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 Horsham?
In Horsham, 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. Prices across the South East are typically 12% above the UK average for this kind of work, which is reflected in the range for Horsham. 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:
- Insulation approach
- Planning conditions and ecology
- Condition of the existing structure
- 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 Horsham?
Before anything is built in Horsham, 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.
At the survey we check your house’s planning history and any restrictions, and tell you which route applies.
What we handle
From survey to sign-off, the job normally involves:
- Structural survey and feasibility
- Services, drainage and septic or treatment plant
- Ecology and bat survey coordination
- Structural repairs and new floor slab
- Insulation that respects the existing fabric
- New roof covering where needed
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 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 Horsham
Commuter towns across the South East have many 1930s and post-war semis that suit rear extensions and hip-to-gable loft conversions.
Our Horsham coverage includes postcode districts RH12, and we also work in nearby places such as Crawley, Horley and Haywards Heath.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 02
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 03
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 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 Horsham
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 Horsham?
In Horsham, 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.
Do I need planning permission for a barn conversion?
Yes. A barn conversion needs planning permission or, in England only, prior approval under the agricultural permitted development rules where the building qualifies. Listed barns also need listed building consent.
Do I need a bat survey?
Very often. Barns are common bat roosts, and planning authorities usually ask for an ecology survey.
Do you build barn conversions in Horsham?
Yes. We build barn conversions across Horsham, including postcodes RH12. Every project starts with a free home visit.