#USA #Austin #Realtor.com #Home Prices #Fixer-Upper

The Rising Interest in Fixer-Uppers

In the current challenging housing market, characterized by soaring home prices and elevated mortgage rates, fixer-uppers have emerged as an appealing avenue for many prospective buyers to make their homeownership dreams a reality. According to a recent analysis by Realtor.com®, homes listed as fixer-uppers attract 52% more views than similar, affordable homes, indicating a growing trend toward these renovation-ready properties. This article delves into the rising demand for fixer-uppers, highlighting the best regions to find these hidden gems and understanding why buyers are flocking to them.

A Shift in Buyer Behavior

Research shows that searches for the term "fixer-upper" on Realtor.com® have more than tripled over the last four years. This spike mirrors the difficulty many first-time homebuyers face in accessing the current real estate marketplace, where the median list price for a single-family home hovers around $436,250. In contrast, fixer-uppers present a significantly lower median list price of just $200,000, representing a 54% discount. With prices and interest rates on the rise, homebuyers are increasingly viewing fixer-uppers as an enticing opportunity to enter a costly market.

The Characteristics of Typical Fixer-Uppers

Most fixer-uppers typically comprise three bedrooms and two bathrooms, with construction dating back to 1958. These homes generally provide around 1,628 square feet of living space—less than the 2,000 square feet found in newer properties but often come with the promise of substantial savings. As of July 2025, there were approximately 79,175 fixer-uppers available on the market, reflecting an 18.8% increase from the same period in 2021. Though they comprised a smaller percentage of listings—5.2% compared to 6.1% in 2021—the interest in these properties continues to grow.

Regions Where Fixer-Uppers Thrive

Realtor.com's analysis identifies several hotspots for fixer-uppers, where potential buyers can find substantial savings. Cities like St. Louis, Detroit, Jackson (Mississippi), Toledo (Ohio), and Dayton (Ohio) emerge as top locations for buyers willing to invest time and effort into a renovation project. Notably, these metropolitan areas not only showcase a high volume of fixer-upper listings but also frequently offer significant price advantages. For instance, the median price of fixer-uppers in Jackson, Mississippi, stands at a remarkable $66,750—77.7% lower than the overall median price in the area.

Midwestern cities, in particular, dominate the market, especially where residency construction is slow, and land is at a premium, creating opportunities to rehabilitate existing homes rather than pursuing new builds. In contrast, areas facing regulatory hurdles often see increased demand for older, renovated residences, making fixer-uppers an attractive solution for buyers.

The Fixer-Upper Five: A Closer Look

St. Louis, Missouri - With numerous listings available, the population of fixer-uppers here boasts an average price drop of about 68.3% from comparable move-in-ready homes.
Detroit, Michigan - Here, homes can be purchased for around $100,000, offering savings of nearly 64.9% over newly constructed properties.
Jackson, Mississippi - This locale offers the steepest discounts, making it the perfect pit stop for first-time buyers.
Toledo, Ohio - Buyers can find properties for about $79,975, a savings of 65.9%.
* Dayton, Ohio - A place where homes are priced at approximately $97,500, reflecting a 62.5% discount.

Interestingly, the television show "Fixer Upper," featuring the renovation work of Chip and Joanna Gaines, has further fueled interest in these types of homes, particularly in Waco, Texas where prices are also significantly lower.

The Appeal of Sweat Equity

Considering the landscape of rising costs, buyers are now more willing to engage with fixer-uppers than ever before. Realtor.com® Senior Economist Joel Berner notes, "The current high rates and home prices have influenced buyer behavior, making fixer-uppers a more appealing choice." The notion that the work put into a home can equal financial gain appeals to many, providing an avenue to build personal equity while creating a personalized living space.

In summary, as demand for fixer-uppers continues to grow, buyers are embracing the challenges of renovation with enthusiasm. By choosing to invest in fixer-uppers, they are not only finding a way into the housing market but also creating something uniquely their own amidst rising affordability issues.