If you’re dreaming of campervan life, one of the first (and biggest) questions you’ll face is this:

Is it cheaper to convert a van, or should you buy a ready-made campervan?

The answer isn’t the same for everyone. It depends on your budget, your time, and how you plan to use your van. In this guide, we’ll break down the real costs, pros, and cons of each option to help you decide which route offers the best value for you.

Option 1: DIY Campervan Conversion

A DIY conversion is usually the cheapest way to get started — especially if you already own a van.

Typical Cost (UK)

£2,000 – £6,000 (excluding the cost of the van)

What You Usually Get

• Basic insulation and lining
• Simple bed platform
• Basic storage
• Portable cooking setup
• Entry-level electrics (leisure battery, lights, USB sockets)

Pros

• Lowest upfront cost
• Full creative control
• Extremely rewarding for hands-on people

Cons

• Very time-consuming
• Requires tools and technical skills
• Higher risk of mistakes
• No warranty or certification

Best for: People on a tight budget who enjoy DIY and don’t mind a longer build time.

Option 2: Part DIY / Part Professional Conversion

This is a popular middle ground, combining DIY work with professional help for the technical elements.

Typical Cost (UK)

£6,000 – £12,000

What You Usually Get

• Proper insulation and lining
• Fixed bed or seat/bed system
• Kitchen unit with hob and sink
• Fridge
• Reliable electrics and water system

Pros

• Good balance of cost and quality
• Safer electrics and heating
• Better resale value than full DIY

Cons

• Still requires time and planning
• Costs can increase if plans change

Best for: People who want comfort and reliability without the cost of a full professional build.

Option 3: Professional Campervan Conversion

A professional conversion delivers a fully finished campervan that’s designed to last.

Typical Cost (UK)

£12,000 – £25,000+

What You Usually Get

• Full insulation and soundproofing
• Professionally built lightweight furniture
• Full kitchen and storage
• Advanced electrical system (often with solar)
• Diesel heater
• Certified gas and electrical work

Pros

• High-quality finish
• Safe, compliant systems
• Saves months of build time
• Strong resale value

Cons

• Higher upfront investment

Best for: Those who want a reliable, long-term camper without the stress of building it themselves.

Option 4: Buying a Ready-Made Campervan

Buying a campervan that’s already built is the quickest route into van life — but often the most expensive.

Typical Cost (UK)

£25,000 – £60,000+

Pros

• Ready to use immediately
• No build time or planning
• Often includes warranties

Cons

• Higher overall cost
• Limited layout customisation
• Often older or high-mileage vans at lower budgets

Best for: People who want to hit the road immediately and don’t need a custom layout.

So… Which Is Cheaper?

Option	Typical Cost	Cheapest?	Best Value?
DIY Conversion	£2k–£6k	✅ Yes	❌
Hybrid Conversion	£6k–£12k	❌	✅
Professional Conversion	£12k–£25k+	❌	✅
Ready-Made Campervan	£25k–£60k+	❌	❌

✔ Cheapest overall: DIY conversion (if you have skills and time)

✔ Best balance of cost, quality, and resale: Professional conversion

Hidden Costs People Often Forget

• Buying tools and materials for DIY
• Fixing mistakes later
• Upgrading systems that were undersized
• Lost time and missed trips
• Insurance or certification issues

Often, spending a bit more upfront saves money long-term.

Conclusion

So, is it cheaper to convert a van or buy a campervan?

In most cases, converting a van — especially with professional help — is cheaper and offers far better value than buying a ready-made campervan. You get a layout designed around your lifestyle, modern systems, and a camper that’s built to last.

At Lakeland Camper Van Interiors, we pride ourselves on creating interiors that not only meet your practical needs but also feel like a home away from home.

At Lakeland Campervan Interiors, we design and build high-quality campervan conversions that are carefully engineered, beautifully finished, and built to last. We offer a range of thoughtfully designed packages as well as bespoke solutions — so you can choose the level of build that suits both your budget and your adventures.

If you’d like to see what’s possible, you can explore our conversion packages here:

👉 View our campervan conversion packages

If you’re not sure which option is right for you, we’re always happy to offer honest advice and talk you through the best route for your van and your budget.

Get in touch today and let’s start planning your perfect campervan.