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What Church Sellers Need to Know

Updated July 2026 · Estimated 9 min read

Selling a church building is not the same as selling a house or a strip mall. The congregation is the client, but the building is what brings the buyer. Here are the things we tell every church board before we sign a listing or a purchase agreement.

You do not need to disclose emotional history to a buyer, but you do need to disclose physical condition. If the roof leaked during the last hurricane, say so. If the foundation shifted in the flood of 2016, say so. Buyers will find out during inspection. Better it comes from you first.

You also need to know your board's authority. Some church sales require a two-thirds vote of the congregation. Some require denominational approval. We have had deals stall for four months because the seller forgot to get bishop sign-off. Get approvals in writing before you market the property.

Finally, understand that the buyer will likely not be another church. Most church buyers today are investors looking to convert. That is not a bad thing. It means the pool of potential buyers is larger than you think.