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 Cirencester?
In Cirencester, a barn conversion typically costs £1,850–£3,050 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 £277,500–£457,500. Building costs in the South West are close to the UK average, so the figures for Cirencester are close to our national guide. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (105 m²) | £194,000–£320,000 |
| Typical project (150 m²) | £277,500–£457,500 |
| Larger project (210 m²) | £388,500–£640,500 |
| Rate per m² | £1,850–£3,050 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Access to the site
- Planning conditions and ecology
- Services and drainage
- Glazing and finishes
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 Cirencester?
Approvals for a barn conversion in Cirencester follow the rules for England. In England converting an agricultural building into a home needs either full planning permission or prior approval under Class Q of the permitted development rules, which limits floor space and the number of homes. Listed barns also need listed building consent.
Building regulations approval comes from the council’s building control service or a registered building control approver. The work is inspected at key stages, such as foundations, drainage and insulation, and a completion certificate is issued at the end.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
On a typical barn conversion we handle:
- Services, drainage and septic or treatment plant
- Ecology and bat survey coordination
- Structural repairs and new floor slab
- Planning or prior approval application
- New roof covering where needed
- Building control completion
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 Cirencester
In parts of the South West, protected landscapes and conservation areas shape what can be built, so materials and roof forms are chosen carefully.
We work across Cirencester and neighbouring areas such as Stroud, Cheltenham and Swindon. Postcodes we cover in Cirencester include GL7.
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
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Build and handover
Work follows the agreed programme, with inspections along the way and a completion certificate at the end.
Questions about barn conversions in Cirencester
What about drainage without mains sewer?
A sewage treatment plant can be installed, subject to the environmental regulator’s rules where you live.
Do I need a bat survey?
Very often. Barns are common bat roosts, and planning authorities usually ask for an ecology survey.
Who approves a barn conversion in Cirencester?
Planning matters in Cirencester go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
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 much does a barn conversion cost in Cirencester?
In Cirencester, a barn conversion typically costs £1,850–£3,050 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 £277,500–£457,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
