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 Oxfordshire?
In Oxfordshire, 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 Oxfordshire. 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:
- Insulation approach
- Condition of the existing structure
- Planning conditions and ecology
- 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 Oxfordshire?
Before anything is built in Oxfordshire, 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.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
What we take care of:
- New roof covering where needed
- Structural survey and feasibility
- Structural repairs and new floor slab
- Services, drainage and septic or treatment plant
- Planning or prior approval application
- 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. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 4 to 9 months.
Building in Oxfordshire
The South East has a broad mix of housing, from Victorian terraces in the towns to post-war semis and newer estates, so extension types vary street by street.
Towns we cover in Oxfordshire include Oxford, Banbury, Abingdon, Bicester, Didcot and Witney.
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
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 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 Oxfordshire
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.
Do you build barn conversions in Oxfordshire?
Yes. We build barn conversions across Oxfordshire, including postcodes GL56, GL7, MK18, NN13 and OX1. Every project starts with a free home visit.
How long does a barn conversion take?
Typically 6 to 12 months on site, depending on the building’s condition.
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 Oxfordshire?
In Oxfordshire, 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.