Computer repair at people's homes
Visit homes and small offices to fix slow, broken or virus-hit laptops and PCs.
- £300-1.5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
4,732 UK companies in this field, 23% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 95110 “Repair of computers and peripheral equipment”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A mobile repair service where you travel to customers to diagnose and fix laptops, desktops and tablets: removing malware, replacing hard drives and screens, upgrading memory, and setting up new devices.
Your first three steps
- Choose your area and set a call-out fee and hourly rate after checking local competitors
- Build a toolkit with a screwdriver set, a bootable USB drive with diagnostic tools and a few common spare parts
- Post in local Facebook groups and on Nextdoor, and ask for reviews after your first jobs
Who pays
Older people and busy households who want help at home, plus sole traders and small offices without an IT department.
How it makes money
A call-out fee or hourly rate plus parts at a small mark-up, with fixed prices for common jobs such as setup or virus removal.
Skills that help
- Diagnosing hardware and software faults
- Patient, clear explanations for non-technical people
- Reliable timekeeping and local travel
Watch out for
- Public liability insurance, and consider professional indemnity cover in case you cause data loss
- Data protection: you may see personal files, so check ICO guidance and keep a clear privacy approach
- Be clear in writing that data loss is a risk and recommend backups before starting work
- Only use properly licensed software and check any rules on handling electronic waste
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: computer repair at people's homes
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a mobile computer repair business?
Estimated startup costs are typically around £300 to £1,500, depending on the tools, spare parts and software you buy, plus insurance and how you advertise. Treat this as a guide rather than a fixed price.
How much can a home-visit computer repair business earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £3,000, depending on how many call-outs you take, your pricing and how far you travel. These are estimates of sales rather than profit.
What should I check before starting a computer repair business?
Check you have public liability insurance, and consider professional indemnity cover in case of data loss. Check ICO guidance on data protection, be clear in writing that data loss is a risk, and only use properly licensed software.
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Photo: Militiamobiles on Pixabay