
By Walker Singleton: 5th January 2025
As one of the more unusual property types to be listed for sale, director Paul Diakiw explores the reasons which bring religious building to market, the potential challenges to overcome and the common alternative uses for these properties.
What brings churches and religious buildings to the market?
From a commercial agent’s perspective, there hasn’t been a sudden influx of churches or religious properties being brought to market. Instead, we have seen a steady flow of listings over the last 15/20 years.
The only real marked increase in properties needing to be sold correlated with the Covid-19 pandemic. This is due to decisions being made to either close a church or merge with another congregation within the neighbouring communities.
Overall, however, a key reason behind many church closures is due to a dwindling congregation, predominately made up of elder members, and reducing support for the management and upkeep of the religious building. There isn’t an abundance of volunteers within the young generations willing to take over this responsibility, which, in turn, can lead to the building needing to be closed.
Of course, this isn’t the only factor, but in our experience has played a predominant role in why religious buildings are being sold.
What are these buildings predominantly being used for once sold?
Churches and religious buildings tend to be large premises with a flexible, open-plan layout which inevitably makes it easier to transform the space for alternative uses.
In some instances, the building is retained for religious use, however we see a lot of cases where it is modified for commercial usage. This can range from anything such as dance studio facilities, day nurseries and community based uses, to offices or hospitality uses.
The size and flexibility of the space enable it to be converted to meet the demands and requirements of these varying sectors. Additionally, religious building are purchased for residential purposes, whether that is as a conversion or as a wholesale redevelopment for new properties.
Constraints and challenges of buying and selling religious buildings
Depending on which denomination is selling the religious building, there may be obligations or restrictions imposed by them, contained within the title of the building, or within the local area itself, which must be adhered to when buying or selling the property.
Walker Singleton does a lot of work with the United Reformed Church, and the vast majority of its buildings come fairly free from restrictions or obligations.
In contrast, buildings under the jurisdiction of the Church of England can have more rigorous obligations and restrictions which must be upheld during a sale.
If a buyer doesn’t want to meet the obligations set out by the denomination or the local area, it can often cause a sale to fall through.
Many churches are listed buildings, which can bring challenges through the buying process and bring with it constraints around planning if a buyer is looking to adapt or extend the property. In particular, internal features within a church such as balconies, pews and organs may have particular protection and cannot be tampered with, which may impact on how the building can be utilised. Unlike other properties, churches or further religious buildings often come with unique features within their boundaries. Graveyards are an example of this. In instances where this is prevalent, obligation clauses are put in place as part of the sale to ensure families and visitors continue to be allowed access to the graves.
There are also obligations and responsibilities from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission for the upkeep and maintenance of war graves, which also must be adhered to in any sale.
Above all though, any church or religious building must be sold in compliance with The Charities Act 2022.
A wealth of knowledge in selling religious buildings
At Walker Singleton, we’re experienced in working with a wide variety of religious organisations when it comes to selling properties. In the last five years, we have managed the sale of [TBC] of churches and religious buildings across Yorkshire. Our team has a great understanding of the market for these buildings, as well as the needs and requirements of all parties involved in a sale, in order to maximise a realisation and secure the best outcome.
We’re also highly experienced in not only working in compliance with The Charities Act 2022, but also in adherence with the restrictions and obligations set out by the respective denominations, in the titles of the building, within the local area and the War Graves Commission.
Currently on the market: • Providence Chapel Of Rest, Huddersfield Road, Elland
Previously sold religious buildings • Grove United Reformed Church, Oxford Road, Gomersal – see here • St. Michael’s & All Angels Church, Burnley Road, Cornholme, Todmorden – see here • Holy Innocents Church, Vicarage Road, Thornhill Lees, Dewsbury – see here
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