Skip to content
Tabernaalmedina

Tabernaalmedina

Interioreriffic Here

Primary Menu Tabernaalmedina

Tabernaalmedina

  • Home Improvement News
  • Home Improvement
  • Renovation Home
  • Modern House
  • Houses Japan
  • House
  • About Us
    • Advertise Here
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Sitemap
  • Home
  • The Best Cities to Buy a Fixer-Upper
  • Renovation Home

The Best Cities to Buy a Fixer-Upper

Phil M. Sinha July 18, 2022

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • New York City
  • Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
  • Denver
  • Los Angeles
  • Chicago
  • Waianae, Hawaii
  • Atlanta
  • San Francisco
  • Seattle
  • Honolulu
  • Louisville, Ky.
  • Dallas
  • Miami
  • Oakland, Calif.
  • St. Petersburg, Fla.
  • Phoenix
  • San Diego
  • Boca R aton, Fla.
  • New Orleans
  • St. Louis
  • Las Vegas
  • San Jose, Calif.
  • Washington, D.C.
  • Trenton, N.J.
  • Fort Worth, Texas
  • Jacksonville, Fla.
  • Long Beach, Calif.
  • Tucson, Ariz.
  • Austin, Texas
  • Newnan, Ga.

Even as the real estate market begins to cool somewhat, it’s not easy to buy a home these days. Mortgage rates have gone up and prices are still higher than last year, making affordability tougher than ever.

But in one bright spot, the median cost of a fixer-upper in the U.S. is $225,000, 45% cheaper than a turnkey home of the same size and in the same city, according to an analysis by Porch.com, a software platform for home service industries. And, fixers seem to be going down in price compared with last year—they’re 24% cheaper than in 2021, according to the analysis.

But if you’re not a cash-rich flipper, and you are just looking to buy your first home, is a fixer-upper the way to go? Real estate brokerage Redfin defines a fixer-upper as “a home that can usually be lived in but needs maintenance work (redecoration, redesign, or reconstruction) and is typically offered at a low purchase price.”

So a fixer might be something you can afford to buy, but can you live in it, can you afford the repairs, and is the savings worth the time, trouble, expense, and risk?

To find the best cities to buy a fixer, Porch.com analyzed data in 90 U.S. cities on fixer-upper and regular listings, prices, square footage, and number of bedrooms and bathrooms from Redfin, which offers a “fixer-upper” filter on their search site.

Only cities with at least 10 fixer-uppers on sale as of May 15, 2022, were included in the analysis.

Scroll to Continue

They looked at how much it would cost to renovate in these cities, and added that cost to the price of the fixer, then compared it with the listing prices of turnkey homes. Renovation costs are based on a median $130 per square foot and assumes a “complete gut renovation” (full removal of all interior fixtures that leaves only the structural skeleton and foundation behind).

One of the best places for bargains is Chicago, where you can get a fixer for $200,000, spend $195,000 on renovations and still come in at 35% lower than the $605,000 turnkey home price.

But a fixer home isn’t always a bargain. The median price of fixer-uppers in both San Francisco and Austin, Texas, is more than $1 million. 

For the cash-rich flipper, some of these high-price cities might present money makers. In Los Angeles, for example, if you can come up with nearly a million dollars to buy a fixer plus the money to renovate, you can almost double your money if you sell it at the turnkey price.

But even where fixer homes are cheap, renovations may not be worth it. In Gary, Indiana, where 23.4% of listings are fixers, with a median price of $31,500, the cost to renovate is about $187,000—and you can buy a turnkey home there for around $64,000. In fact, Porch’s analysis found that 50 cities show a negative return on investment in renovating a fixer.

Depending on the square footage, the average cost to gut and remodel a house can be anywhere between $100,000 – $200,000, according to Rocket Mortgage.

