Planning
Do I need planning permission for new windows?
Usually not, to replace windows on a house. Works that don't materially affect the external appearance, so as to make it inconsistent with its own character or its neighbours', are exempted development under section 4(1)(h) of the Planning and Development Act 2000. A protected structure, an architectural conservation area, or a new opening, is different.
- €7,110the median cost of new windows on a semi-D or end of terrace, January to June 2026 (SEAI)
- €500 to €900a standard uPVC window, installed (Expert Windows & Doors)
- 1 to 3 daysto fit most houses, after the windows are made (Expert Windows & Doors)
- 13.5% VATon windows supplied and fitted, not 23% (Revenue)
FreeNo obligationOne company rings you, not fiveNothing agreed until you accept a written price
The rule
What the law says
Section 4(1)(h) exempts works for the maintenance, improvement or other alteration of a structure that affect only the interior, or that don't materially affect its external appearance (Planning and Development Act 2000). New windows in the same openings, in a similar style, normally fit. Making an opening bigger, adding a new one, or a big change of look on a terrace may not.
When to ask
When to ask the council first
- A protected structure: works that would materially affect its character need permission. A section 57 declaration tells you what the council considers exempt.
- An architectural conservation area: outside works are exempt only if they wouldn't materially affect the character of the area (section 82).
- A change of look on a terrace: timber sash to plain uPVC casement on a row of matching houses.
- New or bigger openings, especially at the front.
Getting certainty
A section 5 declaration
If you're unsure, ask the council for a declaration under section 5 on whether the work is development and whether it's exempted. Send photos and a description of the new windows, and do it before you order.
See it first
New windows on your own photo
Take a photo of the front of the house, pick white, anthracite grey, black or oak effect, casement or sash look, and see it before anyone quotes. Free, in under a minute.
- Upload a photo, or answer 4 questions.
- We pass it to one company that covers your county.
- They ring you to measure up and price it in writing.
Preview of your photo, not a guarantee. Your photo goes to Google's Gemini service to make the picture and isn't kept.
A photo that works
- Daylight, from the footpath or the garden.
- The whole front of the house in the shot.
- Straight on, not at a sharp angle.
- No cars or bins in front of the windows, if you can help it.
Free quote
Get a price in 4 taps
Tap what you need and leave your number. It goes to one window company that covers your county, and they ring you back to arrange a survey and a written price.
FAQ
Questions people ask
Do I need planning permission to change my windows?
Not usually for replacements in the same openings that don't materially change the look (Planning and Development Act 2000).
Can I change timber windows to uPVC?
On an ordinary house, usually. On a protected structure or in an architectural conservation area, ask the council first.
Who decides?
Your county or city council's planning department. A section 5 declaration gives you its answer in writing.
Keep reading
Related guides
Where these numbers come from (6 public sources, checked 3 November 2026)
- Planning and Development Act 2000, section 4
- Planning and Development Act 2000, section 57 (protected structures)
- Planning and Development Act 2000, section 82 (architectural conservation areas)
- Planning and Development Act 2000, section 5 (declarations)
- SEAI, Better Energy Homes: individual energy upgrades costs and grants, January to June 2026 (23,412 upgrades)
- Revenue, VAT on fixtures and fittings (reviewed Feb 2026)
Sources (1)
Prices and facts on this page were checked against these published pages. We are not connected to these businesses.
- Expert Windows & Doors: expertwindows.ie