How much does a church conversion cost?

Question

There's a little chapel up for sale near us and what started as a joke is turning into a serious conversation. What does converting a church into a home usually cost? Could we get the planning permission confirmed before we bought or is that not even required? Get confusing takes on this from our own google searches

Kenny · Answer

Hi ya Joyce im Kenny from ICF Midlands ltd with any conversion you need to start with a budget. when you look at most of the TV programmes most people go over budget, i would look at getting an architect on board and discussing with him or her what your requirements are and most important your budget.
hope this has helped you .

Frunze · Answer

Hi. I think buying an apartment or a house would actually be cheaper. There are many details involved that will drive up the cost; if you're only finishing a few rooms, it might be around 70k–100k, but I think the final price will be higher regardless.

David · Answer

Hi, check the government website first 👍 converting to a home would start at around £30k
It would then depend on your personal preference and level of finishing! A set of drawings would be required for a full quotation and we can help you with that 👍

Joe · Answer

We dod one a few years ago little one final cost was £35000 turned into a 4 bedroom

Peter · Answer

Your question is a little too vague to give any proper accurate figures however we can off the following advice:

You will need planning permission for change of use from a place of worship to a dwelling, you can often place an offer on a property and make said offer STP (subject to planning) giving you time to gain planning permission prior to completing the sale, however this does carry the risk of dubious sellers pulling out once you have the planning as it theoretically increases the sale value.

Conversion costs will vary massively and there are a few big things to take into account:

Is the proprety listed? If so this will increase the cost and could be significant hoops to jump through to get planning and during the renovation works.

Electricity, gas and water supplies. You may assume it has at least electricity and water however, there are still some in the UK without, and getting new supplies into a property can be costly.

Structural Integrity? Are the external walls and roof in good condition or will they need work, these buildings are typically much older and upkeep of these areas can be overlooked so getting someone who knows what they are looking at to assess is well worth while.

Professional fees. You will definitely want to instruct a combination of an archetect and structural engineer and will need to involve your local building control so expect professional fees to run into the low thousands before you even start.

As for the conversion itself, it very much depends on the size, condition and overall finish your hoping to achieve for the property. Typically these kind of projects will be starting at 6 figures and will only creep up from there. Although you describe the chapel as small you will still need, a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, reception room, electrical, plumbing, drainage, plastering, flooring etc etc so its easy to see where these costs come from as you will essentially be building a house inside of the chapel.

Budget permitting, this kind of project is often highly satisfying and well worth undertaking if the numbers stack up. Best of luck with whatever you choose.

Reforge Renovations Ltd

Leslie · Answer

I’m sure it’s still classed as a property.
And conversation work would usually require planning permission when certain buildings are required ..
Kind regards Les…

Olanrewaju · Answer

• Small chapel price: £100,000 – £250,000

• Convert to home: £150,000 – £300,000

• That covers: electrics, heating, plumbing, walls, floors, windows

• Keep extra 15% aside for surprises

Planning Permission:

•  need it to make it a home

• we can ask the council first before  buying

• Some churches are listed — we check early, rules are stricter

Stephen · Answer

Size dependant, spec ,interior finishing does roof need doing , has it a spire, land scaping are windows in good condition are all major factors in this £100k upwards

Jonathan · Answer

Hi, converting a chapel into a home can be a wonderful project, but every building is different. Its condition, size, structure, roof, services and whether it is listed will all affect what is involved, so it would be misleading to suggest a cost without first seeing it.

Planning permission would normally be required to change its use from a place of worship to a dwelling. You do not have to own the property before applying, although the current owner must be notified. Alternatively, the purchase could potentially be made conditional upon satisfactory planning permission being obtained.

Before buying, I would recommend checking its planning history and listed status, speaking with the local planning authority, and arranging a proper building inspection. If you send me the property listing or some further details, I would be happy to give you an initial opinion.

Michael · Answer

Church conversions can get expensive very quickly, especially if it’s listed. As a very rough guide I’d allow somewhere around £2,000–£4,000+ per m² depending on condition and how much work is needed. Planning is definitely something I’d investigate before buying – changing from a place of worship to a home will normally need permission, and if it’s listed you may also need Listed Building Consent. I’d speak to the local planning department and ideally get pre-application advice before committing to the purchase. Lovely projects when they work, but plenty of homework needed first!

How much does a church conversion cost?

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