Experts and homeowners often reflect on the reality versus the "TV version" of renovation:
: The most affordable states for fixer-uppers in 2025/2026 include West Virginia , Iowa , and Mississippi , with median list prices for project homes often falling below $110,000. buy fixer upper homes for sale
: In competitive areas like Austin , fixer-uppers may still sell quickly to investors. Experts and homeowners often reflect on the reality
: While doing the work yourself saves money, experts from The Spruce suggest that novice DIYers should be cautious, as projects frequently take longer and cost more than anticipated. Perspectives on the Experience Perspectives on the Experience Mapped: The States With
Mapped: The States With the Most Fixer-Upper Homes for Handy Buyers
: These allow you to bundle the purchase price and renovation costs into a single mortgage. Note that these often come with higher interest rates and more paperwork.
Buying a fixer-upper can be a high-reward path to homeownership if the total cost of purchase and renovation remains significantly below the market value of a comparable move-in-ready home. However, real estate pros warn that in , major projects may be risky for first-time buyers due to high renovation costs and the unpredictability of "what's behind the walls". Expert Review & Recommendations