If you’re looking to buy a van conversion or convert a campervan in the UK, one of the first questions is always ‘how much does a van conversion cost?’
This is difficult question to answer because there is a converted camper for pretty much every budget!
From low-budget to luxe, there’s a van to suit, but what do you really get for your money?
In this guide we’re on a one-way trip to demystify the cost of a van conversion in the UK.
Read on for:
↠ Real-life van build budgets and case studies – covering self-build vans that cost just £900 to convert, to professional conversions costing £45,000.
↠ The essential factors you’ll need to budget for when transforming a van into a camper.
↠ Answers to the most common questions about the cost of a campervan build.
In this article we’ll reveal the professional costs of campervan conversions, and the typical self-build costs.
If you are considering the cost of a campervan conversion, and want to know what your budget should be, you can jump straight to the best section for you:
⏩️ PROFESSIONAL CONVERSION PRICES
⏩️ SELF-BUILD CONVERSION COSTS
What Exactly is a Campervan Conversion?
Setting them apart from motorhomes and pre-built campervans, when we talk about ‘camper conversions’ we’re specifically referring to a van that’s started life as standard regular van, before hitting the road as a campervan.
Widely speaking, there are two types of campervan conversion:
1. Professional Conversions: Conversions completed by a conversion company.
2. Self-build conversions: Conversions completed by a hobbyist, usually for their own use.
However they come to exist, at the heart of a campervan conversion is individuality. The vanlife community transformations we see hitting the roads vary hugely.
From fully off-grid hotel-style setups – like this incredible LWB Mercedes Sprinter – to minimalistic designs, such as this Scandi-style VW T6 camper, every conversion is unique.
Despite the diversity in design, the essence of a campervan conversion remains the same: it’s a panel van that has been reimagined as a bespoke adventure-ready home.
Buying a Campervan Conversion
How much does a camper van cost to buy already converted?
The cost to buy a secondhand camper or pre-converted van can be anything from £1,000-£2,000 right up to £230,000 (the astounding market value of this luxury Mercedes Sprinter camper).
This article is for you if you are looking to self-convert a van or commission a professional van build.
If you are looking to buy a secondhand or new campervan, online research will help you discover prices. This is a great place to start: How to Avoid Scams when Buying a Campervan or Motorhome.
Professional Camper Van Conversion Costs
In our experience, the cost of a professional van conversion typically comprises of three elements:
1. The price of the base vehicle
Whether you choose a new or used van for your conversion will affect the total cost.
It’s best to speak directly with van conversion companies about their preferred approach to this – a few will only convert new vans, most will actively help you source a reliable van, and some will leave this all totally up to you!
The model of the van you choose can also affect the conversion costs. ‘Boxier’, wider vans such as Peugeot Boxers, Citroen Relays, and Fiat Ducatos are easier to convert, thus reducing costs.
2. The price of materials and amenities
Van conversion companies operate in different ways when it comes to camper conversion cost.
Some offer a range of layout options to choose from, each with transparent pricing. These typically encompass all the essentials for a van conversion, such as areas for cooking, sleeping, seating, and a toilet and shower (space allowing). This approach provides clarity from the outset.
On the other hand, other companies specialise in entirely bespoke conversions, tailored through a series of consultations to meet your specific needs. In this case, the cost of amenities and materials is customised to your project.
Many conversion companies operate somewhere between the two! They provide a ‘van conversion price list’ for you to choose from.
While it may be tempting to undertake some aspects of the conversion yourself to save on costs—for instance, insulating and lining the van—this approach is often discouraged by professional conversion companies. Most prefer to manage these tasks themselves, to maintain the quality and integrity of the finished build.
3. The price of bespoke elements
When you work with professionals, they may base their pricelist on certain materials, finishes and electrical set-ups, but you might have something different in mind. In this instance, these upgrades are typically priced additionally.
Professional Campervan Conversion Packages
Vanlife Hub is home to the most comprehensive van tours on the web. We have reviewed some of the best professionally converted vans in the UK.
The prices below will give you an idea of the costs associated with converting your van professionally, but it really depends on the spec you choose.
