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Shift in Housing Trends: Fixer-Uppers Losing Appeal Among Buyers

KVIA•Friday, July 17, 2026 at 9:00 AM•CNN Newsource

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The trend of purchasing fixer-upper homes is declining sharply, with these properties now selling at a 14% discount compared to move-in-ready homes, the highest recorded by Zillow in years. Rising costs due to tariffs, inflation, and a shortage of construction workers have made renovations increasingly expensive and time-consuming. Many first-time buyers are finding their budgets stretched thin by high home prices and mortgage rates, leaving little for necessary repairs. A new bipartisan housing affordability law aims to assist homeowners with repair costs through grants and forgivable loans, but many are still grappling with the reality of aging homes and costly renovations.

Key Details: • Fixer-upper homes are selling at a 14% discount compared to move-in-ready homes. • Rising costs for renovations are due to tariffs and inflation, affecting many first-time buyers. • A bipartisan housing affordability law introduced grants and loans for home repairs. • The average age of homes in the U.S. is now 42 years, increasing repair needs.

housing affordability real-estate home-improvement renovation

People & Organizations

National Association of HomebuildersZillowAssociated General Contractors of AmericaHarvard Joint Center for Housing Studies

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