A woman from Red Hill has taken an unconventional path to homeownership, purchasing an abandoned church for $75,000 after discovering it on Facebook Marketplace.
A Unique Property Search Pays Off
For nearly a decade, Tiffany Barlow had been searching for a church to restore, drawn to preserving unique and historical structures. Her passion for salvaging led her to a Facebook listing in early January, advertising a church in Banana Shire, located in Queensland’s Capricorn region.
The building had been sitting untouched on a vacant block for over 20 years. When the elderly owners decided to sell, their nephew listed it online, drawing more than 1,000 inquiries within days. After making contact with the seller, Ms Barlow drove five hours to inspect the property. Within three weeks, the sale was finalised, securing both the land and the structure.
Restoring a Forgotten Church
The church’s origins remain unclear, with no official records available through the local council. While the interior shows signs of past use, such as carpet cut around an altar space, little else is known about its history.
Despite some speculation, the new owner describes the church as a peaceful space, with no unsettling atmosphere. Plans are already underway for restoration, with salvaged materials and unique finds from film sets among the items being incorporated. The church doors, originally from Thor: Ragnarok, are a standout feature.
A Move from City to Country
Although still based in Brisbane, Ms Barlow intends to relocate to the property before 2032. Owning this church marks a significant milestone as her first home, offering a long-term sense of security. The move is also a step towards leaving behind the pressures of city life in favour of a more self-sufficient lifestyle.
Her approach reflects the broader challenges millennials face in entering the housing market, with unconventional purchases becoming a necessity for many. Without access to traditional pathways like guarantors, alternative solutions are often required.
Future Plans
For now, the focus remains on salvaging and repurposing materials, with the goal of turning the abandoned building into a functional and meaningful home.
Published 15-Mar-2025