Here are some typical full build examples, collected in March 2024. These prices do not include the base vehicle:
‘Mandalay’ Microcamper by Love Campers
Conversion price: From £16,999 + VAT (July 2024, please see current price)
The charm and versatility of VW Caddy Maxi micro camper, combined with the attention to detail and quality craftsmanship, make it a fantastic choice for van life enthusiasts looking for a compact yet fully functional home on wheels.
Love Campers offer a range of different signature layouts, for all sizes of van, and their conversion journey even includes a ‘Members Area’ where you can personalise your van’s interior, choosing everything from wood finishes to upholstery colour and fabrics.
‘Deluxe’ by Vango Fitouts
Conversion price: From £18,000 + VAT (March 2024, please see current price)
We love this Citroen Relay campervan layout from Vango Fitouts. It’s got everything you need to live comfortably on the road, along with a reliable off-grid power set-up.
Vango also offer ‘Basic’ and ‘Adventure’ packages which are suitable for small/medium vans with less off-grid demands, starting from £10,000.
‘Brecon’ by Camper Dreamin’
Conversion price: From £23,000 + VAT (March 2024, please see current price)
This 2 or 3 berth layout offers a fixed or convertible double bed, spacious seating, large kitchen and garage storage, plus it comes in a range of gorgeous finishes.
The off-grid set-up is very capable, plus for it has the added convenience of an underslung LPG tank. For an extra cost, Camper Dreamin’ can include mini log burner.
Luxury Race Van by Racespace Sport Homes
Conversion price: From £25,595 + VAT (June 2024, please see current price)
All their Racespace’s adventure motorhome conversions can be customised to your specifications, and a wide range of optional extras can be included.
If you’re interested in adventure van conversions, get in touch with the team at Racespace to discuss design options and what you’d like to prioritise. You’ll get the benefit of their expertise and they’ll guide you through their conversion process to personalise your build.
‘The Santorini’ by Love Campers
Conversion price: £26,995 + VAT (March 2024, please see current price)
Perfect for a couple or solo vanlifer, this fully professional conversion is great for a medium (MWB) or long wheelbase (LWB) van. It features a portaloo, but no interior shower.
The electrical set-up included in the standard price is designed to be used with hook-up, but off-grid upgrades are available.
Once you commission a van build with Love Campers you are able to design the look and feel by choosing your fixtures and fittings in their special online ‘Members Area’.
Long Wheelbase Conversions by Born Wild Vans
Conversion price: From £30,000 inc. VAT (October 2024, please see current price)
For full conversions for long wheel base (large) panel vans such as Ford Transits or Peugeot Boxers, Born Wild Vans‘ prices start at £30,000. For a couple of examples of their work, check out Bear (Ford Transit conversion) and Skirlie (Peugeot Boxer camper).
Uniquely, Born Wild Vans also offer part or phased conversions – so if you need a hand with part of your build, or are taking things bit by bit in order to manage your budget, these could be your guys!
The team regularly work on smaller vehicles, and are pros at creating warm, inviting space, no matter the size.
These prices don’t include the purchase of a used or new van.
‘The Al’ by Taylored Campervans
Conversion price: From £34,000 inc. VAT (October 2024, please see current price)
Taylored Campervans offer a great approach to tailoring you campervan – to your budget and your requirements! Shower, seating, pop-top, and a premium off-grid set-up are optional extras.
Their vans feature high-end finishes and uniquely crafted designs.
‘The Alps’ by Vanpuravida
Conversion price: £43,990 plus VAT (May 2024, please see current price)
This apartment on wheels has space to sleep and seat 5, so you can live life to the luxe in a LWB van – such as a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter or VW Crafter. Some highlights from ‘The Alps’ layout include:
↠ Dinette and lounge area (converts to king-size bed).
↠ Lippert electric lift bed.
↠ Shower room with removable toilet.
↠ Spacious L-shaped kitchen.
↠ 2 belted passenger seats, one of them with a lap belt.
What’s really impressive is how Vanpuravida have been able to bring such a luxury conversion in under the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) (3.5 tonnes). Every single aspect of this layout has been selected with weight in mind.
