Turning Fixer-Uppers into Dream Homes: A Journey to Renovation

In the pursuit of their first home, Jess and Rick Sowerby encountered numerous challenges that led them to reconsider their options. Initially, the couple aimed for a move-in ready property, but after 30 unsuccessful viewings, they opted for a fixer-upper instead. This decision not only revitalized their hopes but also opened up a world of possibilities for creating their dream space.

CoinZn In 2018, Jess, aged 33, found herself feeling increasingly disheartened by the home-buying process. "I was getting disheartened – I thought we’d never find anything," she recalls. While some of the homes they viewed were appealing, they didn’t align with their personal style. The thought of replacing a newly installed kitchen or bathroom simply because it didn’t suit their tastes felt wasteful. Thus, the couple decided to purchase a home that required renovations.

The financial incentives for choosing a renovation project were significant. The Sowerbys discovered that properties needing work were typically around £90,000 cheaper than fully finished homes, enabling them to allocate a larger budget for their renovations. In February 2019, they acquired the keys to their 1930s semi-detached house located in a cul-de-sac in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, and began their ambitious project.

Upon entering their newly bought home, the Sowerbys encountered a space that had been vacant for six months, described by Jess as "cold, damp, dated, and musty." Despite these challenges, she felt an instant connection to the house, stating, "But it felt like a home." Jess has been sharing their renovation journey on their Instagram page, The House that Colour Built, providing insights and inspiration for others considering similar projects.

Amidst rising house prices, many prospective buyers like the Sowerbys are turning to renovation projects as a more affordable path to homeownership. According to the estate agency Hamptons, the average cost of a first-time buyer home reached £229,094 in August of this year, a significant increase from £156,453 in August 2015. However, fixer-uppers often come at a lower price point, with around 7% of properties listed on Zoopla falling into this category.

Regions such as Wales, South-East England, and Yorkshire and the Humber have the highest concentrations of homes in need of renovation. Two- and three-bedroom houses are the most common types of properties available for renovation on these platforms.

In addition to cost savings, opting for a property that requires work can provide a unique opportunity to enhance the home’s value. Steve Lees from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) points out, "Doer-uppers are a real opportunity to do a deep retrofit, and you can really add value if you improve the property’s energy efficiency rating. Ultimately, it’s the chance to make your home your own." This potential for personalization and improvement makes fixer-uppers an attractive option.

Embarking on a renovation journey requires careful planning and consideration. Here are some essential factors to take into account:

When evaluating properties, Jess emphasizes the importance of considering the layout and flow of the space. Some elements, such as plumbing or electrical systems, can be more challenging to alter than others. Therefore, understanding the property’s configuration can help you envision the best renovation approach.

For Jess and Rick Sowerby, their decision to invest in a fixer-upper has proven worthwhile, allowing them to transform a dated house into a home that reflects their style and meets their needs. As the housing market continues to rise, many buyers are likely to follow in their footsteps, embracing the challenges and rewards that come with home improvements and DIY projects. With careful planning and creativity, a fixer-upper can become a dream home.