~£1,535	~£1,564
Key Inclusions	Accommodation, meals, personal care, laundry, some activities	All standard inclusions plus luxury facilities and activities	All residential inclusions plus 24/7 qualified nursing care	All nursing care plus adapted facilities and specialised staff
Additional Costs	Hairdressing, chiropody, toiletries, outings, therapies	Higher charges for extras	Higher costs for specialist therapies or medical items	Increased costs for extra staffing, security, specific activities
Potential Funding	Self-funded or local authority	Primarily self-funded; potential top-up fees	Self-funded, local authority, FNC, or CHC	Self-funded, local authority, FNC, or CHC

Conclusion

Understanding care home costs involves assessing needs and finances. Costs vary by care type, location, and facilities. Obtain a needs assessment and financial assessment, and explore all funding options, including local council support and NHS eligibility. Always request a detailed cost breakdown from care homes. Early financial planning is crucial.

For more details, see Age UK's guide on paying for permanent residential care.

Frequently Asked Questions

As of late 2025, the average weekly cost for a self-funded residential care home in the UK is approximately £1,298. For a nursing home, which provides higher-level medical support, the average cost rises to around £1,535 per week.

Nursing care is more expensive than residential care because it includes 24/7 medical support from qualified nurses. The average weekly cost for self-funders in 2025 is £1,298 for residential care and £1,535 for nursing care.

Yes, location is a major factor. Care homes in London and the South East of England are typically the most expensive. Costs tend to be lower in the North of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Your local council may help pay for fees if your capital and assets fall below a certain threshold, which varies by country. In England for 2025/26, the upper limit is £23,250. You must first have a care needs assessment, followed by a means-tested financial assessment.

The value of your property is usually included in the financial assessment for permanent residential care. However, it may be disregarded under certain circumstances, for example, if your partner still lives there. A Deferred Payment Scheme may also be an option.

NHS Continuing Healthcare is free, non-means-tested funding for individuals with a 'primary health need' due to severe or complex health conditions. It covers the full cost of care, including accommodation, in an eligible care home.

FNC is a weekly contribution from the NHS towards the cost of nursing care for those who don't qualify for CHC but still need nursing support in a care home. The standard rate in England for 2025/26 is £254.06 per week.

Beyond local authority and NHS funding, options include self-funding from savings or pensions, care fee annuities, and equity release. Always seek independent financial advice to explore the best options for your situation.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.