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 Ely?
In Ely, a barn conversion typically costs £1,900–£3,200 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 £285,000–£480,000. That range is adjusted for the East of England, where domestic building work typically costs around 6% above the national average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (105 m²) | £199,500–£336,000 |
| Typical project (150 m²) | £285,000–£480,000 |
| Larger project (210 m²) | £399,000–£672,000 |
| Rate per m² | £1,900–£3,200 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Planning conditions and ecology
- Glazing and finishes
- Services and drainage
- Access to the site
For a figure based on your own measurements, try the guide price tool, then book a free home visit for a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a barn conversion in Ely?
Approvals for a barn conversion in Ely 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.
At the survey we check your house’s planning history and any restrictions, and tell you which route applies.
What we handle
What we take care of:
- Planning or prior approval application
- Building control completion
- Structural survey and feasibility
- New roof covering where needed
- Structural repairs and new floor slab
- Insulation that respects the existing fabric
How long does it take?
The build itself usually takes 6 to 12 months on site depending on condition. Before that, surveys, drawings and approvals usually take 4 to 9 months, longer if the council asks for changes.
Building in Ely
Across the East of England, 1930s and post-war semis, newer estates and rural cottages all feature, each with different extension and loft options.
We work across Ely and neighbouring areas such as Newmarket, March and Cambridge. Postcodes we cover in Ely include CB7.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 02
Design and pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and specification.
- 03
Approvals
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about barn conversions in Ely
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 Ely?
In Ely, a barn conversion typically costs £1,900–£3,200 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 £285,000–£480,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
How long does a barn conversion take?
Typically 6 to 12 months on site, depending on the building’s condition.
Do you build barn conversions in Ely?
Yes. We build barn conversions across Ely, including postcodes CB7. Every project starts with a free home visit.
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.