Chancel Repair Liability: Why Due Diligence Matters

The most well-known example of this liability in action is the Aston Cantlow Parochial Church Council v Wallbank case. In all, it was 18-year legal battle where Mr and Mrs Wallbank were found responsible for substantial chancel repair costs of £230,000 and legal fees, which ultimately forced them to sell their inherited farmhouse property.

Despite occurring more than two decades ago, Wallbank remains the case that shaped conveyancing practice, making chancel repair searches and insurance common parts of property transactions where liability might exist.

Although law reform in 2013 aimed to limit liability for registered land only, uncertainty continues around how the rules operate in practice, especially for unregistered land or properties not sold for valuable consideration since requirements came into effect.

In 2025, the Law Commission published a consultation to clarify the treatment of chancel repair liability and ensure that it only binds buyers where it’s recorded on the title. This ongoing discussion highlights that, although despite its rare enforcement, the obligation can still carry significant financial risk for property owners and conveyancers alike.

A PinPoint Chancel report identifies if a property sits within a parish where liability could apply. It supports conveyancers and clients by flagging potential liability early in the transaction and, where liability exists, provides clear options for bespoke Aviva insurance to manage that risk.

By combining specialist screening with insurance options, PinPoint helps conveyancers safeguard clients from unexpected historic liabilities, particularly given that they have the potential to run into tens or even hundreds of thousands of pounds if left unchecked.