How much does a barn conversion cost in North Devon?

Rough cost per square metre

National cost guides for 2026 put the build cost of a barn conversion at roughly:

• Standard finish: around £1,500 to £2,000 per m²
• Mid-range: around £2,000 to £2,800 per m²
• High-end, with lots of glazing: £2,800 per m² and upwards

So a 150 m² barn might cost somewhere between about £225,000 and £420,000 to convert, before the price of the barn itself, professional fees, connecting services and a contingency. These are UK-wide guides, and every barn is different, so treat them as a starting point rather than a quote.

What pushes the cost up

• The condition of the structure. Rotten timbers, bowed walls or poor foundations can add tens of thousands.
• Glazing. Large glazed openings and full-height cart door glazing look fantastic but cost more.
• Services. Many North Devon barns have no mains drainage, water or electricity nearby. A private treatment plant and long service runs add up quickly.
• Insulation and building regulations. Getting old stone walls up to modern thermal standards without losing their character takes care.
• Surveys. Barns often have bats or nesting birds, so ecology surveys and mitigation may be needed.
• Access. Narrow Devon lanes and sloping farmyards can make deliveries and plant harder work.

Ways to keep costs down

• Get a structural survey before you buy or commit, so there are no big surprises later
• Work with the existing openings and layout where you can
• Check whether the work qualifies for the reduced 5% VAT rate for converting a non-residential building into a home (ask your accountant)
• Consider whether Class Q applies, as it can make the planning stage simpler
• Agree a fixed price for the whole job before work starts

Get a realistic figure for your barn

The only way to get an accurate price is for someone to look at the building. We're based in Tawstock and are happy to visit barns within about 15 miles to talk it through. Find out more about our barn conversions.