"In the current real estate landscape, where churches are closing or consolidating, more religious properties are becoming available for purchase as some buyers consider converting them into homes. John Muzyka, a seasoned expert in church real estate, emphasizes the emotional significance and historical value attached to these properties, making them unique acquisitions that require careful consideration."
"Key takeaways Churches as affordable housing solutions: Religious properties offer opportunities for affordable housing solutions, with unused land potentially supporting significant numbers of new homes. YIGBY movement: The Yes in God's Backyard movement advocates for removing zoning barriers to facilitate housing development on church grounds, viewing churches as valuable community assets. Zoning and legal considerations: Buyers need to be aware of zoning laws, historical designations, and conservation restrictions that may impact the conversion of a religious property into a home."
More churches are closing or consolidating, increasing the supply of religious properties that buyers may convert into homes. Many congregations own unused land that could support new housing, creating opportunities for affordable development. The Yes in God's Backyard (YIGBY) movement promotes removing zoning barriers so churches can be repurposed as community housing assets. Buyers must evaluate zoning classifications, historical designations, and conservation restrictions that can limit redevelopment. Emotional attachment and historic value of church buildings add complexity to transactions and conversions. Careful property assessment and legal due diligence are essential before pursuing a conversion.
Read at SFGATE
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]