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 Lancing?
In Lancing, 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. The guide for Lancing reflects typical costs in the South East, roughly 12% above the UK-wide figure. 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 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Services and drainage
- Access to the site
- Glazing and finishes
- Planning conditions and ecology
A guide range is only a starting point: the guide price tool gives an instant figure for your size, and a free survey turns it into a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a barn conversion in Lancing?
The approval route for Lancing is set by planning law 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.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
The work we manage on a barn conversion:
- Building control completion
- Ecology and bat survey coordination
- Services, drainage and septic or treatment plant
- New roof covering where needed
- Structural repairs and new floor slab
- Structural survey and feasibility
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 Lancing
Commuter towns across the South East have many 1930s and post-war semis that suit rear extensions and hip-to-gable loft conversions.
If your home is in Lancing or close by in Shoreham-by-Sea, Worthing and Portslade, a free home visit is the first step.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Design and pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and specification.
- 03
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about barn conversions in Lancing
Do I need a bat survey?
Very often. Barns are common bat roosts, and planning authorities usually ask for an ecology survey.
How long does a barn conversion take in Lancing?
Typically 6 to 12 months on site depending on condition. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 4 to 9 months.
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 Lancing?
In Lancing, 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.
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.
