Three churches heading for auction in Scotland... one's a boxing gym while another is in an almighty mess

Three former churches are going under the hammer at auction in Scotland via Auction House in September. With high ceilings, light interiors and grand living spaces, converted churches or chapels can make impressive homes or business sites.But buying a converted or unconverted church or chapel is not for the faint-hearted. Many local authorities have planning policies designed to ensure important community facilities like churches are retained, posing particular problems to buyers purchasing unconverted sites. Church conversions can be complex to undertake and expensive to maintain. Stained glass windows often need to be preserved and many churches will come with graves that have to be factored in. If burials are discovered on a development site, it is the developer’s responsibility to inform the police.Buyers unphazed by the challenges of buying a former church should consider three sites up for auction. Watch out: Buying a church or converted church can be a complicated and expensive affair1. Former church now a boxing gym, Dumfries, guide price, £170,000A former church that has already been converted into a boxing gym is going under the hammer via Auction House on September 24 with a guide price of £170,000, excluding fees. The freehold commercial property on Irving Street in the centre of Dumfries spans two floors. It has a reception area downstairs, as well as a downstairs studio and toilets. There is a larger studio space and boxing area upstairs. The property spans 4,230 sq. ft. in size and has original stained glass windows. Auction House said: 'The property is offered vacant with a rateable value of £12,000 and may qualify for rates relief.'John Loudon, an auctioneer at Auction House, Scotland, said: 'This is a fascinating property with an equally fascinating recent history.'While many former churches are converted for residential use, this one most recently served as a boxing gym, demonstrating just how adaptable the building can be.'He added: 'Subject to the necessary consents, there is excellent potential for a wide range of future uses.' Strong conversion: This former church has already been converted into a boxing gym Auction: The boxing gym is now going under the hammer at auction this month Options: The property in Dumfries spans more than 4,000 sq. ft. 2. Former church, Minnigaff, guide price £55,000Monigaff Parish Church in Minnigaff, Scotland, is going up for auction via Auction House on September 24. The B listed church was built in 1836 to a Gothic Revival design by William Burn. One of the cross slabs in the church is understood to date to the eighth century. The organ dates back to 1872. Two of the gravestones on the site are from the 17th century.Auction House said the church could be converted into a home or holiday let. Loudon said: 'The stunning Gothic architecture, beautiful stained glass and original period features provide the foundations for a truly exceptional home.'He added: 'We expect there to be significant interest in this property.' The property was put up for sale in 2024. In Scotland, category B properties are buildings of architectural or historic interest considered to be important examples of a particular period, style, or building type. These include a building of regional or local importance, which may have been altered. History: Monigaff Parish Church in Minnigaff, Scotland, is going up for auction Spacious: Auction House said the church could be converted into a family home Divine: Monigaff Parish Church is a category B property in Scotland 3. Former church, Harthill, guide price £225,000This former church in a messy state is located in the North Lanarkshire village of Harthill, midway between Edinburgh and Glasgow. It is going up for auction via Auction House on September 24. The property comes with planning permission for conversion into three residential homes. 'Any potential purchaser could change permission to suit, subject to consents', Auction House said.Adjacent to the church is a plot of land for development being offered as a separate listing. The seller would consider selling both sites together. The freehold church is not a listed building. Anyone buying property at auction needs to read the legal pack carefully and seek legal advice before buying. Renovation costs need to be factored in before the auction. Also note that getting a mortgage for unusual properties can be challenging and sometimes not possible. Not listed: This church in Harthill, Scotland, is going up for auction in September What a mess: The church comes with planning permission to build three new homes Do your homework: It can be difficult or impossible to get a mortgage for some properties Development site: The church in Harthill is not a listed building Best mortgage rates and how to find them Mortgage rates have shot up again due to inflation triggered by the conflict with Iran reversing hopes that the Bank of England would cut rates. 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