Love this Mercedes Sprinter van conversion? Take the full van tour…
‘Beyond 2’ by Crozier Campers
Conversion price: £125,00 inc base vehicle and VAT (August 2024, please see current price)
If we had a checklist of dream features, this LWB campervan layout from Crozier Campers would be off the charts. Their ‘Beyond 2‘ configuration is innovative, and one of the best we’ve seen – especially if you’re considering long-term adventures or full-time van life.
Key features:
↠ Shower cubicle with toilet.
↠ Well-equipped kitchen.
↠ Table on Lagun table leg swivel system.
↠ U-shaped dinette, converts to large bed.
↠ Entertainment centre with projector screen.
Please note that Crozier Campers‘ conversion prices include the base van and VAT. In this instance, the base van is a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 317 RWD L3 H2 3.5T, with the ‘Premium’ Mercedes package included.
Want to see exactly what your money gets you? Take the full van tour…
Converting a Van Yourself: How Much Does it Cost?
If you’re thinking about converting the van yourself, you might be able to save a lot on the cost of the conversion, but it really depends on how ‘handy’ you are, and the spec of your conversion.
In this section we’ll look the overall costs involved with a self-build van life project, and at some real-life examples.
We’ll also hear about how popular YouTuber @GadgetJohn went £10,000 over budget with his Peugeot Boxer conversion, and help you plan to avoid this.
When planning to turn a van into a camper, you can start to plan the cost of your van conversion by considering:
1. The type of van
2. Cost breakdown of materials
3. Labour costs
Plus we’ll help you anticipate some of the unexpected costs that people encounter.
Buying the Best Van Type for a Camper Conversion
The type and size of your van will affect the cost. Hence, you’ll want to begin by considering:
(a) The size (micro, medium, long, extra-long)
(b) Type of van to convert.
In the UK, the most popular large vans for a camper conversion (MWB or LWB) include:
↠ Mercedes Sprinter
↠ Volkswagen Crafter
↠ Fiat Ducato
↠ Peugeot Boxer
↠ Citroen Relay
↠ Iveco Daily
↠ Vauxhall Vivaro
↠ Ford Transit
↠ Renault Traffic
When it comes to smaller vans, the VW Transporter series (e.g. VW T5) is the most popular, but the Citroen Berlingo and VW Caddy are popular choices too.
Really, anything goes!
Before you choose the best van, take a look our top tips to avoid being scammed when buying a van.
Cost of materials and equipment needed for conversion
While planning your budget, it’s important to consider what kind of finish you’d like – something budget-friendly and basic to just get you out there, or a more luxury van?
Below is a comprehensive list of everything you need to know to plan your budget.
As you add costs to each section, note down any areas where you are not confident to do the work yourself, and anticipate you will need professional assistance. This information will be used in the next stage of planning.
Fixtures, fittings & furnishings inside the van
Kitchen
↠ Hob
↠ Cooker
↠ Sink
↠ Fridge / cool box
↠ Worktop
↠ Lighting
↠ Storage
↠ Lighting
↠ Materials inc. hooks, handles etc
Water system, toilet and shower room
↠ Toilet
↠ Shower (cubicle and equipment)
↠ Water storage
↠ Waste water storage
↠ Water pump
↠ Water heating
↠ Ventilation
↠ Lighting
↠ Materials and sundries
Living/Sleeping area
↠ Seating (including swivels for front seats)
↠ Furnishings
↠ Heating system
↠ Flooring
↠ Mattress
↠ Storage (including any garage storage)
↠ Materials
Exterior of the van
↠ Window (per window)
↠ Wheels
↠ Ladder
↠ Roof-rack
↠ Lighting
↠ Decoration
↠ Suspension upgrade
↠ Security upgrades
↠ Skylight(s)
↠ Pop top conversion
Van Electrics & Internet
↠ 12v and/or 240v with inverter
↠ Solar panel(s) with MPPT controller
↠ Leisure batteries
↠ DC-DC split charge
↠ Internet
↠ Wiring and sundries
Safety Upgrades
↠ Deadlocks and an immobiliser are recommended
Labour costs
Most self-converted van projects will need to call on professional services at some point. For example, unless you’re a qualified electrician, you may not like to tackle the camper van electrical system.
