Property Hub: Property Principles
In this section:
Property Principles
Property Principles and supporting documents
The Property Principles and supporting documents set out how mission units are supported to make good decisions about buildings and land across the Diocese. They bring together our shared values, legal responsibilities, and practical guidance to ensure that property is used for mission, not as an end in itself.
Whether you are planning building work, considering a sale or lease, or simply caring for existing property, this document provides a clear framework to help you discern next steps and meet diocesan requirements.
Why this matters
Church property is a gift held in trust for God’s mission. Decisions about buildings and land have long‑term missional, financial, and legal consequences. These principles exist to help ensure that property:
actively supports local and diocesan mission
is safe, compliant, and well maintained
is managed responsibly and sustainably
reflects good stewardship of shared resources
At every stage, the emphasis is on mission first — our buildings exist to serve ministry and people, not the other way around.
Who should read this?
This document is essential reading for:
vestry members
vicars, wardens, and mission unit leaders
anyone involved in planning or approving property projects
It is particularly important to read before committing time or money to a property proposal.
What the document covers
The Property Principles and supporting documents guide you through the full lifecycle of property decisions, including:
Discernment — how to prayerfully test whether a property project is missionally strong and a priority
Governance and approvals — when vestry, parishioner, Diocesan Council, and Diocesan Board of Trustees approval is required
Planning and preparation — what information and documentation must be provided before work begins
Risk and compliance — including safety, seismic standards, legal and canonical requirements
Undertaking and completing works — how to stay aligned with diocesan expectations once a project is underway
The document also includes practical checklists and reference material to support you through each stage.
How this helps parishes
By using this framework early, you are better equipped to:
avoid delays, rework, or non‑compliance
prepare clear, well‑supported proposals
make confident, transparent decisions
safeguard both local ministry and diocesan assets
The principles are not intended to create barriers, but to support you in delivering property projects that are mission‑led, well governed, and sustainable.
Getting started
If your mission unit is considering any building work, land use change, or property transaction, we encourage you to:
read the Property Principles in full
discuss them early with your vestry
contact the Diocesan Manager for guidance
Early engagement helps ensure the right conversations happen at the right time.
Download the Property Principles and supporting documents (.pdf)