Here are 30 cities where the cost of buying a fixer and renovating it is the cheapest compared with a turnkey home. We highlighted some of the home price figures that are below $500,000, and other data points that stand out for anyone looking for a more affordable home.

new york city houses sh

New York City

  • Fixer-upper list price: $689,000
  • Comparable turnkey home price: $2.895 million
  • How much cheaper to buy fixer-upper: -76%
  • Listings that are fixer-uppers: 0.9% (below average)
  • Cost of fixer-upper after repairs: $858,000
  • Difference from turnkey home price: -70.4%

While a fixer in New York isn’t cheap, if you’ve got the bucks, it’s the best bargain. If you can get one for $689,000 and put $169,000 into it, that’s $858,000, which is 70% cheaper than the turnkey home listed at $2.9 million.

(Prices are medians and the comparable turnkey homes are in the same city, with the same square footage and number of bedrooms and bathrooms. The square footage of the homes on this list ranges from 1,200 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to 2,600 in Austin, Texas and all the homes are all 2-3 bedrooms and 1-2 baths.)

4 ft lauderdale florida sh

Shutterstock

Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

  • Fixer-upper list price: $340,000
  • Comparable turnkey home price: $892,500
  • How much cheaper to buy fixer upper: -62%
  • Listings that are fixer-uppers: 1.7% (above average)
  • Cost of fixer-upper after repairs: $496,000
  • Difference from turnkey home price: -44.4%

Fort Lauderdale is a more tempting market for fixers. You can purchase for well under $500,000, and still stay under that number with repairs. It’s a sizeable discount compared to the turnkey home, and there is an above-average number of fixer listings. (The U.S. average is 1%.)

denver colorado sh

Denver

  • Fixer-upper list price: $525,000
  • Comparable turnkey home price: $1.386 million
  • How much cheaper to buy fixer-upper: -62%
  • Listings that are fixer-uppers: 3.5% (above average)
  • Cost of fixer-upper after repairs: $772,000
  • Difference from turnkey home price: -44.3%
los angeles calif sh

Los Angeles

  • Fixer-upper list price: $977,000
  • Comparable turnkey home price: $2.195 million
  • How much cheaper to buy fixer-upper: -55%
  • Listings that are fixer-uppers: 1.9%
  • Cost of fixer-upper after repairs: $1,224,000
  • Difference from turnkey home price: -44.2%
27 chicago illinois sh

Shutterstock

Chicago

  • Fixer
    -upper list price: $
    200,000
  • Comparable turnkey home price: $605,000
  • How much cheaper to buy fixer-upper: -67%
  • Listings that are fixer-uppers: 1.2% (slightly above average)
  • Cost of fixer-upper after repairs: $395,000
  • Difference from turnkey home price: -34.7%
Waianae, Hawaii

Waianae, Hawaii

  • Fixer-upper list price: $402,500
  • Comparable turnkey home price: $852,000
  • How much cheaper to buy fixer-upper: -53%
  • Listings that are fixer-uppers: 7.1% (well above average)
  • Cost of fixer-upper after repairs: $571,500
  • Difference from turnkey home price: -32.9%

Waianae sits on the leeward coast of Oahu, about 31 miles from Honolulu.

14 atlanta Sean Pavone : Shutterstock

Photo: Sean Pavone / Shutterstock

Atlanta

  • Fixer-upper list price: $249,900
  • Comparable turnkey home price: $685,000
  • How much cheaper to buy fixer-upper: -64%
  • Listings that are fixer-uppers: 5.2% (well above average)
  • Cost of fixer-upper after repairs: $470,900
  • Difference from turnkey home price: -31.3%
houses mortgage san francisco sh

San Francisco

  • Fixer-upper list price: $1.392 million
  • Comparable turnkey home price: $2.25 million
  • How much cheaper to buy fixer-upper: -38%
  • Listings that are fixer-uppers: 1.3%
  • Cost of fixer-upper after repairs: $1.625 million
  • Difference from turnkey home price: -27.8%
24 seattle wash sh

Seattle

  • Fixer-upper list price: $809,975
  • Comparable turnkey home price: $1.411 million
  • How much cheaper to buy fixer-upper: -43%
  • Listings that are fixer-uppers: 1.9%
  • Cost of fixer-upper after repairs: $1.044 million
  • Difference from turnkey home price: -26.0%
23 honolulu hawaii sh

Shutterstock

Honolulu

  • Fixer-upper list price: $850,000
  • Comparable turnkey home price: $1,398,000
  • How much cheaper to buy fixer-upper: -39%
  • Listings that are fixer-uppers: 1.8%
  • Cost of fixer-upper after repairs: $1.045 million
  • Difference from turnkey home price: -25.3%
kentucky louisville sh

Louisville, Ky.

