Fixer-Uppers Are for People with Time, Trades, or Trust Funds (i.e. Not You)
Liv Jacobson is Jitty's resident real estate expert. She was formerly the Head of Sales at The Modern House, one of the UK’s most respected estate agencies, and has a deep understanding of the property market from every angle. Having personally handled the sale of hundreds of homes across London - from first-time buyer flats to complex, architectural one-offs -Liv knows what really happens behind the scenes, how agents think and what buyers often get wrong (or right).
For decades, the advice was simple: buy the worst house on the best street to add value. But for most first-time buyers juggling full-time jobs and rising costs, that strategy is broken. We’ve noticed that many buyers in today’s market are avoiding properties with renovation potential. And that's not because they're lazy - it makes less sense than ever before.
Here are the realities of taking on a major renovation in 2025.
The Bandwidth Problem: Yay, a Second Full-Time Job
The era of one partner staying home to manage a project is largely over. Today, with most couples juggling two full-time jobs, buyers are choosing homes they can live in, not construction sites. A full-scale renovation means becoming a project manager - finding and scheduling a sequence of plumbers, electricians, and plasterers and then dealing with the inevitable delays.
Between demanding careers and that logistical stress, most people simply don’t have the bandwidth. Do not underestimate how much time and effort a significant renovation will take.
The Financial Black Hole: The Infinite Money Pit
At the same time, costs have exploded. A perfect storm of post-Covid supply chain chaos, inflation, and a shortage of skilled tradespeople has sent the price of materials and labour soaring.
On top of that, building regulations are stricter than ever. A renovation today means bringing an old property up to modern standards for electrics and insulation, which is a far more complex and expensive task than it was for previous generations. More paperwork, more money, more headache.
The Market Risk: "Adding Value," Minus the Actual Value
In a flat or uncertain property market, you can't be sure that a £40,000 renovation will automatically add £70,000 to your home's value. When prices are stagnant, you may not see a real return on your investment for years. The days of making a quick profit by simply doing up a kitchen are largely gone.
The Real Shift: It's a Home, Not Just a Flip
This doesn’t mean buyers want everything done for them. Cosmetic updates like fresh paint or new tiles are still appealing. But knocking down walls or redoing the plumbing are now becoming dealbreakers, rather than a fun challenge. This shift is more than convenience; it’s a change in what a first home means. It’s not just a foot on the ladder. It’s a place to feel safe, get settled and finally breathe.
If a renovation genuinely excites you and you have the budget, go in with your eyes open. Otherwise, you might be better off skipping the fantasy of “sweat equity.” There’s no shame in buying a home that’s move-in ready. In this market, it might be the smartest move you make.
Questions You Might Have
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