: 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.
When browsing listings on platforms like Realtor.com or Opendoor , look for:
“Buying a fixer-upper is worth it when the total investment (purchase price plus renovations) comes in meaningfully below what you'd pay for a comparable, updated home.” Opendoor · 1 week ago Key Considerations for Your Search buy fixer upper homes for sale
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
: Get professional estimates before closing to ensure the math actually works. : The most affordable states for fixer-uppers in
: Never waive these; you need to know about foundational issues before committing.
: In competitive areas like Austin , fixer-uppers may still sell quickly to investors. Expert Review & Recommendations : Get professional estimates
Experts and homeowners often reflect on the reality versus the "TV version" of renovation: