What is a barn conversion?

A barn conversion turns an agricultural or rural building into a home while keeping its character: the brick or stone walls, roof timbers and large openings. It involves structural repair, insulation, new services and often a new floor slab.
How much does a barn conversion cost in Bangor, Gwynedd?
In Bangor, a barn conversion typically costs £1,650–£2,750 per m² of floor area, including VAT at usually 5% (reduced rate for creating a new dwelling). For a typical 150 m² project that is roughly £247,500–£412,500. Building costs in Wales run about 8% below the UK average, and the figures for Bangor are adjusted to reflect that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (105 m²) | £173,000–£289,000 |
| Typical project (150 m²) | £247,500–£412,500 |
| Larger project (210 m²) | £346,500–£577,500 |
| Rate per m² | £1,650–£2,750 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Planning conditions and ecology
- Insulation approach
- Services and drainage
- Access to the site
Use the guide price tool to see how size and specification change the figure, then ask for a written, itemised quote.
Do you need planning permission for a barn conversion in Bangor, Gwynedd?
The approval route for Bangor is set by planning law in Wales. In Wales converting a barn into a home needs full planning permission; there is no equivalent of the English Class Q route.
Building regulations in Wales are set by the Welsh Government. Approval comes from the council’s building control service or a registered building control approver, with inspections during the work and a completion certificate at the end.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
Handled as part of most barn conversions:
- Ecology and bat survey coordination
- New roof covering where needed
- Building control completion
- Planning or prior approval application
- Insulation that respects the existing fabric
- Services, drainage and septic or treatment plant
How long does it take?
Expect 6 to 12 months on site depending on condition. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 4 to 9 months.
Building in Bangor, Gwynedd
Terraced houses in Welsh towns often have narrow plots, which suits rear and side return extensions and rear dormers.
Projects in Bangor (LL57) are surveyed in person before we quote, so the price reflects your actual property.
How it works
- 01
Free visit
We look at the property, talk through what you want and measure up. There is no charge and no obligation.
- 02
Design and fixed quote
Drawings, structural calculations and an itemised, fixed price for the agreed specification.
- 03
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about barn conversions in Bangor, Gwynedd
How much does a barn conversion cost in Bangor?
In Bangor, a barn conversion typically costs £1,650–£2,750 per m² of floor area, including VAT at usually 5% (reduced rate for creating a new dwelling). A typical 150 m² project comes to roughly £247,500–£412,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Do I need planning permission for a barn conversion in Bangor?
In Wales converting a barn into a home needs full planning permission; there is no equivalent of the English Class Q route.
Can I get a mortgage for a barn conversion?
Specialist self-build and conversion mortgages release money in stages. We can provide the staged costings lenders ask for.
How long does a barn conversion take in Bangor?
Typically 6 to 12 months on site depending on condition. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 4 to 9 months.
Is VAT reduced on a barn conversion?
Usually yes. Converting a non-residential building into a dwelling normally qualifies for the reduced 5% VAT rate on building work. Our guide prices assume this rate.
Do I need a bat survey?
Very often. Barns are common bat roosts, and planning authorities usually ask for an ecology survey.