It’s important to anticipate where you might need help. Areas might include:
↠ Solar power and off-grid electrics
↠ Gas or plumbing
↠ Heating
↠ Exterior upgrades such as windows and skylights
Unexpected expenses to consider
We get it, it’s ironic that we’re even asking you to ‘expect the unexpected’.
The nature of ‘unexpected costs’ are that they are unexpected, right?
Well, yes, that’s true, but there are a few costs we can think of that you may not have done, yet.
These include:
Vehicle check: We recommend you get a professional vehicle check on any second-hand van before purchase. A comprehensive RAC check costs around £200, and could save you thousands.
Habitation checks: A campervan habitation check is like an MOT for the living area of your campervan. If you’ve completed the build yourself, it’s a good idea to get your systems checked professionally. A habitation check typically includes gas retesting, electrical performance tests, and water system checks. You can expect to pay around £250.
Van maintenance: If you use your van as your daily drive while you are converting it, remember to budget for maintenance costs.
Campervan insurance: We strongly recommend getting insurance quotes before you buy a van to convert. We are seeing some crazy high quotes at the moment. You should ensure your van is insured, even if you keep the van off-road during the conversion.
Road tax: Unless your van is off-road and SORN, you will need to pay road tax. Rates are uniform for all light commercial vehicles (LCVs/N1s) weighing up to 3,500kg – approx. £320 per year. This encompasses a spectrum ranging from compact ‘day vans,’ like VW Transporter conversions, to larger LWB vans such as this VW Crafter, the Mercedes Sprinter, and Ford Transits. Road tax is a necessary evil when it comes to the costs of van life in the UK; whether a van is a campervan or not, the cost does not change.
Cost of tools: Popular YouTuber @nightscapeofficial warns against underestimating the cost of a van build by forgetting to factor in tools. Based on his estimate, the tools required might cost over £500.
The important takeaway here is that you may not be able to anticipate everything, but it’s best to keep some money aside for such times.
If you’re planning to join the van life movement and live in your van full-time, you might like to check-out our article about the costs of van life.
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Real-life Examples of Self-conversion Costs
Budget-friendly conversion (£900)
Base Van: 2019 VW Crafter (cost N/K)
Time taken: 3 weeks
YouTubers @iNDI_VAN_A_JONES completed this VW Crafter camper conversion for around £900! Their home away from home includes a kingsize bed, fridge, diesel heater, Victron Orion DC-DC split charger with 120Ah leisure battery system, and more. This conversion does not have solar panels.
Vanlife Hub Verdict: This is a fast, budget build, and there are parts that aren’t perfect but, that aside, it has everything they wanted. It just goes to show that you can convert a large van for less than £1,000!
Money-saving tips: Used IKEA bed beams to save money, and cheap lino off-cuts for the living area flooring.
Mid-range conversion (£5,400 – £6,900)
Base Van: 2002 Renault Master (£1,600)
Time taken: N/K
YouTuber @nightscapeofficial transformed a tired old 2002 Renault Master into a modern campervan, leveraging the power of Facebook Marketplace for unbeatable deals. This revamped vehicle boasts a robust electrical system powered by a 405W solar panel (£90) and three AGM leisure batteries (£100 each), ensuring ample energy for all onboard needs.
The exterior makeover wasn’t just cosmetic; it included practical upgrades like off-road wheels (£150), window tinting (£200), a refurbished roof rack (£80), and a custom paint job (£200) that breathes new life into the van.
Inside, the adventure-ready van features a thoughtfully designed kitchen from IKEA (£405, plus worktop £80), a 12V fridge (£300), water heater (£300), bespoke blinds (£130), and a DIY gas locker (£45).
Vanlife Hub Verdict: Bought from Facebook Marketplace, @nightscapeofficial‘s Renault Master was previously owned by a care home. It had 75,000 miles on the clock, and was in poor condition due to being neglected for almost three years. Bought for just £1,600, he got a really good deal on it! Similar vans with considerably higher mileage are advertised on AutoTrader for £2,500. It also already had a diesel heater.
