Converted churches topped the list of homebuyers’ favourite building conversions, followed by the county set’s favourite, the barn, according to our latest survey.
Converted schools came third and the yuppie pad of choice, the warehouse, came fourth.
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Converted properties ranked by popularity
The following list of property conversions is ordered by popularity.
- Church
- Barn
- School
- Warehouse
- House converted into flats
- Office conversion
The least popular property among homebuyers are flats converted from old office blocks which a number of respondents called “characterless”, although they are more popular with young, single people.
Overall 60% of survey respondents would prefer some sort of converted building, with 40% opting for a purpose-built house or flat.
But buyers think churches are often overpriced and poorly laid out. Converted churches tend to be an urban phenomenon as they are generally too large for a single dwelling.
Outside towns, chapels make popular family homes for those who don’t want a conventional house. Churches appealed to all age groups, singles, cohabiters and married couples alike, reflecting the wide diversity of the type of conversion undertaken, from cutting-edge urban living to a family home.
However, while converted churches often have the “wow” factor that attracts buyers who want something a bit different, they are also considered to be the most overpriced type of conversion.
What’s more, buyers don’t like the way the rooms are laid out and ranked churches as having the most higgledy-piggledy, least logical and worst-proportioned accommodation.
Most of the churches where I live seem to be flats nowadays.
I have viewed a couple. They tend to have an amazing living space which really sets them apart, but the other rooms are small, dark, or strangely positioned.
They are pretty expensive, but if I could find the right one I’d jump at it.
Peter Dawson, North London
Converted properties ranked by the best value for money
The following list of property conversions is ordered by the best value for money.
- House converted into flats
- Office conversion
- School
- Barn
- Warehouse
- Church
Barns and warehouses are the best-planned conversions
Homebuyers like the layouts of converted barns and warehouses best, but considered the flats converted from houses the best value for money, principally because there is such a huge supply of them.
Converted properties are ranked by how well planned converted properties are
- Barn
- Warehouse
- House converted into flats
- Office conversion
- School
- Church
Young singles are more adventurous
The age and marital status of house hunters have a big impact on their property of choice.
Flats in converted houses and warehouse conversions were much more popular with single people and cohabiting couples who are typically in the 18-35 age bracket.
Married couples preferred purpose-built homes or, if they wanted a conversion, liked barns best as they tend to be converted into a large, single property.
Many of these people had families and needed a home suitable for children. These people were skewed to the older age brackets.
It’s important to note that I am not the original author of this article and that it was originally found on propertyfinder.com, back in 2006.
While no longer available to read on their website, it contained interesting and useful information on the subject of the most popular UK property conversions as rated by home buyers.