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 County Antrim?
In County Antrim, a barn conversion typically costs £1,550–£2,600 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 £232,500–£390,000. That range is adjusted for Northern Ireland, where domestic building work typically costs around 14% below the national average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (105 m²) | £163,000–£273,000 |
| Typical project (150 m²) | £232,500–£390,000 |
| Larger project (210 m²) | £325,500–£546,000 |
| Rate per m² | £1,550–£2,600 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Planning conditions and ecology
- Access to the site
- Glazing and finishes
- Services and drainage
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 County Antrim?
Here is how the rules work for a barn conversion in Northern Ireland. In Northern Ireland a barn conversion needs planning permission; planning policy supports reusing suitable rural buildings.
In Northern Ireland building control approval comes from the council, usually through a full plans application or a building notice, 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
On a typical barn conversion we handle:
- Structural repairs and new floor slab
- Ecology and bat survey coordination
- Building control completion
- Structural survey and feasibility
- Services, drainage and septic or treatment plant
- New roof covering where needed
How long does it take?
Allow 6 to 12 months on site depending on condition. Design and approvals come first and typically take 4 to 9 months, depending on the approval route.
Building in County Antrim
Northern Ireland has many detached and semi-detached homes on generous plots, which suits single-storey rear extensions and garage conversions.
Towns we cover in County Antrim include Belfast, Lisburn, Newtownabbey, Carrickfergus, Ballymena and Antrim.
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
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about barn conversions in County Antrim
What about drainage without mains sewer?
A sewage treatment plant can be installed, subject to the environmental regulator’s rules where you live.
How much does a barn conversion cost in County Antrim?
In County Antrim, a barn conversion typically costs £1,550–£2,600 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 £232,500–£390,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
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.
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 County Antrim?
Typically 6 to 12 months on site depending on condition. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 4 to 9 months.
Do I need planning permission for a barn conversion in County Antrim?
In Northern Ireland a barn conversion needs planning permission; planning policy supports reusing suitable rural buildings.