ProVisual
Price of 3D architectural visualization in the UK
How Much Does 3D Rendering Cost in the UK?
A professional 3D architectural visualisation studio in the UK typically charges between £900 and £1,900 for a high-quality 3D still image (architectural rendering). This represents the standard market rate for small to medium-scale projects requiring photorealistic output.
For larger, more complex projects, prices generally range from £1,900 to £13,000, with the final cost depending on project scale, number of viewpoints, architectural complexity, and required level of detail.
Detailed Price Guide for 3D Architectural Visualisation in the UK (2026)
1. 3D Building Modelling (The Digital Foundation)
Modelling forms the essential first stage, creating the accurate 3D structure from your plans.
| Complexity | Average Cost (GBP) | Delivery Time* | Description | Example Projects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low Complexity | £430 | 2-4 days | Basic massing model with minimal facade detailing and simple roof geometry. | • Standard single-family home • Simple holiday cottage |
| Medium Complexity | £570 | 4-5 days | Moderate facade articulation with simplified interiors and basic structural elements. | • Terrace housing development • Small retail unit or café • Low-rise office building |
| High Complexity | £930 | 7-9 days | Full architectural detailing with complex geometry and structural systems. | • Multi-storey residential block • Mixed-use development • Hotel or resort complex • Commercial tower with curtain walling |
2. 3D Still Renders (Photorealistic Output)
These are the final, polished images used for marketing, planning applications, and design development.
| Service Type | Average Cost (GBP) | Delivery Time* | Description | Example Projects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior Render (Low Complexity) | £715 | 4-8 days | Simple geometry with basic landscaping and minimal contextual elements. | • Starter home • Small suburban property • Basic visual for planning approval |
| Exterior Render (Medium Complexity) | £1,000 | 5-9 days | Moderate detailing with realistic materials, landscaping, and partial site context. | • Townhouse development • Duplex with garden • Community centre or school • Medium commercial building |
| Exterior Render (High Complexity) | £1,285 | 7-11 days | Complex architecture with full environmental context, advanced lighting, and cinematic quality. | • Luxury villa with grounds • Urban mixed-use scheme • Shopping centre complex • Stadium or arena • Corporate headquarters |
| Aerial Render (Photomontage) | £1,285 | 7-12 days | Seamless integration of proposed building into existing site photography using accurate perspective matching. | • Residential tower • City-centre hotel • Large-scale masterplan • Transport-oriented development |
| Interior Render (Residential) | £780 | 5-9 days | Lifestyle-focused visualisation of private spaces with realistic materials, lighting, and furnishings. | • Living area in house • Kitchen-diner in apartment • Master bedroom suite • Bathroom or dressing room |
| Interior Render (Commercial/Public) | £1,105 | 7-11 days | Functional space planning with branding elements, user flow analysis, and technical lighting design. | • Hotel lobby • Restaurant interior • Retail store layout • Educational facilities • Medical practice reception |
| 3D Plans (Axonometric/Top-Down) | £765 | 5-9 days | Clear diagrammatic visualisations showing spatial relationships, furniture layouts, and material zones. | • Apartment floor plan • House layout • Office space planning • Retail interior scheme |
*Delivery times are indicative and may vary between studios and project specifics.
3. 3D Animation & Walkthroughs (Dynamic Presentations)
Moving imagery provides the most immersive way to experience unbuilt spaces.
| Service Type | Average Cost (GBP) | Delivery Time* | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard 3D Animation | £143 per second | 3-5 weeks | Fully crafted cinematic sequences with manual camera work, detailed rendering, and post-production. Ideal for high-end presentations. |
| AI-Assisted Animation | £910 per minute | 1-2 weeks | Efficient production using advanced AI tools for faster turnaround. Suitable for concept stages or digital marketing content. |
What is 3D Architectural Visualisation?
3D architectural visualisation is the process of creating digital representations of buildings, interiors, and urban environments before construction begins. It enables architects, developers, and designers to communicate ideas effectively, make informed decisions, and market properties with compelling visual assets.
The Four Core Stages of Professional Visualisation:
3D Modelling – Constructing the digital framework using industry-standard software like 3ds Max or Rhino.
Texturing & Materials – Applying realistic surface properties including wood, metal, glass, and custom finishes.
Lighting & Rendering – Simulating natural and artificial illumination using advanced engines like Corona Renderer or V-Ray to create atmosphere and realism.
Post-Production – Final polishing in applications like Photoshop to enhance colours, add entourage (people, foliage), and ensure visual coherence.
What Determines the Final Cost?
Several key factors influence 3D rendering prices in the UK market:
Architectural Complexity – Detailed facades, custom features, and intricate geometry require more modelling time.
Level of Realism – Photorealistic outputs with advanced material and lighting simulation command premium pricing.
Project Scale – Masterplans and large developments involve more coordination and detail.
Number of Viewpoints – Most studios offer package discounts for multiple images from the same model.
Turnaround Requirements – Expedited delivery often incurs rush fees.
Studio Expertise – Established studios with proven portfolios typically charge professional rates reflecting their experience and quality assurance.
3D Product Visualisation: A Cost-Effective Alternative to Photography
Product rendering (or 3D product visualisation) involves creating photorealistic images of products for marketing, e-commerce, and advertising purposes. This approach offers significant advantages over traditional photography:
Substantial Cost Savings – Eliminates expenses for photography studios, product shipping, and reshoots.
Complete Creative Control – Easily modify colours, materials, and environments without physical prototypes.
Impossible Shots Made Possible – Showcase cutaways, exploded views, and interactive configurations.
Consistency Across Markets – Maintain identical product presentation globally.
Modern 3D product rendering achieves indistinguishable quality from professional photography when executed by skilled artists using current software and rendering technologies.
Obtaining an Accurate Quotation
While this guide provides comprehensive market averages, each project has unique requirements. For a precise, tailored quotation:
Prepare Your Brief – Include architectural drawings, mood references, and specific viewpoint requirements.
Define Quality Expectations – Determine whether you need conceptual visuals or marketing-ready photorealism.
Establish Timelines – Communicate your project schedule and any critical deadlines.
Request Detailed Breakdowns – Ensure quotes itemise modelling, rendering, and revision allowances.
Ready to Visualize Your Project?
Understanding the cost is the first step. The next is partnering with a studio that can deliver quality and value.
For a precise, no-obligation quote tailored to your project, visit our website at Provisual.pro. Submit your plans and brief, and we will provide you with a transparent and competitive price to bring your architectural vision to life.
