So, you’re thinking of buying a house to renovate and have found what seems to be the perfect fixer-upper.
Maybe you’re dreaming of turning an old wreck into your forever home. Or maybe you’re hoping to flip it and pocket the difference.
Either way, you need to hear something before the estate agent starts turning on the charm.
Renovating a property can go right. But it can also go very, very wrong.
Here are ten cold, hard factors to think about before you buy. Miss one, and it could end up costing you, instead of achieving a healthy profit.
1. Structural issues
If you walk into a house and the floors bounce or the walls bow, don’t smile and say, “It’s got character.”
That’s not character. That’s trouble.
Cracks in walls, uneven floors, and damp basements indicate serious problems underneath. You’ll need a surveyor. Don’t skip it to save a few pounds.
2. Planning permission
Some renovations are very straightforward, while others require planning approval. If you’re thinking of building outwards, upwards, or changing the use of the property, check with the local council first.
And don’t trust the estate agent who says, “It’ll be fine.” Get it in writing. Get proof from those who hand out permission.
3. Budget blowouts
It’s extremely unusual for a renovation to stay within the original budget. There’s always a rotten beam, a dodgy pipe, or a ceiling full of asbestos waiting to surprise you.
Add around 20% on top of whatever you *think* it will cost. That’s your actual number.
4. Hidden horrors
You can’t see everything on the first viewing.
Woodworm, old lead pipes, ancient wiring, blocked drains – they’re not obvious until someone starts working on the place.
You’ll need trades who know how to sniff these things out early.
5. Your building team
This one matters more than anything when buying a house to renovate.
The right builder will make it all run like clockwork. The wrong one will vanish halfway through, take your money, and leave you with a half-built kitchen.
Check references. Speak to old customers. Go and see past jobs in person.
6. Access and logistics
You love the house. Great.
But can you get a skip on the drive? Can lorries reach the front door without taking out three neighbours’ fences?
If the location’s awkward, your labour and material costs go up fast.
7. Neighbour issues
If your work involves boundary walls, shared driveways or anything that affects next door, be ready. You might need a Party Wall Agreement. That can mean surveys, paperwork, delays and extra costs.
And if they’re awkward, they can hold things up for weeks.
8. Listed status or conservation area
That lovely old house might come with rules. You’ll need special permission for even simple changes if it’s listed or in a conservation zone. Sometimes, you can’t change the windows. Sometimes, you can’t paint the door.
Get clued up on what’s allowed before you fall in love with it.
9. Local property values
You don’t want to spend £100k on renovations only to find that the house is now worth £90k.
Before buying a house to renovate, check sold prices in the area. Ask local agents what buyers are looking for.
If your plans take the property way above the ceiling price for the street, walk away.
10. Your time and stress levels
This isn’t just about bricks and money.
Renovating takes time, patience and a good amount of headspace. If you’ve got a full-time job, young kids and a short fuse – think twice.
Living in chaos isn’t fun. And watching your savings drain out while waiting on the plumber isn’t much better.
Don’t Rush In
Buying a house to renovate can make you a lot of money. But, it can also drain your wallet, your patience and your sanity.
So don’t rush it. Don’t get swept up by a “bargain.”
And don’t go in blind.
Do your checks. Speak to the right people.
And if it all stacks up – then go ahead and turn that old house into something fabulous.