Church attendance may be at rock bottom, but people want to live in them, according to a poll by property website, propertyfinder.com. Converted churches topped the list of homebuyers’ favourite building conversions, followed by the county set’s favourite, the barn. Converted schools came third and the yuppie pad of choice, the warehouse, came fourth.

Converted properties ranked by popularity

Least popular 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 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.

House-hunters’ perception of value for money

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.

Peter Dawson from North London commented: "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, or dark, or strangely positioned. They are pretty expensive, but if I could find the right one I’d jump at it."

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.

Househunters’ perceptions of how well planned converted properties are

Young singles are more adventurous

The age and marital status of house-hunters has 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.

Estate Agents poll shows similar trends

Estate agents tend to agree. In a separate poll conducted by propertyfinder.com, they also ranked churches the most desirable, but also poorest value for money and least well laid out for practical living purposes. Estate agents were much less likely than homebuyers to consider any of the options relatively cheap or a bargain, but believe that flats in converted houses are most likely to be fairly priced.

Nicholas Leeming, Director of propertyfinder.com commented: "Buyers want something a bit different, but also a home that is pleasant to live in and doesn’t cost the earth. Too often developers shoehorn flats into a beautiful church to maximise their return and end up spoiling the space and creating uninspiring homes."

"Barns are more likely to be turned into a single house and as such attract top marks for good layout."

"Naturally people’s taste changes as they grow older, but there is strong demand for conversions from people from all walks of life. Many people criticise the UK for a lack of imagination in residential architecture, so it is good to see healthy appetite for something outside the ordinary."