Standard UK domestic tank sizes
| Capacity | Typical dimensions (L×W×H) | Suitable for | Approx. tank cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 litres | 1,000 × 560 × 1,200mm | Small homes, supplementary tanks, holiday cottages | £350–£550 |
| 1,000 litres | 1,500 × 660 × 1,200mm | Most 2–3 bed homes | £450–£700 |
| 1,200 litres | 1,650 × 700 × 1,200mm | 3 bed homes with higher usage | £520–£750 |
| 1,500 litres | 2,100 × 700 × 1,200mm | 3–4 bed homes | £600–£850 |
| 2,500 litres | 2,100 × 1,100 × 1,400mm | Large homes, farmhouses | £900–£1,400 |
Tank costs are for the tank only, ex installation. See our oil tank replacement cost guide for full installed prices.
Bunded vs single-skin tanks
This is the most important choice you'll make when buying a new tank. Since 2017, building regulations in England and Wales require all new domestic oil tanks in most locations to be bunded.
A bunded tank has two walls. An inner tank and an outer shell. With the space between them acting as a secondary containment. If the inner tank leaks or is damaged, oil is contained rather than contaminating the ground. Bunded tanks are more expensive but are required by regulation in many circumstances and strongly recommended otherwise.
A single-skin tank is the older type. A single plastic or steel shell with no secondary containment. These are still legal in some situations (certain indoor locations, existing installations) but should not be used for new outdoor installations.
England and Wales: Bunded tanks are required for all new above-ground installations near watercourses, in flood zones, or where a spill could reach a drain. In practice this covers the majority of outdoor installations. Scotland and Northern Ireland have similar requirements under their own building regulations. Always check with your local authority before installing.
Which size is right for your household?
The simplest rule is: your tank should hold at least your annual usage, ideally 1.5× your annual usage. This lets you fill up in summer at low prices and coast through winter without running out.
If you use approximately 2,000 litres per year, a 2,500L tank lets you fill it completely in July and not worry until at least February. A 1,000L tank would require you to order twice per year, with one of those orders likely falling in winter when prices are high.
See our heating oil usage guide to estimate your annual consumption.
Space requirements and siting rules
UK building regulations set minimum distances for tank siting:
- At least 1.8m from a non-fire-rated building (or the building must be fire-rated)
- At least 760mm from a boundary fence
- At least 600mm from a non-fire-rated structure
- Must not be sited below ground level without appropriate containment
- Must be on a firm, level, non-combustible base (concrete or similar)
For tanks over 3,500L, planning permission may be required. Always check with your local planning authority.
Delivery access. Tanker size matters
Your tank size choice must also consider delivery access. Most standard domestic deliveries use a 26-tonne (standard) tanker with a delivery hose typically up to 30 metres long. For tight access. Narrow lanes, steep driveways, low bridges. You may need a smaller tanker, which can sometimes limit delivery volume options or incur a surcharge.
When ordering, always specify your access constraints in the order notes. The quote tool on PriceTank includes a tanker size selector for exactly this reason.
See today's best prices for your postcode and chosen volume. Including delivery to restricted access properties.