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 Farnham?
In Farnham, a barn conversion typically costs £2,000–£3,350 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 £300,000–£502,500. We start from a UK-wide guide and adjust it for the South East, where labour and materials are typically about 12% above average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (105 m²) | £210,000–£352,000 |
| Typical project (150 m²) | £300,000–£502,500 |
| Larger project (210 m²) | £420,000–£703,500 |
| Rate per m² | £2,000–£3,350 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Condition of the existing structure
- Insulation approach
- Access to the site
- Services and drainage
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 Farnham?
Before anything is built in Farnham, we confirm which approvals apply in 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.
If the answer is not clear-cut, we can apply for formal confirmation before you commit to the build.
What we handle
From survey to sign-off, the job normally involves:
- Insulation that respects the existing fabric
- Services, drainage and septic or treatment plant
- Planning or prior approval application
- Building control completion
- Structural survey and feasibility
- Structural repairs and new floor slab
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 Farnham
Commuter towns across the South East have many 1930s and post-war semis that suit rear extensions and hip-to-gable loft conversions.
We work across Farnham and neighbouring areas such as Aldershot, Fleet and Farnborough. Postcodes we cover in Farnham include GU9.
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 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 sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about barn conversions in Farnham
Do I need a bat survey?
Very often. Barns are common bat roosts, and planning authorities usually ask for an ecology survey.
What about drainage without mains sewer?
A sewage treatment plant can be installed, subject to the environmental regulator’s rules where you live.
How long does a barn conversion take?
Typically 6 to 12 months on site, depending on the building’s condition.
How much does a barn conversion cost in Farnham?
In Farnham, a barn conversion typically costs £2,000–£3,350 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 £300,000–£502,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Who approves a barn conversion in Farnham?
Planning matters in Farnham go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.