Friday, November 09, 2012

More than 16 Melbourne churches for sale

Marie and Dominic BagnatoA holy fire sale has landed more than 16 Melbourne churches on the property market in the past year, and mum and dad investors are among those keen to convert sacred ground into heavenly homes, reports AdelaideNow.

Buyers advocate Paul Osborne, from Secret Agent, said he had seen five inner-city churches from a range of denominations sold in as many months.

"(In) the inner-city there is really a large amount of churches coming up for sale, and there's a huge amount of interest from buyers," Mr Osborne said.

The Anglican Diocese of Melbourne has listed four. 

"We wouldn't be selling more than four in a year, so this has probably been quite a big year in that respect," said chief operating officer Lesley Tarves.

The Uniting Church has listed 10 across the state in the past 12 months, but said this was a regular number.

The Catholic Church has listed two Victorian churches in the same period, but had sold a larger number in preceding years.

One former church in Cranbourne has even been converted into a restaurant.