A former Methodist church hall turned martial arts academy could offer house-hunters the opportunity to choose their own home business venture.

The freestanding weatherboard property at 170 Albert Street, Brunswick, was built 120 years ago, and is now up for grabs with a price tag of $1.05 million.

Nelson Alexander Brunswick sales agent James Pilliner said it had been 50 years since church services had been held at the hall, with martial arts replacing worship and ministry 25 years ago.

Shudokan Budo Academy, a martial arts school teaching jiu-jitsu, judo and karate, had rented the hall during this time.

The hall features high ceilings with exposed timber beams.

“This is the kind of place that real estate agents drive past and wonder what could be done with it,” Mr Pilliner said.

“It’s in a residential zone at the moment and it would suit a work from home, casual blend of living.”

Mr Pilliner said the rear of the hall would most likely be renovated into a home, with the hall itself used as an office.

“It’s attracting buyers who are looking for something a bit unique or quirky,” he said.

“I’ve seen other church conversions but they’re usually not freestanding like this hall.

“This property is affordable and not too big.”

According to the agent, the property also doesn’t have a heritage listing.

The hall is on a 267sq m corner block and has high ceilings with exposed beams as well as two offices, a storage area, two showers and a toilet.

SUBURB PROFILE: BRUNSWICK