That aside, the fact that he brought this in under £7,000 for a full internal and external conversion, with a strong off-grid power set-up is impressive!
Money-saving tips: Search for deals on Facebook Marketplace for essential components and DIY as much as you can.
Luxury conversion (£16,390)
Base Van: Peugeot Boxer (£14,000, 4 years old)
Time taken: N/K
YouTuber @GadgetJohn took a four-year-old Peugeot Boxer and created a luxury van home – perhaps more ‘luxury’ than he intended! This story shows how easy it is to go over budget – he surpassed his initial budget by £10,000 to reach a total cost of £30,390 (including the van).
The exterior saw enhancements worth £5,030, including the addition of wheels, tires, LED lights, and more, aimed at improving both functionality and aesthetics.
Inside, the van was transformed into a cosy living area with a total interior cost of £8,470, excluding electronics. The space was meticulously designed with multiple refits, incorporating timber for construction and paying close attention to the selection of materials to enhance comfort and usability.
The electrical system, a backbone of the off-grid capabilities, included 200Ah lithium batteries and 600W of solar panels on the roof, totalling £2,890.
Vanlife Hub Verdict: Despite challenges, including budget overruns and the intricacies of self-construction, this story highlights the immense value in completing a self-build conversion project.
Sure, it was over-budget, but the important thing is that the result is everything Gadget John wanted. With its carefully thought-out features and customisations, this van stands out as a unique blend of home and adventure.
It’s important to note that everything in this conversion was bought new, and there’s some premium kit included – such as lithium batteries – which will last longer and be more efficient. Additionally, while this conversion may sound expensive, it still cost considerably less than a professional conversion.
Money-saving tips: This example underscores the importance of having a flexible budget with a contingency fund to accommodate unexpected costs.
Sprinter campervan conversion (£19,882)
Base Van: Mercedes Sprinter (£7,000, 15 years old)
Time taken: 2 years (evenings and weekends)
YouTubers @Steps2Adventure transformed this fifteen-year-old Mercedes Sprinter into a premium campervan, meticulously designed for both comfort and functionality, with a total conversion cost of £19,882.
The conversion encompassed comprehensive enhancements, starting with the van purchase and necessary repairs amounting to £7,879. The cosy interior, crafted with £2,328 worth of insulation and wood, is perfectly complemented by a sophisticated electrical and solar setup costing £3,468, ensuring ample off-grid capabilities.
Further investments included a £703 plumbing and heating system, a £576 ventilation setup, and a £625 fully equipped shower room, enhancing the van’s livability. The kitchen received £1,115 worth of upgrades including modern appliances and fixtures, while essential security features like cameras and trackers were installed for £754.
Decor touches and miscellaneous items added up to £1,253, rounding out the interior with personal touches and practical enhancements. For a detailed breakdown of these costs and to see how @Steps2Adventure maximised their budget to create a luxurious yet functional van home, check out our full van tour.
Vanlife Hub Verdict: This has been a labour of love. These guys stuck to their aim of creating a full-time van home, and the result is beautiful. They took lots of trips during the build to get used to what worked and what didn’t, and they are constantly enhancing their camper. They admit they could have saved some costs and, if they were to do it again, they think they could do so for around £18,000.
Money-saving tips: Jordan and Annalise firmly believe that you don’t need to go all out on a van build! Sometimes, the basics are all you need to hit the road and start living the vanlife experience!.
Tips for Keeping Costs Down During a Camper Conversion Project
When you transform a van into a campervan you get the freedom to explore and create a space that’s uniquely your own.
However, managing the cost to convert a van can be challenging.
These tips will help keep your budget in check without compromising on quality or functionality:
Careful Consideration: DIY or Professional Conversion
Tackling the conversion process yourself can significantly reduce costs and allow for a more personalised touch. This is great if you have the time, skills, desire, tools, and confidence to convert a DIY camper.
However, it’s important to be realistic about your time and skills; we’ve all seen a part-built DIY campervan languishing on someone’s drive, rather than living its best life out on the road!
If you’re considering full-time van life as a cost-saving approach, it may seem counter-intuitive to pay for a professional conversion.
