Fixer-Uppers Offer a Way to the Dream Home, But Are They Worth It?
For Jess and Rick Sowerby, buying their dream home was a long and arduous process. After 30 viewings without finding their perfect property, they decided to take a different approach – buying a fixer-upper that needed renovation work. The decision paid off in the end, as they not only got the house of their dreams but also saved £90,000 compared to purchasing a "turnkey" home.
Their journey began in 2018 when they started searching for their first home. After months of viewings, they realized that finding the perfect property was taking too long and decided to look into fixer-uppers instead. They purchased a semi-detached house in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, for £155,000 and spent £50,000 on renovations.
The Sowerbys' experience is a testament to the fact that renovation projects can be a cost-effective way to get on the property ladder. According to Hamptons, the average first-time buyer home now costs £229,094, but fixer-uppers can offer significant savings. However, it's essential to consider the potential drawbacks of purchasing a property in need of repair.
The Sowerbys' decision to buy a fixer-upper was influenced by the lack of choice in their area and the desire to make their home truly unique. They spent months researching the local area, considering factors such as transport links, crime rates, and schools. Once they found a property that met their needs, they set about renovating it to create their dream home.
The couple documented their renovation journey on Instagram, sharing tips and tricks for DIY enthusiasts. Their hard work paid off when their new home was valued at £350,000 in August 2020 – nearly twice the price they initially paid.
For those considering a fixer-upper, there are several factors to consider before making an offer. The first step is to research the local area and understand its pros and cons. Next, inspect the property's structure and look for any obvious defects or signs of damp. It's also essential to budget for unexpected expenses and have a contingency plan in place.
According to Checkatrade, some common renovation jobs that could cost homeowners thousands include rewireing the electrics (£6,225), knocking down walls (£3,300), and installing double-glazed windows (£1,000). In contrast, smaller tasks such as replastering walls (£2,500) or repairing roofs (£110 per square meter) are more affordable.
While purchasing a fixer-upper may not be the right choice for everyone, it can be a viable option for those who are willing to put in the hard work and dedication required to restore a property to its former glory. For Jess and Rick Sowerby, buying their dream home was worth the extra effort – and it's clear that they're enjoying every moment of their renovation journey.
Ultimately, whether a fixer-upper is the best way to get on the property ladder depends on individual circumstances. However, for those who are willing to put in the time and effort required to renovate a property, it can be a rewarding and cost-effective option.
For Jess and Rick Sowerby, buying their dream home was a long and arduous process. After 30 viewings without finding their perfect property, they decided to take a different approach – buying a fixer-upper that needed renovation work. The decision paid off in the end, as they not only got the house of their dreams but also saved £90,000 compared to purchasing a "turnkey" home.
Their journey began in 2018 when they started searching for their first home. After months of viewings, they realized that finding the perfect property was taking too long and decided to look into fixer-uppers instead. They purchased a semi-detached house in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, for £155,000 and spent £50,000 on renovations.
The Sowerbys' experience is a testament to the fact that renovation projects can be a cost-effective way to get on the property ladder. According to Hamptons, the average first-time buyer home now costs £229,094, but fixer-uppers can offer significant savings. However, it's essential to consider the potential drawbacks of purchasing a property in need of repair.
The Sowerbys' decision to buy a fixer-upper was influenced by the lack of choice in their area and the desire to make their home truly unique. They spent months researching the local area, considering factors such as transport links, crime rates, and schools. Once they found a property that met their needs, they set about renovating it to create their dream home.
The couple documented their renovation journey on Instagram, sharing tips and tricks for DIY enthusiasts. Their hard work paid off when their new home was valued at £350,000 in August 2020 – nearly twice the price they initially paid.
For those considering a fixer-upper, there are several factors to consider before making an offer. The first step is to research the local area and understand its pros and cons. Next, inspect the property's structure and look for any obvious defects or signs of damp. It's also essential to budget for unexpected expenses and have a contingency plan in place.
According to Checkatrade, some common renovation jobs that could cost homeowners thousands include rewireing the electrics (£6,225), knocking down walls (£3,300), and installing double-glazed windows (£1,000). In contrast, smaller tasks such as replastering walls (£2,500) or repairing roofs (£110 per square meter) are more affordable.
While purchasing a fixer-upper may not be the right choice for everyone, it can be a viable option for those who are willing to put in the hard work and dedication required to restore a property to its former glory. For Jess and Rick Sowerby, buying their dream home was worth the extra effort – and it's clear that they're enjoying every moment of their renovation journey.
Ultimately, whether a fixer-upper is the best way to get on the property ladder depends on individual circumstances. However, for those who are willing to put in the time and effort required to renovate a property, it can be a rewarding and cost-effective option.
Fixer-uppers might be all the rage now, but let's get real - they're not for everyone! I mean, £90k saved compared to buying a turnkey home is definitely a win, but the Sowerbys' journey was super long and arduous. 30 viewings without finding their dream property? That's a lot of time and energy spent! 
! I mean, £90k saved? That's like, a whole new level of affordability 
. And the fact that Jess & Rick got to create their dream home from scratch is just amazing 
. I can already imagine me and my squad taking on a renovation project together, making it our own, and then selling it for a sweet profit 
. The only thing I'd say is that you gotta be prepared for the unexpected (those £110/m² roof repairs aren't gonna fix themselves 
). But overall, I'm all about embracing the DIY life and taking on new challenges. Who needs Instagrammable condos when you can have a one-of-a-kind pad?
. I mean, who needs that kind of stress in their life? Still, if you're into DIY and have the patience for it, a fixer-upper might be the way to go 
. The Sowerbys' experience is actually kinda inspiring, but let's not forget they spent months researching and planning before making their offer 
. For others, it might be a steep learning curve, but hey, at least you get to create your dream home in the process 
. Just don't say I didn't warn you about those renovation costs... 
.
And I think it's really cool that they were able to find a property in Rochdale that met all their needs and then made it into their dream home 
. But hey, if you're willing to put in the effort, it could definitely be worth it! 
But at the same time, it's also super important to consider the potential downsides of buying a fixer-upper. Like, what if you're not handy and don't know how to do any DIY repairs? Or what if the renovation process takes way longer than expected? 
. But is it worth all the hard work? 
. But what about the extra costs of DIY, like rewiring or installing double-glazed windows? That adds up quick 
.
. The thing is though, there are so many pros and cons to consider - you gotta weigh the cost of unexpected expenses against the thrill of bringing your dream home to life 
they totally nailed the fixer-upper vibe and now their home is literally TWICE the price of what they bought it for 
the DIY part might seem daunting at first, but if you're into that sorta thing, it can be super fulfilling 
It just goes to show that with dedication and perseverance, anything is possible