Church Conversions Are Hot Property Right Now
- Written by Scene Magazine
It might surprise you to learn just how popular church conversions are, and it's not just in Australia. Church conversions are hot property the world over. If living in a church conversion is your idea of heaven, there are a few things you might want to consider before you take the plunge.
With many church bodies strapped for cash, more are opting to sell off church buildings, whether due to disuse or cost-cutting exercises. In fact, some people are reaching out to churches to make offers on disused church buildings. And what isn't to like? A church is a unique architectural marvel – the dramatic high ceilings, stained glass windows, and most importantly, well-built.
The high ceilings are stunning, but that is prime space. If you want to convert the space to add a loft, then you need to make sure it's structurally capable of handling it. Likewise, is the water supply sufficient to supply a home? Is the electricity supply sufficient? A church might be a beautiful place to live, but it wasn't designed to be a full-time dwelling for people to live.
That being said, proceed with caution. If the church has been standing derelict for some time, you need to make sure it stands up to scrutiny. You should enlist the services of a specialised surveyor. And if you are starting a conversion from scratch, you will also need a specialised architect.
One thing you will want to investigate is what type of planning permission you will need for any work you plan to carry out and what type of consent you might need from the church and the local authority to convert a church building into a home. This is where your solicitor comes into play. They will need to carefully examine the deeds.
Many churches have limited windows or stained-glass windows, which might not provide a sufficient amount of light. So, factor new windows into your budget. The roof is another key area; it's necessary for waterproofing, and it also plays a big role in maintaining the building's character and history. The cost of repairing or replacing a church roof will cost more than a typical home.
You can maintain the original features of the church by opting for hidden domestic appliances and opting for a septic tank for waste if it is not connected to the local sewage system. You have invested in a unique property so take steps to maintain some of those external original features that make it a special building. You will want to address practical issues such as heat insulation and noise. Older buildings can be a challenge to heat (and keep cool). They were also designed to carry sound, so you'll want to consider how to address that.
A church conversion is an opportunity to embark on your dream luxury renovation project if you have the time, budget, and passion. The result might just change your life.
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