However, if you have the budget, your conversion could be completed in as little as 4 weeks. If you complete the conversion yourself, and you can only work at weekends, it could easily take 12 months. The cost of running a house for 12 months can be considerable… you could actually save yourself money by getting a professional build!
It’s worth some serious consideration.
Using Salvaged Materials and Get Creative!
Incorporating salvaged materials into your converted campervan is much cheaper than buying new and is also environmentally friendly.
Look for reclaimed wood, fixtures, and furniture that can add character and functionality to your campervan.
Facebook Marketplace is a great place to start. Just be sure to keep in mind the weight and durability requirements of your camper.
Some creative cost-saving approaches we’ve seen include:
↠ Roller-door breadbins as overhead cabinets.
↠ Cooking pans as sinks (such as the copper preserving pan in ‘Manny’ – a VW Crafter camper).
↠ Pallet wood for wall paneling – adds warmth and texture at minimal cost.
↠ Leather belts for cabinet pulls: Use cut leather belts as pulls for drawers and cabinets, for a touch of rugged elegance.
Shop Around for Materials
The price of big money items like batteries, water tanks and solar panels can vary widely, so it pays to shop around.
Conclusion
In unveiling the true cost of converting a vanlife van, we’ve revealed that a full conversion can cost anywhere between £900 for a basic DIY transformation, right up to £35,000 and more for a professional camper van conversion.
The key takeaway is clear: if you’re considering a campervan conversion, there’s one for every budget.
However, you’ll get more for your money if you make time for careful planning, mindful design, and creativity.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cost of Campervan Conversions
Is it cheaper to buy a van and convert it than to buy a campervan?
Campervan conversions hold their value well, this makes them a good investment, but they are expensive to buy. Therefore, it’s usually cheaper to convert a van yourself than to buy a campervan.
Converting a van yourself allows you to control costs more directly and source materials and components at more competitive prices – often making it cheaper to buy and convert a van.
That said, it’s important to do your research, because there are deals to be had out there, especially on older vans!
Check out our Guide to Avoiding Campervan Buying Scams for more information about buying secondhand campervans.
How much does it cost to convert a campervan UK?
In the UK, the cost to convert a campervan can vary widely, starting from as little as £500 for a very basic setup to £30,000 – £80,000 for a high-spec, professional conversion.
The final cost depends on factors like the base vehicle’s price, the complexity of the conversion, the quality of materials used, and whether you’re doing the work yourself or hiring professionals.
It tax cheaper on a campervan?
No, road tax is not cheaper on a campervan or motorhome.
The tax payable is the same as an unconverted panel van or other vehicle – it only changes depending on the size (measured by weight) and engine.
The rate of vehicle tax is based on the vehicle’s revenue weight (also known as maximum or gross vehicle weight). Private or light goods vehicles which have a revenue weight of 3,500kg or less with an engine size over 1549cc, currently pay £325 per year (if paid in a single annual payment). This will apply to most long wheelbase vans,
What is the best van to convert into a camper UK?
The ‘best’ vans to convert largely depend on what you want from your conversion.
If budget is no object, and you’re looking for a van you can stand up in (without the need for a pop top), the Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, and MAN TGE 4×4 are all popular choices.
Ford Transits, Fiat Ducatos, Peugeot Boxers, Iveco Dailys, and Citroen Relays are typically slightly cheaper options, with some having the added bonus of a wider ‘boxier’ design – making for an easier conversion.
The VW Transporter series are popular vans too, great if you’re looking to convert a small camper with a tried and tested reputation!
Is it cheaper to live in a campervan than a house?
Yes, living in a campervan is cheaper than living in a house, especially if you currently pay rent. Living in a campervan is typically at least £600 cheaper per month, when compared to houselife.
However, the costs can vary depending on the age and condition of your van, how much you travel, and where you park.
Before deciding to live in a campervan we recommend you plan your budget; this article about vanlife costs will help.
How long does it take to convert a van into a campervan?
Basic converted camper vans can be finished in as little as a few weeks, whereas more intricate projects might extend to years!
The duration of your van renovation will be influenced by your experience in van building, the availability of materials, and whether the conversion is being undertaken as a full-time job, or a part-time project.
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