New report by the Bevan Foundation and Housing Justice Cymru
February 11, 2025
Full report – Transforming communities affordable homes from unused faith-owned spaces
The Most Revd John Davies, Former Archbishop of Wales and Chair of Housing Justice Cymru, emphasised the importance of repurposing faith-owned spaces:
“There can come a time, a sad time, when a place of worship that has been much loved over the years, comes to the end of its viable life. The least attractive option for that building is that it closes and becomes a ruin. There are occasions when the clearance of the site and the construction of new facilities is a feasible option.”
With homelessness rising and more families living in temporary accommodation—1 in every 215 households—the need for affordable homes is urgent. However, one of the biggest barriers to developing new homes is access to suitable land in the right locations. Many proposed development sites are either unsuitable, located outside high-demand areas, or remain unavailable due to ownership constraints. The high cost of land further limits the feasibility of housing projects.
Recognising the need to influence Welsh Government on strategic land use, Housing Justice Cymru approached the Bevan Foundation in 2023 for their expertise in policy and lobbying, introducing them to our funder, Nationwide.
The Bevan Foundation released the first of two reports, offering a general analysis of the barriers to social housing supply. This was heavily informed by the Faith in Affordable Housing project’s on-the-ground experience and insights from project stakeholders, whom the Bevan Foundation interviewed.
Since then, the Local Government & Housing Committee has responded, and Welsh Government has debated our recommendations see here.
Today, we, along with the Bevan Foundation, present ‘Regenerating Communities: Affordable Homes from Unused Faith-Owned Spaces’ to the Welsh Government at the Senedd. This final report provides an in-depth analysis of the potential for church and chapel buildings and land to be repurposed. Drawing on the learning and data from the Faith in Affordable Housing project, including insights from our Knight Frank mapping tool, the research concludes that even on a modest scale, there is still the potential to create thousands of affordable homes across Wales.
Beyond the numbers, this report highlights an important reality: churches and chapels are just one example of disused community buildings that could be repurposed for housing. With banks, high street shops, schools, and community halls also closing their doors, we must ask: if faith-owned sites alone could provide thousands of homes, what could be achieved by thinking more broadly?
Importantly, this work also recognises the contributions of faith organisations. While the closure of places of worship is often a sad and difficult process, finding new life for these buildings allows them to continue serving their communities. It also addresses the financial strain that derelict properties place on congregations, local authorities, and the wider community—ensuring that these buildings do not simply fall into disrepair.
To maximise the potential of these spaces, we are calling on the Welsh Government, local authorities, and faith-based organisations to commit to a strategic approach that supports their redevelopment. This requires a coordinated effort to address ownership, contracting, and policy flexibility to make such projects viable. With the right support and investment, these buildings can be repurposed into homes that transform lives.
Wendy Dearden, Senior Policy and Research Officer at the Bevan Foundation, reinforced the need for action:
“Far too often these opportunities to redevelop important community buildings get put in the ‘too difficult to do’ box. With the shortage of social homes and sites upon which to develop them, we must be looking at every opportunity. Our recommendations aim to find a way through the barriers to their potential being harnessed.”
At Housing Justice Cymru, we believe this report is a testament to what can be achieved when we think outside the box. It also marks an important moment for us—positioning Housing Justice Cymru as a credible voice in driving forward solutions for Wales’ housing crisis. By working together, we can ensure that these spaces, once central to communities, continue to serve those who need them most.
This research has been supported by the Nationwide Foundation. We hope this report sparks meaningful discussions and concrete action to use faith-owned spaces as a valuable resource in the fight against homelessness and the housing crisis.
