Barndominiums, also known as barndos, are an increasingly popular rural residence option—but if you’re still wondering “what is a barndominium?”, it’s essentially a metal-built home that blends barn-style structure with modern residential living.
But even with these advantages, you may still wonder, “do barndominiums hold their value over time?”
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll walk through when barndominiums are a good investment, the trade-offs of buying vs. building, and common pitfalls to avoid in the process. After reading, you’ll be able to confidently answer: Are barndominiums worth it?
Are Barndominiums Worth It in Today’s Market?
What makes a barndominium worth it for you may not be the same as for your neighbor. Ultimately, barndominiums are a smart investment when they align with your long-term land goals, with worth framed around factors like:
- Cost
- Lifestyle value
- Durability
- Long-term investment potential
Additionally, when it comes to obtaining your own barndominium, you have two different routes: buy or build. Each comes with pros and cons based on land availability, construction goals, and financial flexibility.
Do barndominiums hold value differently if they’re bought vs. built? Do barndominiums appreciate over time better if you choose one option over the other?
Let’s explore these questions.
The Cost of Building a Barndominium vs. Buying an Existing One
As mentioned, you can either build your dream home from the ground up or purchase a move-in-ready barndominium.
The average cost of building a barndominium is $230,000, but this can vary widely based on:
- Land acquisition
- Site prep
- Utilities
- Materials
- Labor
- Customization
If you opt for the building route, you don’t need to start from scratch–many companies offer turnkey barndominium kits, which contain the floor plan and necessary building materials. These DIY kits are more affordable than constructing an entire barndominium yourself, and they also help you save time. Kit materials can range from $20,000–$90,000.
Building a barndominium without a kit offers more customization opportunities, but accrues higher costs for contractors and other labor.
The cost of purchasing an existing barndominium varies by location, with barndominiums for sale nationwide ranging from $100,000 to upwards of six figures. Buying a completed barndominium can potentially help you save in the long run, but it depends on what you’re looking for.
Pros and Cons of Building a Barndominium
Building a barndominium, whether fully from scratch or with the help of a kit, offers more flexibility for landowners. Advantages of building include:
- Greater customization
- Layout control
- Opportunity to use modern materials
While building a barndominium offers more freedom, it also involves factors outside of your control, from inclement weather to faulty utilities. Potential drawbacks include:
- Permit red tape
- Delayed construction timelines
- Contractor coordination
- Upfront infrastructure expenses
All in all, building your own barndominium takes extra time and coordination. Not to mention, you need to have a parcel of land.
Pros and Cons of Buying a Barndominium
Buying a completed barndominium is a more straightforward process than building, starting with the fact that you don’t have to already own land. The pros of buying include:
- Faster move-in times
- More predictable costs
- Established infrastructure and road access
That said, buyers also face potential downsides, such as:
- Limited customization
- Resale variability
- Poor existing conditions
When buying a barndominium, what you see is what you get—there is much less freedom. However, for buyers on a budget or a quick timeline, a move-in-ready barndominium is often more convenient and accessible.
Do Barndominiums Hold Their Value?
Is a barndominium a good investment? Land and real estate have diverse appreciation potential. From an investment standpoint, barndominiums tend to hold higher resale value in rural areas, where markets favor multi-use living spaces, rustic styles, and spacious acreage.
Keep in mind that various factors can impact resale performance, such as:
- Build quality
- Location and local market demand
- Land use
Choosing from the top locations to build a barndominium can also influence long-term value, especially in areas where demand for rural or multi-use properties continues to grow.
Owning land tends to play a bigger role in long-term value than the barndominium structure itself. So, whether you buy or build, your property is the key to future financial returns.
When Buying Makes More Sense Than Building
For buyers with limited time and strict budgets, buying can be a smarter move. Things like rising construction costs, labor shortages, and coordination with local builders all present significant challenges, making building a barndominium feel like a part-time job. Plus, if you’re coordinating a move with family or children, you may not be able to afford unforeseen delays.
For a seamless transition to barndominium living, buying a completed home is likely the way to go.
When Building on Your Own Land Is the Better Investment
For those who already own acreage, want a unique layout, or aren’t in a rush, building your own barndominium can be worth the extra effort. For instance, this route is ideal if you want to combine a barndominium with a farm or ranch. A custom build also prioritizes long-term land appreciation.
Fortunately, it’s easy to browse both rural land listings and barndominiums for sale on Land.com. We connect buyers and sellers on one streamlined platform, with simple filter options that help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Start exploring today, and get one step closer to making your barndominium dreams a reality.
Sources:
Better Homes and Gardens. What Is a Barndominium? Pros and Cons of This Open-Concept Design. https://www.bhg.com/what-is-a-barndominium-7567518.
Angi. How Much Does a Barndominium Cost? [2026 Cost]. https://www.angi.com/articles/barndominium-cost.htm.
