Can You Finance a Barn?

Financing the purchase of many different personal assets is possible through a lender, usually in the form of a loan with a predefined interest. However, while getting a loan for a house, land, and a car is a common occurrence, the same cannot be said for a barn. So, can you finance a barn this way?

Yes, you can finance a barn. The cost of a new barn varies depending on the size, style, and materials used, but typically ranges from $10,000 to $100,000. Financing a barn can be done in several ways: through a bank loan, by taking out a second mortgage on your home, or by using a personal loan.

If you wish to find out more about loan types you can get, barn costs, and types, just keep reading.

Yes, You Can Finance a Barn

Not only is financing this structure type possible, but you will have seven different loan options to choose from once you start with the project. However, note that this type of financing is not the same as getting a home loan.

For starters, you must define how the building is going to be used because it can dictate what kind of loan you can get and the qualification conditions you must meet. For example, note that loans for storage buildings, as well as business agriculture structures, are easier to get. On the other hand, it’s harder to qualify for residential barns.

Common Types of Barn Loans

There are numerous ways to finance this kind of structure, but you must find a lender that provides loans for them. Start with considering which type of loan suits your current situation, and then begin looking for a lender that can provide you with it. If you don’t know how to find the best deal, get help from a mortgage packager.

Construction Loan

Once you get this type of loan, your lender will pay off a constructor as the building stages are being completed. Compared to home loans, they have higher interest rates and a shorter term length. You’ll also need blueprints of a barn in order to secure this type of loan.

Construction-to-permanent financing is the most typical sub-type of construction loans. It’s the easiest one to qualify for, and it implies that the loans turn into a mortgage when the building is finished.

Home Equity Loans and Home Equity Line of Credit

Home equity is a type of loan where borrowers use the value of their house as security for repaying the lenders. Usually, there is a minimum amount lenders are willing to lend (around $35,000), so it’s not a good option if your bundling will cost less. Also, remember that you’ll need to pay closing costs and, possibly, interest points.

A home equity line of credit (HELOC mortgage), on the other hand, works similarly to a credit card. You can borrow money based on the equity you have in your home, and the available credit is restored when you pay down your balance.

Additional Loan Possibilities

There are several more options available for financing barns. You can consider:

• Farm loan programs – while this is a possibility, note that national lenders often don’t take an interest in placing a mortgage lien or providing a construction loan for these types of projects,
• Lot loan – it provides financing for buying land and bundling structures on it,
• Home improvement loan – this is a good solution if you have to remodel a building rather than construct it from scratch.

What Is the Cost of a Barn?

The average cost of building a barn is around $50,000, but prices can range between $10,000 and $160,000 (or sometimes even more). The final prices will depend on a lot of different factors – and a barn type is the first of many. Take a look at the table below to see the average prices per type:

Type of barn	Minimal price per square foot	Maximal price per square foot
Hay	$5	$30
Horse	$20	$100
Shed Row	$20	$50
Hog	$30	$60
Modular	$10	$30
Monitor	$30	$50
Pole	$10	$25

However, more factors can affect the price. For example, it’s not the same whether you plan to make a building of wood, metal, or timber frame. Usually, metal construction is the most affordable, while timber frames are the most expensive.

You must also count on labor costs of $10-$75 per square foot. Of course, if you want your barn to have a foundation or roof or you wish to add additional features, such as electrical wiring, the expenses will be bigger.

Benefits of a Barn Home

Barns can have many different purposes, one of which can be residential. Barndominiums, or barns that have become living spaces, have become very popular over the years – and for a good reason. Here are some of the many benefits they can provide:

• An open-space concept with high ceilings,
• Less time is needed for construction than with a traditional home,
• Durability,
• Affordability.

How to Finance Barndominiums?

You can fund a home barn if you want to purchase an already existing building or get a loan to construct a completely new one. If a barndominium has all the permanent residence requirements, you’ll be able to get a mortgage deed or construction loan. Still, remember that these structures usually demand higher down payments (usually 20% of the loan amount).

When searching for a lender, you need to prepare plans as well as an offer from a contractor and have a good credit score. Local banks are the safest bet when it comes to these loans, but getting funding from national creditors isn’t impossible, either.

Choose a Type of Barn You Need and Start Looking for Lenders

Now that you know that financing barns is a possibility, you should think about what kind of structure you want to build and with what purpose. When you come to a conclusion, it’s time to start looking for a lender willing to finance your project. Consult your constructor and start researching possible options until you find the lending terms that suit you the most.