Campervan Conversion Cost Guide

How Much Does It Cost to Convert a Van into a Campervan?

Dreaming of hitting the open road, living the vanlife dream, and sipping coffee by scenic lakes? Sounds magical, doesn’t it? But before your Instagram-worthy adventures begin, there’s one tiny detail to figure out: How much is this going to cost you?

Spoiler alert: It’s not free. But with some smart planning (and maybe a bit of duct tape), you can make it work without pawning your soul.

Let’s break it down, step by step, from choosing the perfect van to uncovering sneaky budget-saving tricks.

Non-Build Costs You Shouldn’t Forget

Ah, the hidden costs of adulthood! Just like buying a house, there are extras to budget for beyond the pretty stuff. Think MOTs, insurance, and road tax. These pesky details can add a few thousand pounds to your overall spending.

Important Note: If your van isn’t roadworthy, it doesn’t matter how many fairy lights you hang inside. So, budget accordingly and don’t skimp on these essentials.

Selecting the Right Van for Your Camper Conversion

Choosing your van is like picking a life partner—it’s a big decision. Your van will be your home, your travel companion, and, occasionally, the thing you yell at when it refuses to start on a freezing morning. So, choose wisely.

Do you want a tall van so you can stand up inside? Great! Just remember, a taller van might mean ducking for low bridges. Prefer something compact and stealthy? Awesome—just don’t complain when you’re cramming your hiking boots under the bed at night.

Popular options include the Mercedes Sprinter, for those with champagne taste, and the Ford Transit, for those who want reliability without selling a kidney. On average, vans cost anywhere from £7,000 to £21,000, depending on the model, year, and mileage.

Pro Tip: Don’t just pick the shiniest van. Consider your needs, like how many people will be traveling or how much gear you plan to haul. If you’re planning to bring your surfboard, guitar, or six pots of basil, you’ll need the space.

Calculating the Cost of Your Van Conversion

So, how much does it really cost to turn a blank van into a rolling home? Here’s the no-nonsense answer: it depends. But let’s add some numbers to make it feel real.

For a basic DIY build, expect to spend around £4,800 (62,000 SEK). Want to go mid-range with some extra creature comforts? That’ll set you back £9,500 (121,000 SEK). And if you’re going full luxury mode with a shower, solar panels, and a wine cooler (priorities!), you might be looking at £24,000 (311,000 SEK).

Feeling faint yet? Don’t worry—you can save money by scavenging secondhand materials, hitting up sales, and embracing your inner DIY guru (YouTube tutorials, anyone?).

The 70/30 Rule:
Your Budget’s Best Friend

Here’s a golden rule for budgeting your campervan build: follow the 70/30 rule. Spend 70% of your budget on the van itself and 30% on the conversion. For example, if your total budget is £15,000, allocate £10,500 for the van and £4,500 for the build.

Alternatively, some people prefer the 60/40 rule, but remember—the more you spend on the van, the less you’ll have for that chic reclaimed wood countertop you’ve been dreaming about.

Van Conversion Cost Breakdown

According to a 2023 study, the average cost of a full van conversion (including the van) is around £13,000 (175,000 SEK). But here’s the good news:
Many vanlifers manage to spend much less by being resourceful.

In my case, I spent £5,600 (70,000 SEK) on the van and an additional £5,600 (70,000 SEK) on the conversion. Sure, it wasn’t luxury, but hey, it worked—and I still had money left over for coffee and snacks.

Van Lifespan: How Long Will It Last?

Thinking of buying a van with some miles on it? Don’t stress. According to a report by the European Commission, the average lifespan of a commercial van is 140,000 miles (224,000 km), with an average retirement age of 13 years. Many vans last much longer if well-maintained, so don’t let high mileage scare you off.

Budget-Friendly Tips for Your Van Build

1. Go secondhand: Raid online marketplaces or repurpose old furniture to save big bucks.

2. DIY everything: From building beds to installing solar panels, learning to do it yourself can save thousands.

3. Start small: You don’t need a fully equipped van on day one. Start with the basics and upgrade as you go.

Fun Fact: Around 40% of your conversion costs will go to electrical installations, so plan your budget wisely!

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely! Converting a van into a campervan is an adventure in itself. Sure, there are costs involved, but the payoff—freedom, adventure, and the ability to park your home by a lake—makes it all worth it.

So, whether you’re dreaming of weekend getaways or full-time van life, this guide should help you plan your budget and start your journey with confidence (and maybe a little less stress).

Ready to dive in? Download our free van conversion checklist to get started!