As the U.S. housing market continues to face rising home prices and mortgage rates, fixer-upper homes are becoming an increasingly popular option for prospective homebuyers looking for a way into the market at a more affordable price. Data from recent studies shows that demand for these homes is growing rapidly, as more buyers recognize the potential for savings and customization that fixer-uppers offer.
The Appeal of Fixer-Uppers
Fixer-uppers, by definition, are homes that require significant repairs or renovations. While these homes are often smaller and older, they offer a much more cost-effective way to enter the housing market, especially in an environment where prices are continually climbing. As of July 2025, the median listing price for all single-family homes across the country stands at $436,250. In contrast, the typical listing price for homes marketed as fixer-uppers is just $200,000, offering buyers a 54.2% discount.
Despite being smaller usually around 1,628 square feet compared to the 2,000 square feet of the average home fixer-uppers provide a valuable opportunity for buyers willing to invest time and energy into renovations. These homes, often built in the mid-20th century (with the average being 1958), typically have three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Rising Demand for Fixer-Uppers
According to a recent Realtor.com analysis, fixer-upper homes are receiving 52% more page views than comparable homes in need of repairs. The growing interest is clear, as searches for the term “fixer-upper” on Realtor.com have tripled in the last four years. This surge reflects a shift in buyer behavior as rising property prices and mortgage rates make move-in-ready homes increasingly out of reach for many.
Sellers, aware of this demand, are also capitalizing on the trend. By listing their properties as fixer-uppers, sellers may attract more interest from budget-conscious buyers who are prepared to tackle renovation projects. This can sometimes be more appealing than spending extra money on upgrades to make the property move-in ready.
Top Fixer-Upper Markets for Value & Inventory
For those interested in securing a fixer-upper, certain metro areas stand out as the best options due to their combination of high availability and significant cost savings:
- St. Louis, MO
- Detroit, MI
- Jackson, MS
- Toledo, OH
- Dayton, OH
In these cities, fixer-upper homes are often priced at less than half the cost of comparable move-in-ready properties. These markets provide an excellent opportunity for both first-time buyers and investors looking for affordable homes with significant potential for value enhancement through renovations.
Waco, Texas, which became famous for its association with the HGTV show Fixer Upper, also boasts a 53.4% discount on fixer-upper homes, making it another hotspot for affordable properties. While Waco was not included in the top 100 metros for this analysis, its appeal for buyers looking for fixer-uppers remains strong, with such homes making up 10% of local listings.
Fixer-Uppers as a Way to Enter the Housing Market
For many buyers, especially those struggling with high housing costs, fixer-uppers offer a way to break into the housing market at a time when affordability is stretched thin. According to Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, “For those with the vision and a toolbox, fixer-uppers provide both a starting point in the market and the chance to create a home that’s truly their own.”
The Top 10 Metros with the Highest Share of Fixer-Uppers
If you’re in search of fixer-uppers, certain metro areas stand out for having the highest share of such homes in their local housing markets. These are the top 10 metro areas with the highest share of fixer-uppers in the housing market:
- Syracuse, NY — 11.5%
- Toledo, OH — 10.3%
- New Orleans-Metairie, LA — 10.2%
- Jackson, MS — 10.0%
- St. Louis, MO-IL — 9.9%
- Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY — 9.8%
- New Haven, CT — 9.6%
- Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI — 9.6%
- Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH — 9.5%
- Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY — 9.5%
These cities are leading the way in terms of the share of fixer-uppers available for sale, making them prime targets for buyers looking for renovation opportunities at a lower cost. Interestingly, the Midwest and Northeast have the highest concentrations of fixer-upper listings, with the South and West lagging behind in terms of availability.
The Largest Fixer-Upper Discounts
In addition to abundant inventory, some cities offer particularly large discounts on fixer-upper homes. Here are the top 10 metros offering the biggest discounts for fixer-uppers:
- Jackson, MS – 77.7% off the median price of single-family homes
- St. Louis, MO-IL – 68.3% discount
- Birmingham, AL – 67.7% discount
- Pittsburgh, PA – 67.5% discount
- Toledo, OH – 65.9% discount
- Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI – 64.9% discount
- Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH – 62.5% discount
- Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR – 59.7% discount
- Wichita, KS – 57.9% discount
- Kansas City, MO-KS – 56.4% discount
These cities are offering substantial savings compared to typical home prices, making them ideal for those willing to invest in renovations. Jackson, MS, in particular, stands out for offering nearly 78% off the price of median homes, which can be an attractive deal for homebuyers and investors alike.
The Trend Toward Fixer-Uppers in the Market
While the share of fixer-uppers in the market has declined slightly from 6.1% in July 2021 to 5.2% in July 2025 the overall number of fixer-upper listings has increased by 18.8% since July 2021. This suggests that while these homes are becoming somewhat less common, the demand for affordable properties is still very much alive.
The rise in demand for fixer-uppers is also reflected in the faster pace at which these homes are selling. The time it takes for fixer-upper homes to sell has decreased significantly since 2021, thanks in part to rising mortgage rates and home prices. While these homes still take slightly longer to sell compared to move-in-ready homes (53 days vs. 50.5 days), the difference is narrowing.
Conclusion
In today’s challenging housing market, fixer-upper homes offer an increasingly attractive path to homeownership. With rising mortgage rates and home prices continuing to squeeze many potential buyers, homes that need a little love and care are becoming an accessible option for those willing to invest the time and effort into renovations. The Midwest, Northeast, and certain Southern metros offer some of the best opportunities, with significant discounts and a high number of available properties.
As Danielle Hale from Realtor.com notes, “Fixer-uppers give buyers a way to break into the housing market at a time when affordability is still stretched thin.” For those who are up for the challenge, a fixer-upper could be the perfect opportunity to create a personalized home at a much lower price. For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.
