THE COST
OF
FREEDOM
What does it actually cost to convert a van in the UK in 2026? From the base vehicle to the last rivet, we reveal the numbers the influencers don't talk about.
£5k - £12k
Basic electricals, manual water, portable fridge.
£15k - £30k
Full Victron, heating, wet room, professional furniture.
£40k - £70k+
Off-grid lithium, Starlink, AC, custom leather, 4x4 mods.
+ £25k - £50k
Estimated labour cost on top of component budget.
Base Vehicle Costs
Before you even buy a component, you have the base vehicle. In 2026, the UK used van market remains competitive. A clean, 5-year-old Sprinter or Crafter with reasonable mileage will set you back **£18,000 - £24,000 + VAT**.
Older vehicles can be found for under £10k, but beware of mechanical debt. Spending an extra £5k on a better base vehicle often saves £10k in maintenance over the first three years of van life.
System Breakdown
Electrical & Solar
Victron systems, Lithium batteries, and high-wattage solar arrays.
Heating & Climate
Diesel or Gas air heating, hot water systems, and MaxxAir vents.
Insulation & Lining
Dodo Mat deadening, thermal liners, and ply/carpet lining kits.
Kitchen & Water
Compressor fridges, tanks, pumps, and custom cabinetry.
The Hidden Costs
- Tools (Roller, Drill, Jigsaw): £500+
- Insurance during build: £400+
- Gas Safe Certification: £150+
- Weighbridge Fees: £25
GET YOUR
EXACT BUDGET
Don't guess. Use the Amplios Build Planner to generate a fully itemized component list and total budget based on live store pricing.
Start Your Budget