Building a Barndominium in the United Kingdom: The Complete Guide

If you’d love to own your own home but you’ve been priced out of the property market, you’re not alone. UK house prices have risen by a whopping 10% over the last year, but luckily, not all hope is lost. Building a barndominium in the United Kingdom could prove considerably cheaper than a classic home development. Discover more perks you can look forward to, plus average costs and where to source materials, loans, and insurance for your build below.

What is a barndominium and what are the advantages?

Barndominiums are sturdy steel framed buildings held in place with a concrete slab foundation for stability. Based on a post-frame design, they are self-supporting structures which don’t require additional load-bearing walls. As a result, they often feature open-plan living spaces modeled after large traditional barns, with a shop, garage, stables, or storage space attached.

You’ll also have many more customization options than buying an existing house or converting an existing barn. For example, you can add as many rooms as you wish, and depending on your preference, your barndominium siding may be made from steel for minimal maintenance. Alternatively, you can achieve a more rustic finish with timber siding or even opt for a modern hybrid stone and steel combo.

Once the shell is complete, adding foam insulation and potentially solar panels to the roof, will help you create an energy efficient home with lower than average utility costs. Barndominiums are also much quicker to build than traditional brick and mortar homes. In fact, their easy-fit prefabricated design should save you around six months, so you can move in sooner.

Why build a barndominium in the United Kingdom?

Barndominiums and modular homes have been popular on the other side of the pond for a while, and the trend has finally hit the UK. As such, barndos are cropping up all over and in many forms. This includes garden studios with office spaces, farm shops with adjoining living areas, Airbnbs, and more. But why build a barndominium in the United Kingdom specifically?

The UK offers its residents numerous perks like free healthcare, great education and career opportunities, and cities steeped in history. And if you love the outdoors, you’ll be even more spoilt for choice. From the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales to the snow-capped mountains of Snowdonia and the ancient forests of Scotland, the country has an array of stunning scenery. Not to mention 15 national parks and around 11,000 miles of rugged coastline to explore.

Better still, if you choose to live in the countryside – where barndominiums are best suited – you’ll never be far from the action. Most towns and cities are well connected by road and train for easy access to shopping malls, sports stadiums, theatres, and more.

Cost of building a barndominium in the UK

According to a recent article by House & Garden, the cost of prefabricated houses in the UK varies greatly. However, you can expect to pay around £200,000 for a fully finished out barndominium in the United Kingdom. Alternatively, based on the average cost of building a barndominium in the US, costs range from £75 – £115 (£95 – £145) per square foot.

With that said, you’ll need to consider the size, spec, and land costs to generate a more accurate estimate. On average, purchasing one acre of UK farmland (for development) will set you back £12 – £15k, plus a one-off fee to apply for planning permission. On the plus side, you’ll pay significantly less stamp duty than you would when buying an existing home.

In comparison, building a 2-3 bedroom traditional brick and mortar house in the UK can cost between £280k – £365k, and even more for complex designs. 

Barndominium builders in the United Kingdom

As barndominiums are still a niche in the UK, there aren’t too many builders that specialize in this specific type of home. But there are a number of reputable steel home builders, along with international suppliers that can help bring your dream barn home to life.

HebHomes

Based in Glasgow, HebHomes supplies a variety of open-plan prefabricated homes designed by award-winning Scottish architects. Choose from 40 proven designs with 1-5 bedrooms or upgrade to a bespoke model. You can then buy on a supply-only basis, utilize their supply and erect service or go for full installation with kitchen, bathroom, and flooring included.

Midbrook Steel Buildings

Alternatively, Midbrook Steel Buildings may be able to help you build a barndominium in the United Kingdom. While their primary area is industrial units and commercial buildings like warehouses, offices, and workshops, they are definitely worth a try. Nationwide delivery and installation is available, alongside groundworks, drainage, and internal fit-outs.

Worldwide Steel Buildings

Another great option is to order a custom barndominium kit with a 50 year warranty from US experts Worldwide Steel Buildings. Using their online 3D design tool, you can tailor the size, style and color of your home, plus the number of stories, windows, doors, and more.

On top of that, by investing in a kit, you also have the option to construct the house yourself with the help of our barndominium program. If you’re a first timer, this detailed guide will direct you through the build to ensure its success, and save you time and money along the way.

Barndominium Kits in the UK

How to finance a barndominium build in the UK

As they are made from steel rather than brick or stone, barndominiums are classed as non-standard construction properties. Because of this, you’ll need a specialist mortgage to fund your project, which usually requires a slightly higher 20-25% deposit upfront. Experienced brokers John Charcol and BuildStore both offer loans for custom, non-standard builds and are a good place to start if you need help funding a barndominium in the United Kingdom.

Where to find barndominium insurance in the United Kingdom

Likewise, sourcing insurance for a custom barndominium can be more challenging than for a standard property, as risk is harder for brokers to quantify. However, it’s important that you do arrange it in order to protect your home against flooding, fire, and theft, even if you feel those things are unlikely. Two providers who can help are Intelligent Insurance and Home Protect. You’ll be asked about the value of your house and potentially the security and weatherproofing measures you have in place, so keep a record and consult an appraiser for an accurate quote.

Barndominium floor plan inspiration

• 6 Bedroom Barndominium Floor Plans
• Amazing 40×80 Barndominium Floor Plans with Shop
• Unique Barndominium Floor Plans with Loft
• Stunning 40×100 Barndominium Floor Plans

Conclusion

If you would like more guides like this one, check out the rest of BarndominiumLife.com. There, you will find more helpful tips and tricks from the pros. You will also find featured barndominiums, barndominium floor plans, and information on financing and insurance. Knowing as much as you can will help you get the best results for your dream home.