Last updated on March 31st, 2022
How much does a yurt cost?
A yurt as we know it today, is a form of circular dwelling that has evolved from a traditional Mongolian ‘ger’ – the name for a nomadic roundhouse that was popular with reindeer farmers in Mongolia. Yurts are gaining popularity in the UK as either temporary or, in some cases, permanent homes.
In this guide we look at how much a yurt costs and consider why you might want to build a home in a yurt.
A yurt, as we know it today, is a type of circular dwelling that has evolved from a traditional Mongolian ‘ger’ – the name for a nomadic roundhouse that was popular with reindeer farmers in Mongolia. Yurts are gaining popularity in the UK as either temporary or, in some cases, permanent homes.
In this guide, we look at how much a yurt costs and consider why you might want to build a home in one of these unusual but charming circular structures.
| Yurt size | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Tiny yurt (up to 12 feet) | £4,000 |
| Small yurt (12-16 feet) | £5,000 |
| Medium yurt (16-20 feet) | £6,500 |
| Large yurt (20-24 feet) | £11,500 |
| Extra large yurt (24-30 feet) | £13,500 |
| XXL yurt (30-50 feet) | £35,000 |
| Yurt insulation | £1,000-£10,000 |
Our costs are ballpark averages – get a local tradesperson to quote now
How much does a yurt cost?
One of the biggest factors affecting the cost of a yurt is its size. Most yurt suppliers will provide you with a price list of yurts based on either their diameter or floor area.
The average starting cost of a yurt is about £4,000, for a diameter of less than 12 feet. At the other end of the spectrum, an extra large yurt with a diameter of up to 50 feet will cost around £35,000.
If you’re planning to use your yurt for building a home, one of the key additional costs to consider is insulation, which can range from £1,500 for a small yurt to £10,000 for an extra large yurt.
The cost of a yurt will typically include the wall sections, roof, crown cover, cords, pegs and canvas. Yurt prices will vary so we recommend contacting your local yurt specialists for accurate costs in your area.
Factors affecting the cost of a yurt
When choosing a yurt, it’s sensible to consider a number of different factors that are going to affect the total price you pay. These include,
- Size of yurt
- Complexity of design
- Type and quality of materials used
- Installation costs
- Additional features (such as special doors, insulation or bespoke design)
- Where you live
One thing to consider is upgrading to the best spec you can afford when you first buy your yurt. Some elements are difficult or impossible to change once you’ve constructed the yurt, such as flooring, a suspended floor, or other structural options.
Do you need planning permission to set up a yurt?
That depends on how you’re going to use your yurt. Technically, a yurt is a temporary structure and would therefore not need planning permission. That said, if you’re planning on making it your primary, permanent residence then you will need to speak to your local planning office.
Reasons to live in a yurt
Yurts aren’t for everyone. But there are some great reasons why choosing to build your home in a yurt is more than just a great low cost alternative to a bricks and mortar house.
They’re affordable. Let’s start with one of the most obvious benefits of a yurt, they’re so much cheaper than buying a house. Though don’t forget you need land to put your yurt on. If you can get a plot of cheap land then you’re winning.
Yurts look good. Their circular design and long history make yurts a special choice for a home. Particularly if you’re looking for life closer to nature, yurts fit perfectly in the natural environment.
They’re mobile. One of the greatest features of a yurt is that it’s a temporary structure and therefore easily mobile. If you decide you want to move to a different part of the country, you can literally pick your house up and move it.
Yurts make less impact on the environment. Yurts are usually built with 100% natural materials and generally have an extremely low impact on the environment. When compared to building or maintaining a traditional house, a yurt wins for being more environmentally-friendly..
Useful yurt checklist
- There are a wide range of yurts available so make sure you consider the options and ask your local yurt specialist for their professional advice.
Do your research on the best location to install your yurt, again ask your local yurt specialist for their suggestions. - If you’re planning to live in your yurt permanently, contact your local planning office to confirm if you need planning permission.
- Shop around for fair and competitive yurt prices.
- Always hire a yurt specialist with experience, ask to see examples of their recent work and check their previous customer reviews.
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