Is buying a home that needs renovation right for you?

If you’re a first-time buyer or a home-owner looking to move somewhere cheaper, you might be considering a house that needs renovating. If so then you’re not alone; according to Rightmove, homes in need of renovation are the most in demand among buyers.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a homeowner looking to size up without too much of a price tag, or an investor looking to generate profit, there are lots of reasons you might want to buy a home in need of renovation.
 

What are the pros of buying a home that needs renovating?

Affordability

The most apparent reason for purchasing a home that requires renovation is the price. Properties in need of renovation are £29,000 cheaper than the national average. If you're a first-time buyer struggling to afford a home in your area or wanting to move up the property ladder without a significant jump in cost, renovation projects could be an ideal option for you.

Customisation

While not a completely blank slate, houses that need renovating give you the opportunity to craft your dream home. You’ll have the freedom to create the home you’ve always wanted, whether it’s carpeting the living room floor or installing a bay window in your bedroom. You’re free to personalise as much as you want to and can fit the home to suit your needs.

Potential for profit

Purchasing a property that requires work can be an excellent investment opportunity, particularly if you can secure it at a lower price. With some smart renovation work, you can significantly increase the value of your property and sell it for a much higher price than your initial investment.
 

What should you look for in a home that needs renovation?

This entirely depends on you; what your budget is, what your timeline is like, whether you want to sell your home or keep it long-term. The two main things to look out for are:

Condition of the property

When it comes to purchasing a house that needs renovation, there are lots of types of projects with varying levels of commitment in terms of time and money. Homes that just need cosmetic renovations like repainting the walls, putting in new cabinets and even redoing the flooring will cost more upfront, but will be quicker to fix up and you can probably do most of the work yourself. Houses which need structural changes, such as tearing down walls or redoing the electrics, will be more labour intensive and take longer to renovate, but should have a cheaper upfront cost.

Planning permission

There are lots of different ways to renovate and add value to a property, including structural changes that may need planning permission. This will involve a bit of research. Get a consultation from a contractor to see what they think is possible, and see if the property already has planning permission. Don’t forget to check out the neighbours; if multiple houses on the same street visibly have an extension or a loft conversion, it’s likely you’ll be able to as well.

If you’re a first-time buyer:

Your budget may be limited as you enter the property market. While low-priced fixer-uppers may seem tempting because of their low upfront price, they may cost you more in the long term with major structural projects. It’s also important to think about your living situation. If you’re buying your first house you might not have any other housing options, so you will need a house that is at least habitable upon moving in.

If you’re looking to move up the property ladder:

You’re likely looking for a bigger space, somewhere with more bedrooms and square footage. Look for houses you think you’ll be able to extend, whether out the back or up through the loft, and see if any planning permission is already available. You should hopefully have more money to play with than a first-time buyer, allowing you to plan bigger projects and more impactful renovations.

If you’re an investor:

Targeting low-cost homes that require extensive renovation may increase potential profit margins. However, it is crucial to have a clear plan before making a commitment, detailing the necessary tasks and expected duration for completion. Make sure you research sold houses in the area (try and find similarly renovated houses if you can), and see if your estimated costs would still be low enough to turn a profit.

Interested in buying a renovation project? Check out the homes we currently have for sale and contact your local branch for more information.