Converted Churches… why they are special yet challenging

I received a call from a lovely past client on late Friday afternoon. Her friends were planning on bidding at auction for a landmark church, recently renovated and converted into a pair of townhouses, split neatly down the middle of the church and offering a beautiful 3BR interior with suspended bridge hallway in the old church’s vaulted ceiling. It was a sensational creation, and a bit of a magnet for interested potential buyers and locals.

What it offered my buyers was exciting; a superbly recrafted party house, just moment’s walk from both Yarravillle and Seddon villages. Yet it had a challenge or two. Firstly, the location on busy Williamstown Rd was not for everyone. It is a four lane stretch which carries traffic (including some trucks) from Footscray to Williamstown. Secondly, it’s a church. Not everyone has the same appetite for historically sensitive properties.

But as I find all the time, there is something for everyone.

And this property had found its owners.

The much anticipated auction commenced and my nervous buyer stood in the crowd watching my bids unfold. I had competition, but not enough to buy this property under the hammer. This was no surprise…. With stairs, a suspended walkway, limited yard space and a clean, open living area, this was not really a home for families or downsizers. The potential range of suited buyers was limited and I knew intuitively that my buyers had a good shot at this property.

The property passed in to me and after 25 minutes of negotiations inside, I could proudly call my buyer to come inside and sign his contracts.