The first step in every campervan conversion is choosing which van to buy. Finding the right van is exciting and fun, but it can also feel a bit overwhelming. Which is why this guide exists, to help you along the way.
Converting a van takes both time and money, so it’s important to make the right choice from the start. There are many options out there.
Just like people, vans come in all shapes and sizes. Tall, small, wide, narrow, colourful, subtle, practical, rattly, rugged, cheap or expensive.
In this article, you’ll discover which van is best for conversion and learn more about how much it really costs to build a campervan.
Estimating Your Campervan Conversion Cost
To estimate the total cost of your conversion, make a list of everything you’ll need in your van and assign a price to each item. Once you’ve added it all up, add another 30% for unexpected expenses — that’s your realistic build cost.
Further down, you’ll find a complete list of materials needed for a van conversion.
The Rule of Depreciation
Let’s be honest, converting a van into a campervan can get expensive. A simple rule of thumb when buildning a campervan ,is to follow either the 70/30 rule (70% for the vehicle, 30% for the build).
Non-Build Costs
Building your campervan is one thing, getting it road-ready is another. Don’t forget expenses like road tax, insurance, MOT (or inspection), and registration. These can easily add a few thousand kronor to your total.
The more miles you drive, the more your van’s value drops. Keeping this in mind helps balance your investment between vehicle and build.
How Much Does the Base Van Cost?
According to a 2023 Roaming Home study, the average cost of a base vehicle for a van conversion in Europe was around 9 500 – 15 000€. But in the end the prices vary widely depending on the model, year, and mileage:
- Mercedes Sprinter: 20 000–27 000 €
- Ford Transit: 10 000–20 000 €
Lifespan of a Van – What’s considered high mileage for a van?
According to a European Commission report, the average lifespan of a commercial van is 224,000 km, and the average retirement age is about 13 years.
That doesn’t mean a van can’t exceed those numbers. In our research, we found plenty of vans bought well beyond that mileage still running strong.
Interestingly, the most common registration year for vans purchased in 2023 was 2015, meaning the average van on the market is about 8 years old.
The Real Cost to Build a Campervan
When planning your dream campervan conversion, one of the first questions that comes up, atleast fot me, is “what’s the real cost to build a campervan?”. The answer depends ofcourse on your goals, materials, usage and how much of the work you’re doing yourself.
The average cost to build a campervan ranges between 10 000€ and 20 000€, including both the vehicle and the conversion. That means the average total (van + build) lands around 17 500 €. But many people manage it for far less.
A basic DIY setup with simple insulation, electrics and storage can be done for as little as 6 000€, while a full-time campervan with heating, solar power and built-in water systems can easily exceed 28 000€.
To keep your campervan build cost realistic, it helps to break it down into clear categories: electrics, insulation, furniture, and comfort upgrades. By tracking each area separately, you’ll avoid surprises and have a clearer picture of where to save money and where to invest for long-term comfort on the road.
The average cost to build a campervan is about 8 500 €, with most builds ranging between 4 000 and 10 000 €. For example, our own campervan cost 8 500 € and we spent another 7 000 € on the conversion and in avarges, most DIY builders spend between 5 000 and 15 000 €, with roughly one-third managing to spend under 8 000 €.
| Type of Conversion | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic Build | ~ 6 200 € |
| Mid-Range Build | ~12 000 € |
| Advanced Build | ~31 000 € |
If those numbers sound high, don’t worry! You can easily cut costs by buying second-hand parts, recycling materials, and keeping your build simple.
Cost Breakdown by Category
To understand where the money really goes, it helps to break your campervan budget into categories. Here’s a typical cost distribution for a mid-range DIY conversion:
- Electrics & battery system: 35–45%
- Insulation & wall finishes: 10–15%
- Water, kitchen & heating: 10–20%
- Furniture & fittings: 20–25%
- Miscellaneous & unexpected: 10%
A clear cost plan helps you stay on budget and focus your spending where it really matters — comfort, safety, and quality of life on the road.
How Much Does the Conversion Itself Cost?
The average cost to convert a van is about 8 500 €, with most builds ranging between 4 000 and 10 000 €. That means the average total (van + build) lands around 8 500 €. But many people manage it for far less.
For example, my own van cost 8 500 € and I spent another 7 000 € on the conversion.
In avarges, most DIY builders spend between 5 000 and 15 000 €, with roughly one-third managing to spend under 8 000 €. Hopefully this makes it easier to compare cost vs comfort and decide where your priorities lie.
| Type of Conversion | Description | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Build – “Weekend Van” | Basic electrics, simple bed and storage. Ideal for weekend getaways. | ~3 000 – 5 500 € |
| Basic Build | Basic insulated, 12V system (battery + solar), fixed kitchen, ventilation. | ~5 500 – 8 000 € |
| Mid-Range Build | Insulated, full 12V system (battery + solar), fixed kitchen, ventilation. | ~8 000 – 12 100 € |
| Advanced Build | Full electrical + water setup, heating, hot water, bespoke furniture, toilet. | ~18 000 – 25 000 € |
Want to Keep Building Your Dream Campervan?
If you’ve made it this far, you’re already one step closer to hitting the road in your own self-built campervan. But the journey doesn’t stop here. heck out these next guides to keep learning, planning and creating smarter:
- Campervan Insulation Guide – Stay Warm All Year Round
Learn how to choose the best insulation materials and install them correctly to keep your van comfortable in every season. - Campervan Electrics – Step-by-Step Wiring & Safety
A complete beginner’s guide to designing and installing your 12V system safely, from batteries and fuses to solar power and inverters. - Choosing the Best Van for Conversion
Not sure which van to start with? Discover the pros and cons of popular models like the Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter and VW Crafter.
Each guide is designed to help you build smarter, travel further and save money on your campervan conversion.
Your dream van is closer than you think, keep learning, keep building, and we’ll see you on the road!