  • Fixer-upper list price: $122,500
  • Comparable turnkey home price: $441,000
  • How much cheaper to buy fixer-upper: -72%
  • Listings that are fixer-uppers: 2.5% (above average)
  • Cost of fixer-upper after repairs: $343,500
  • Difference from turnkey home price: -22.1%
Dallas texas sh

Dallas

  • Fixer-upper list price: $275,000
  • Comparable turnkey home price: $599,000
  • How much cheaper to buy fixer-upper: -54%
  • Listings that are fixer-uppers: 1.1% (about average)
  • Cost of fixer-upper after repairs: $470,000
  • Difference from turnkey home price: -21.5%
miami sh

Miami

  • Fixer-upper list price: $485,000
  • Comparable turnkey home price: $896,400
  • How much cheaper to buy fixer-upper: -46%
  • Listings that are fixer-uppers: 1.1%
  • Cost of fixer-upper after repairs: $706,000
  • Difference from turnkey home price: -21.2%
1 oakland ca BondRocketImages : Shutterstock

Oakland, Calif.

  • Fixer-upper list price: $672,500
  • Comparable turnkey home price: $1.095 million
  • How much cheaper to buy fixer-upper: -39%
  • Listings that are fixer-uppers: 3.8%
  • Cost of fixer-upper after repairs: $867,500
  • Difference from turnkey home price: -20.8%
Tampa/St. Petersburg, Fla.

St. Petersburg, Fla.

  • Fixer-upper list price: $265,000
  • Comparable turnkey home price: $525,000
  • How much cheaper to buy fixer-upper: -50%
  • Listings that are fixer-uppers: 4.0% (above average)
  • Cost of fixer-upper after repairs: $421,000
  • Difference from turnkey home price: -19.8%
phoenix arizona sh

Phoenix

  • Fixer-upper list price: $341,750
  • Comparable turnkey home price: $650,000
  • How much cheaper to buy fixer-upper: -47%
  • Listings that are fixer-uppers: 2.1% (above average)
  • Cost of fixer-upper after repairs: $523,750
  • Difference from turnkey home price: -19.4%
17 san diego sh

Shutterstock

San Diego

  • Fixer-upper list price: $775,000
  • Comparable turnkey home price: $1.185 million
  • How much cheaper to buy fixer-upper: -35%
  • Listings that are fixer-uppers: 1.4%
  • Cost of fixer-upper after repairs: $957,000
  • Difference from turnkey home price: -19.2%
3 boca raton florida sh

Boca R
aton, Fla.

  • Fixer-upper list price: $499,000
  • Comparable turnkey home price: $909,500
  • How much cheaper to buy fixer-upper: -45%
  • Listings that are fixer-uppers: 2.3% (above average)
  • Cost of fixer-upper after repairs: $746,000
  • Difference from turnkey home price: -18.0%
new orleans louisiana homes fr quarter sh

New Orleans

  • Fixer-upper list price: $175,000
  • Comparable turnkey home price: $499,000
  • How much cheaper to buy fixer-upper: -65%
  • Listings that are fixer-uppers: 4.3% (well above average)
  • Cost of fixer-upper after repairs: $409,000
  • Difference from turnkey home price: -18.0%
st louis missouri sh

In the following cities, the difference in cost between the repaired home and a comparable turnkey home is less than 15%, and the return may or may not be worth the time, trouble and expense. Homeowners should be budgeting at least 20% over the estimated cost of a renovation to allow for contingencies, according to House Method. 

