Specialist legal support for religious property
At Wrigleys Solicitors, we understand that religious property matters involve unique legal, charitable and heritage considerations. Whether you're acquiring, leasing, developing or disposing of land, our specialist team offers tailored, non-contentious advice that safeguards your organisation’s mission and assets.
We advise Anglican and Roman Catholic dioceses, cathedrals, religious orders, independent churches, parochial church councils and other faith-based charities within the Christian, Jewish, Islamic, Buddhist, Hindu and Sikh communities, both as retained legal advisers and for specific projects.
To learn more about our wider work with faith groups, visit our Faith Organisations page.
‘For us, the practice's wide experience of working with religious communities is key. The team members understand our way of life and what issues are important to us.' Legal 500 2025
How we can help with religious property
-
Buying and selling property: We advise on sale and purchase agreements of a wide range of properties, including strategic guidance on transactions and consideration of the particular sensitivities of religious properties.
-
Leasing and tenancy agreements: We draft lease agreements of all kinds, from commercial lettings for income generation, to charity-to-charity leases for ongoing charitable purposes.
-
Property development: We advise charity landowners on option agreements, development sales, and renewables projects to enhance the potential of sites.
-
Title registrations, rectifications and trusts: We understand the complex historic trusts and land ownership which can affect religious property. We regularly deal with resolving Land Registry issues, as well as applications to the Charity Commission in relation to historic trusts.
-
Funding: We assist with the requirements for securing grant funding, including legal charges and deeds of dedication with major funding bodies.
Why Choose Wrigleys for religious property advice?
Our property specialists combine deep knowledge of property law with charity and ecclesiastical insight. Many of our team are members of the Charities’ Property Association and the Ecclesiastical Law Society.
Elizabeth Wilson, head of our faith team, served as Chair of the Ecclesiastical Law Society (2021–2024). We regularly contribute to publications, host seminars and conferences, including our Religious Life Forum.
Many of our team are active members of their own churches and serve on charity trustee boards and Parochial Church Councils in their spare time.
'Very careful listening and discernment of our needs and the complex issues involved. Ability to think widely and alert us to areas/aspects of our requirements we had not considered fully. Excellent discussion and risk management advice, ensuring that they covered every eventuality, which turned out to be essential.' Legal 500 2026
Partnering with Wrigleys
If you would like mission-focused property support that avoids contentious proceedings, we would be delighted to assist: Contact us.
Faith Charities
