Church Property for Sale: How To Buy a Religious Property

As churches across the country close or consolidate, more religious properties are hitting the market—some with plans to become homes. But buying a church is anything but traditional real estate.

“The church is the people, but the location and the building of the church is very emotional to people,” says John Muzyka, of Church Realty based in Texas. “A lot of big life moments happen in the church building: You get baptized there, you get married there, you have funerals there.”

It takes a special kind of buyer to embrace the history and meaning inherent in a religious property. It also takes a determined one: Purchasing a religious property requires careful consideration due to unique zoning, historical significance, and community impact. 

Muzyka has nearly two decades of experience buying and selling religious properties. With his help, we break down the key steps and considerations to guide you through the process.

Why people are buying churches

In a housing market defined by rising prices and limited inventory, churches and other religious properties are gaining attention as an unlikely solution to an enduring problem: how to build enough affordable housing. Religious groups collectively own more than 2.6 million acres across the U.S., much of it underutilized. That land could support as many as 800,000 new homes, according to a 2025 Forbes report.

That opportunity has pushed faith-based housing developments into the broader national conversation about solving the housing crisis. A growing movement called Yes in God’s Backyard (YIGBY) is working to remove zoning and permitting barriers that make it difficult for churches to build housing on their land. Backed by bipartisan support in states like California and now being considered at the federal level, the YIGBY approach sees churches as untapped community assets with land that’s often well-located, already trusted by neighbors, and ripe for mission-aligned housing development.

Even if you're not planning to develop affordable housing, buyers drawn to church properties are often motivated by a similar desire to preserve something meaningful and make it livable again. Whether that means restoring stained-glass windows, repurposing a bell tower, or converting a nave into a modern kitchen, the appeal lies in turning a structure that once brought people together into something equally enduring: a home.

Understand zoning and legal restrictions

Zoning regulations can significantly impact your ability to purchase a religious building–whether you’re looking for your congregation or yourself, says Muzyka.

Consult with local municipalities to verify zoning laws and investigate any historical designations or conservation easements attached to the property, as these can impose specific restrictions on your plans for renovations or modifications.

If you’re looking to convert a church into a residential property, Muzyka recommends starting with the building permit department. These local experts can provide clear guidance on the necessary steps, permits, and approvals needed to convert a religious structure into a home. 

Due to the complexity and uniqueness of these conversions, hiring additional zoning experts or attorneys familiar with specialty properties can also help avoid costly headaches down the road.

And keep in mind, these regulations may be in flux. As the YIGBY movement gains more momentum, many bills have taken aim at reducing zoning barriers to building affordable housing on church grounds.

Conduct a thorough property search

Finding a religious property isn't like typical house hunting; it's a journey filled with history, potential, and unexpected discoveries. According to Muzyka, specialized help makes all the difference.

"Church real estate takes time," often years instead of months, he says.

Working with a real estate agent experienced in religious or specialty properties can guide you through complexities unique to these structures, like zoning, structural integrity, and historical preservation. 

He advises prospective buyers to visit potential sites personally because each property has distinct features—whether it's the soaring sanctuary ceilings, intricate stained glass, or unique spaces that could transform into your dream living area.

"Every one of those projects is unique," he says, emphasizing the importance of personally envisioning your daily life unfolding within the walls of these remarkable spaces.

Property evaluation

Evaluating a church property can feel like stepping into another world—a space rich with character but also filled with potential challenges. 

Muzyka vividly recalls selling a church building in East Dallas, TX, that became a residence, noting, "If you want to keep the stained glass, like this guy wanted to keep the stained glass, that was a huge restoration project." 

As inspiring as these historic elements are, Muzyka emphasizes the practical side too: "Be prepared for lots of expense to retro an old building. You can go in with one budget, and you better be ready to double or triple it."

A meticulous inspection isn't just advisable; it's essential. Structural integrity, electrical wiring, plumbing, utilities, and ADA compliance all require thorough assessment due to the age and unique design of church buildings. 

Muzyka cautions potential buyers to clearly "understand what you're getting into" because hidden costs—from foundation repairs to heating and cooling vast open spaces—can quickly add up.

Secure financing

Securing financing for a church property you're converting into your home can feel quite different from purchasing a typical residential property. Since many of these builds aren’t zoned for residential use, you won’t be able to secure a traditional 30-year fixed rate mortgage.

The same is true if you’re looking for a place of worship for your congregation. Muzyka explains that many buyers mistakenly think they can get standard mortgages for these properties.

“Somebody thought they were gonna get a 30-year mortgage like they would for their house. They're not going to do that," he says. "This is a commercial loan.” 

Commercial loans don't offer the same flexibility of traditional mortgages: They require a shorter-term loan, often structured over five years with a larger down payment (20% to 30%).

Given these unique requirements, having a solid financing plan is essential to successfully purchase a religious property. Traditional commercial loans, nonprofit grants, or even creative methods like crowdfunding might be necessary to bring your vision to life. 

Muzyka emphasizes, "Banks don't operate on faith. Lenders don't operate on faith. You've got to have a plan."

Community and stakeholder engagement

Engaging your future neighbors and local community early in your church conversion project is about more than obtaining approval; it's about honoring the emotional ties the community has to these spaces. 

Proactively connecting with community leaders, attending neighborhood meetings, and openly sharing your vision can help reassure neighbors that you value the property's history and significance.

As Muzyka explains, some communities prefer to see a church continue as a community hub, while others may be open to personal-use conversions as long as the building’s heritage is respected. By demonstrating sensitivity to these emotional connections and clearly showing how your plans honor and preserve the building's legacy, you foster goodwill and gain valuable local support.

Closing the sale

Finalizing the purchase of your new home—whether for your congregation or self—can take time. 

Muzyka advises patience:  “Usually, it’s going to take a 60- to 90-day contract ... if there has to be fundraising or rezoning, it might be even longer.”

Given these complexities, ensuring your financial arrangements are meticulously handled is crucial.

As tempting as it might seem to sign on the dotted line after all that waiting, don’t skip a thorough final walkthrough. Because religious buildings often carry years of history (and hidden challenges), you’ll need to verify the property’s condition carefully before finalizing the sale.