St. Louis

  • Fixer-upper list price: $87,450
  • Comparable turnkey home price: $316,000
  • How much cheaper to buy fixer-upper: -72%
  • Listings that are fixer-uppers: 4.4% (well above average)
  • Cost of fixer-upper after repairs: $269,450
  • Difference from turnkey home price: -14.7%
4 vegas suburb sprawl sh

Las Vegas

  • Fixer-upper list price: $485,000
  • Comparable turnkey home price: $900,000
  • How much cheaper to buy fixer-upper: -46%
  • Listings that are fixer-uppers: 1.4%
  • Cost of fixer-upper after repairs: $771,000
  • Difference from turnkey home price: -14.3%

San Jose Calif homes sh

San Jose, Calif.

  • Fixer-upper list price: $1.022 million
  • Comparable turnkey home price: $1.399 million
  • How much cheaper to buy fixer-upper: -27%
  • Listings that are fixer-uppers: 1.7%
  • Cost of fixer-upper after repairs: $1.204 million
  • Difference from turnkey home price: -13.9%
19 Washington dc georgetown DiegoMariottini : Shutterstock

DiegoMariottini / Shutterstock

Washington, D.C.

  • Fixer-upper list price: $592,000
  • Comparable turnkey home price: $899,900
  • How much cheaper to buy fixer-upper: -34%
  • Listings that are fixer-uppers: 1.2%
  • Cost of fixer-upper after repairs: $787,000
  • Difference from turnkey home price: -12.5%
5 New Jersey Trenton sh

Shutterstock

Trenton, N.J.

  • Fixer-upper list price: $145,000
  • Comparable turnkey home price: $399,900
  • How much cheaper to buy fixer-upper: -64%
  • Listings that are fixer-uppers: 3.6% (above average)
  • Cost of fixer-upper after repairs: $353,000
  • Difference from turnkey home price: -11.7%
88 ft worth texas sh

Shutterstock

Fort Worth, Texas

  • Fixer-upper list price: $210,000
  • Comparable turnkey home price: $398,500
  • How much cheaper to buy fixer-upper: -47%
  • Listings that are fixer-uppers: 0.6% (below average)
  • Cost of fixer-upper after repairs: $353,000
  • Difference from turnkey home price: -11.4%
Jacksonville Florida sh

Jacksonville, Fla.

  • Fixer-upper list price: $164,000
  • Comparable turnkey home price: $369,000
  • How much cheaper to buy fixer-upper: -56%
  • Listings that are fixer-uppers: 2.2%
  • Cost of fixer-upper after repairs: $333,000
  • Difference from turnkey home price: -9.8%
23 Long beach calif sh

Long Beach, Calif.

  • Fixer-upper list price: $750,000
  • Comparable turnkey home price: $1.012 million
  • How much cheaper to buy fixer-upper: -26%
  • Listings that are fixer-uppers: 3.1%
  • Cost of fixer-upper after repairs: $919,000
  • Difference from turnkey home price: -9.1%
24 tucson az sh

Shutterstock

Tucson, Ariz.

  • Fixer-upper list price: $247,500
  • Comparable turnkey home price: $499,000
  • How much cheaper to buy fixer-upper: -50%
  • Listings that are fixer-uppers: 1%
  • Cost of fixer-upper after repairs: $455,500
  • Difference from turnkey home price: -8.7%
15 austin texas sh

Austin, Texas

  • Fixer-upper list price: $1.05 million
  • Comparable turnkey home price: $1.517 million
  • How much cheaper to buy fixer-upper: -31%
  • Listings that are fixer-uppers: 1%
  • Cost of fixer-upper after repairs: $1.388 million
  • Difference from turnkey home price: -8.6%
Newnan georgia tornado 2021

Newnan, Ga.

  • Fixer-upper list price: $224,900
  • Comparable turnkey home price: $534,900
  • How much cheaper to buy fixer-upper: -58%
  • Listings that are fixer-uppers: 4.5% (well above average)
  • Cost of fixer-upper after repairs: $497,900
  • Difference from turnkey home price: -6.9%

In March of 2021, a major tornado tore through Coweta County where Newnan is located, about 40 miles from Atlanta. The tornado damaged more than 1,700 homes, another 70 homes were completely destroyed and roughly 120 more had “major damage,” according to Atlanta’s WXIA TV.

