Where Best To Find A Fixer Upper...and How To Add Value Quickly

Sunderland is the best place to buy a "fixer-upper" home, according to a new study by home experts from National Insulation Supplies.

Using a range of government data sources, the NIS experts used six categories to calculate the perfect place to purchase a project house.

• Percentage of EPC Ratings Below E 

Average House Price

NIS found these top five places:

Sunderland: Index score: 447.34, Average house price: £138,704, percentage of dwellings built before 1940: 34%

Knowsley: Index score: 443, Average house price: £172,163, percentage of dwellings built before 1940: 24%

Gateshead: Index score: 433, Average house price: £149,243, percentage of dwellings built before 1940: 39%

Stockton-on-Tees: Index score: 424, Average house price: £159,312, percentage of dwellings built before 1940: 23%

Wakefield: Index score: 417, Average house price: £192,007, percentage of dwellings built before 1940: 34%

NIS also found the five worst places for a fixer-upper:

Cotswold: Index score: 38, Average house price: £489,176, percentage of dwellings built before 1940: 35%

Mole Valley: Index score: 40, Average house price: £562,102, percentage of dwellings built before 1940: 39%

Sevenoaks: Index score: 56, Average house price: £513,466, percentage of dwellings built before 1940: 33%

Waverley: Index score: 71, Average house price: £549,449, percentage of dwellings built before 1940: 39%

Chichester: Index score: 72, Average house price: £466,577, percentage of dwellings built before 1940: 32%

The study was further informed by an industry poll that revealed house prices across the UK are expected to return to growth within the next 12 months after an increase in new property listings and buyer interest.

The latest monthly snapshot from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors also shows property prices stabilised in March after months of decline amid the impact of higher interest rates and the cost of living crisis.

NIS owner Michael Wray, has also outlined four ways people can add value to their properties without having to spend much money. 

1 Declutter and Deep Clean - Unsurprisingly, a messy, dirty, and cluttered home is going to be an instant turn-off to any estate agent or potential buyer coming to view your property. Therefore, it’s definitely advisable to dedicate a weekend to decluttering your entire property on a semi-regular basis. By offloading unwanted items to charity shops and staying on top of the cleaning, your home will have a much more expensive aesthetic.

Cost: Around £50 – You just the necessary cleaning products, and you may already have some of them.

Potential added value: Up to £4,000. It seems like a steep figure, but a clean and tidy home creates a positive first impression, and buyers are willing to pay more for a property that feels move-in ready.

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2 A New Paint Job - People often say you eat with your eyes when it comes to food, and it is a similar story when it comes to property. Even if a building’s infrastructure, design, and location are high-end, if the decor is cheap and unappealing, it will reduce its value quite significantly.

A new coat of paint is one of the most budget-friendly ways to completely transform a room, and it’s best to stick to neutral colours, such as white, cream, or light grey to create a sense of space and allow potential buyers to imagine their own décor. Opt for durable emulsion paint, as it'll last longer and look better.

Cost: Around £20-£30 per litre of good quality paint.

Potential added value: Up to £1,000.
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3 New Curtains and Blinds - Curtains and blinds may not be the main features of any room, but they are key finishing touches that can make all the difference. It’s best to replace tired old curtains or blinds with something modern and stylish if you want to maximise the value of your property.

Select light, airy fabrics in neutral tones to maximise natural light, and for a touch of luxury, consider plantation shutters, especially in kitchens or bathrooms.

Cost: £20-£50 for basic blinds or curtains, up to £200 for plantation shutters per window.

Potential added value: Up to £500. Well-chosen window coverings add a touch of class and complete the look of a room.
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4 Kerb Appeal - First impressions count with everything, and your garden is the first glimpse anyone gets of your property. As a result, you should tidy up flower beds, mow the lawn, and sweep away any leaves or debris on a regular basis. It can also prove to be extremely beneficial to plant some colourful flowers in pots or hanging baskets to give off a vibrant aesthetic. And if you have a patio, give it a good clean and add some comfy seating.

Cost: Around £20 – A bag of compost and some seeds.

Potential added value: Up to £2,000. A well-maintained garden creates a positive first impression and adds valuable outdoor space, especially in urban areas.