Question for conveyancing experts

What does a potential chancel repair liability mean? 

Does the church in reality ever make a deman in respect of such liability?

Is it wise to take out insurance?

Thank you.

I've come across this before.

Don't quote me on it, but I think it's something to do with if you are in the vicinity of a church, you have a potential liability to any damage/repairs that are required on it.  Most decent solicitors would advise taking insurance on it just in case.....

I may be entirely wrong but it rings true with a mortgage I did recently for someone.

Insurance is always taken out 'just in case' 

I've found one case where judgement and costs amounted to half a million smackeroos but I wonder how often this actually happens.

I'd get the insurance, Sezz!

It only needs to happen once

I would say it was something that maybe happened many moons ago. Certainly before I was born, but maybe when you were in your thirties..........

I doubt it does happen very often, but if there is a need for insurance, then you can safely say it happens. (Jesus, that sounded a bit salesy)

Coops is spot on.

Potentially if say the church local to you fell down or the roof blew off  & the poor church had been unable to pay for adequate buildings insurance they can insist that all parishioners contribute financially to the costs of making good.

It's an old law that has never been repealed.

Take out a policy it will be peanuts.

Thanks BRT.

Righty-ho, more money down the drain then.   I'm going to have to take a 3rd and 4th job at this rate.  Maybe i should re-advertise on Yell - I was getting some interesting enquiries through them.