Chancel Costs Affect Property Prices

Thousands of homeowners across the UK began 2014 facing a crushing bill courtesy of their local Anglican church. An ancient law forced Land Registry to send out a staggering number of letters informing residents of their liability to pay toward the maintenance of their local Anglican Church.

As more than 12,000 bills dropped onto doormats this January, the law which was around at the time of Henry VIII's reign has seen the current government tidying up the 'Chancel Repair Liabilities' law and recovering an average bill of £80,000. 

The little known law states that the affected homeowners are actually 'lay rectors' and liable to pay towards the upkeep of the Chancel – this is the space around the church altar and the bad news is the charge should be paid with no religious discrimination.

The 500 year old law has sent churches into a financial frenzy with 247 churches around the country exercising their right to their upkeep and leading to many homeowners simply selling up.   With a further 5000 churches yet to register, the bill could spiral affecting house prices significantly in these areas.

Sadly, homeowners who do find themselves 'Lay Rectors' could have taken out a special type of insurance to protect themselves against costs like these.  In many cases the law may not appear on the deeds to the property. 

Please call our Manchester residential conveyancers now on 01625 522429 or email info@richardsonlaw.org.uk  if you would like to buy, sell or re-mortgage a property or for more advice about property law and liabilities.

Richardson Law

Property and Conveyancing Solicitors

Wilmslow, Manchester

Tel: 01625 522429