Visit Porch.com to see how all 90 U.S. cities compare.

Post Navigation

Previous A peek inside this gorgeous modern house with elegant details in Texas
Next Irish Folk Superstars, The High Kings, Bring a Night of Traditional Irish Tunes to The Ridgefield Playhouse, July 30

More Stories

How To Build Great Bathroom Renovations In Sydney, Australia
  • Renovation Home

How To Build Great Bathroom Renovations In Sydney, Australia

Phil M. Sinha July 22, 2024 0
The Principles of Design for Kitchens and Bathrooms
  • Renovation Home

The Principles of Design for Kitchens and Bathrooms

Phil M. Sinha July 11, 2024 0
Benefits of Renovation: Why You Should Renovate Now
  • Renovation Home

Benefits of Renovation: Why You Should Renovate Now

Phil M. Sinha July 2, 2024 0
May 2025
M T W T F S S
 1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031  
« Mar    

Archives

Recent Posts

  • Finding a Reliable Plumber in Bend, Oregon: What You Need to Know
  • The Benefits of Installing a Backup Generac Generator for Your Business
  • The Lost Jewels of the German Royal Family: A Mystery Solved?
  • Best Pest-Proofing Tips to Keep Pests Out of Your House This Fall
  • Keeping Your Home Appliances in Top Shape: A Comprehensive Maintenance Guide

BL

Tags

"Lowe'S Home Improvement Al From Home Improvement Al Home Improvement Bathroom Home Improvement Best Home Improvement Loans Brad Taylor Home Improvement Calendar Heidi Home Improvement Call Lowe'S Home Improvement Cast Of Home Improvement Diamond Home Improvement Friedman'S Home Improvement Heidi Home Improvement Home Home Improvement Cast Home Improvement Contractors Home Improvement Contractors Near Me Home Improvement Grants Home Improvement Ideas Home Improvement Loan Home Improvement Loan Calculator Home Improvement Loan Rates Home Improvement Loans Home Improvement Near Me Home Improvement Neighbor Home Improvement Outlet Home Improvement Reboot Home Improvement Show Home Improvement Shows Home Improvement Store Home Improvement Store Near Me Home Improvement Stores Home Improvement Streaming Home Improvement Tax Deduction Home Improvement Tv Show Home Improvement Warehouse Home Improvement Wilson Jerry'S Home Improvement Loans For Home Improvement Lowe'S Home Improvement Near Me Lowe Home Improvement Paradise Home Improvement Patricia Richardson Home Improvement Sears Home Improvement" Stream Home Improvement Tim Allen Home Improvement

Partner Links

mcaorals.co
bookoflegion

Seedbl

Seedbacklink

links

Illuminate Your Construct Lyt
Build Together with Structo Hive

BR

tubersagent
nutmegagent

BP

backlinkplacement.com

You may have missed

Finding a Reliable Plumber in Bend, Oregon: What You Need to Know
  • House

Finding a Reliable Plumber in Bend, Oregon: What You Need to Know

Phil M. Sinha March 25, 2025
The Benefits of Installing a Backup Generac Generator for Your Business
  • House

The Benefits of Installing a Backup Generac Generator for Your Business

Phil M. Sinha January 27, 2025
The Lost Jewels of the German Royal Family: A Mystery Solved?
  • House

The Lost Jewels of the German Royal Family: A Mystery Solved?

Phil M. Sinha November 21, 2024
Best Pest-Proofing Tips to Keep Pests Out of Your House This Fall
  • House

Best Pest-Proofing Tips to Keep Pests Out of Your House This Fall

Phil M. Sinha October 29, 2024
Keeping Your Home Appliances in Top Shape: A Comprehensive Maintenance Guide
  • House

Keeping Your Home Appliances in Top Shape: A Comprehensive Maintenance Guide

Phil M. Sinha August 7, 2024
tabernaalmedina.com | CoverNews by AF themes.

WhatsApp us