The honest answer: it depends — but not unhelpfully
Website pricing varies because scope varies. A five-page brochure site and an online store with three hundred products are both 'a website', but they're very different jobs. What matters is understanding what drives the cost so you can budget sensibly.
What different budgets typically buy
Under £500 usually means a DIY builder or a very basic template — fine for testing an idea, rarely enough for a business that depends on enquiries. The £1,000–£2,500 range typically covers a professional, bespoke small business site. £2,500–£5,000 adds e-commerce, more content or custom functionality. Above that you're into larger stores, web applications and complex integrations.
The costs people forget
Hosting, domain renewal, maintenance and content changes are ongoing. A cheap site that no one maintains usually becomes an expensive rebuild within two years. Budget for the site's life, not just its launch.
How to avoid paying twice
The most expensive website is the one you have to replace. Ask whoever you hire: do I own everything? Can someone else take this over? Is it built to modern standards? Straight answers to those three questions will save you money.
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