Change of use determines the value of a deconsecrated place of worship — which makes a sober look worthwhile at which concepts actually work and which regularly fail on the building fabric or on consent law.
Uses that have proved themselves in practice
- Columbarium. Conversion into a place of urn burial leaves the building a sacred character and is therefore often acceptable even where a secular use meets resistance. The conversion effort is comparatively modest.
- Culture and events. Concerts, exhibitions, libraries: uses that work with the large undivided space rather than against it. The investment required remains manageable — but so, usually, do the returns.
- Housing. Often the most attractive economically and the most demanding structurally: it requires new storey levels, daylight, access and thermal insulation. Where the building is listed, interventions in façade and interior are frequently permissible only to a limited extent.
- Community use. Day nursery, youth or neighbourhood centre — usually the simplest route under planning law, because the area designation already fits.
Where concepts fail
Three hurdles recur. The first is Building and zoning law: where the church stands in an area designated for community facilities, housing is not permissible without an amendment to the plan. The second is heritage protection, which limits interventions in the interior — galleries, vaulting and windows in particular are often part of the listing. The third is economic viability: conversion costs per square metre for places of worship regularly exceed those of a new build considerably, because every solution is a bespoke one.
Decisive for the valuation
A change of use only creates value if it is sufficiently concrete at the valuation date. An outline planning enquiry, a heritage consent or a concept agreed with the local authority are sound points of reference. A mere idea is not — and must not be treated as one in the report.
Effect on value
Between a property with no prospect of use and one with a secured option for change of use there is regularly a multiple. That is precisely why the question of what is possible belongs at the beginning of the valuation, not at its end.
The methodological framework is described on the page on Valuation of churches and ecclesiastical property.
For a deeper look: Market value of church buildings: How ecclesiastical properties are valued
Please note: the content of this article is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal, tax, financial or investment advice. It is not a substitute for individual advice from a licensed lawyer, tax adviser or financial adviser. Despite careful research, we accept no liability for the accuracy, completeness or currency of the information provided. For specific legal or tax questions, please consult a qualified professional adviser.