In 2026, a fixer-upper sometimes turns out more expensive than a move-in ready home

21 July 2026 · 8 min read

In 2026, a fixer-upper can sometimes turn out more expensive than a move-in ready home. That may sound strange. After all, a home with overdue maintenance often has a lower asking price and therefore looks like an interesting opportunity at first glance. Especially for buyers who are handy, like to renovate themselves or hope to build up home equity quickly.

Yet at Makelaarshuis Helmond we increasingly see that it is precisely these homes that end up costing more than buyers had expected. And we are not only talking about money. Time, stress, uncertainty, hidden defects and unexpected choices also play a much bigger role nowadays than many buyers anticipate. Whereas a renovation project used to be seen as the affordable way onto the ladder, the 2026 housing market calls for a far more realistic approach.

Why a low purchase price is not always a bargain

During viewings we regularly hear remarks such as: we'll replace that kitchen later, we'll do the bathroom next year, insulation can wait, we'll look into solar panels straight away, the roof seems fine for a while yet. In itself that sounds logical. Many buyers do not want to do everything at once. But in practice, renovation costs often rise faster than expected.

Materials, labour, installations, insulation, electrics, plumbing, plastering and finishing together often add up to a much larger sum than buyers budget for in advance. On top of that, good tradespeople are not always available right away. As a result, a renovation can take longer, cost more and bring more uncertainty.

And then there are the hidden defects. What seems reasonable during a viewing can suddenly turn out differently after the handover. Think of damp problems, old pipes, poor electrics, roof problems, bad insulation, wood rot or foundation problems. As a result, a home with an attractive asking price sometimes turns out not to be such a bargain after all.

The real costs often only start after you get the keys

Many buyers focus mainly on the purchase price. That is understandable, as it is the figure displayed prominently in the listing. But the actual costs of a home often only start after that. Think of:

• replacing the kitchen;
• renewing the bathroom;
• renovating the toilet;
• repairing the roof;
• replacing window frames;
• insulation;
• painting;
• rewiring the electrics;
• upgrading the fuse box;
• central heating boiler or heat pump;
• flooring;
• plastering;
• sustainability upgrades;
• garden or outdoor space;
• unexpected additional work.

So with a renovation project, you should not just ask yourself: can I buy this home? The better question is: can I buy this home and then make it properly, safely and comfortably liveable? That is a very different calculation.

Why move-in ready homes remain so popular

Many buyers think that with a move-in ready home they are mainly paying for a nice finish. A neat kitchen, a modern bathroom, crisp paintwork and a well-kept floor. But we see it differently. What buyers of a move-in ready home are mainly buying these days is peace of mind and certainty.

No months of renovation. No unexpected bills. No stress about contractors. No uncertainty about what is hidden behind walls, floors or ceilings. No large immediate investments after purchase. That is exactly why move-in ready homes remain popular in the current market too. Especially when they are well maintained, have a favourable energy label and are ready to live in straight away. A move-in ready home sometimes looks more expensive up front, but can actually be the wiser choice when all is said and done.

A fixer-upper can still be an opportunity

That does not mean a fixer-upper or renovation project is always the wrong choice. Quite the opposite. For handy buyers, investors, people with enough financial room or buyers with good building knowledge, a home with potential can be a great opportunity. But success starts with realistic calculations. Not just looking at the purchase price, but also at:

• the investment required;
• the order in which work is done;
• the cost of tradespeople;
• the time needed;
• the risks;
• temporary housing costs;
• whether it can be financed;
• the future value after renovation.

A fixer-upper can be interesting, but only if you know in advance what you are getting into.

The happy medium is becoming increasingly popular

What we currently see a lot is successful buyers opting for the happy medium. Not fully move-in ready, but not a home that needs to be stripped back completely either. We see the most interest in homes where the basics are sound. Think of a solid roof, a sound structure, good installations, reasonable insulation, a decent energy label, limited overdue maintenance, a layout that works and no major hidden risks.

For many buyers, a dated kitchen is less of a worry than a bad roof, old electrics or damp problems. A kitchen can often be replaced later. A bad roof or poor structure can have major consequences straight away.

Building survey: not an unnecessary luxury

For a home with overdue maintenance, a building survey (bouwkundige keuring) is almost always wise. A building survey does not guarantee that everything will be found, but it does help to give a clearer picture of the risks. Especially for older homes, renovation projects or homes that have seen little maintenance for a long time.

A good purchase decision is not just about gut feeling. It is also about facts. What needs to be done right away? What can wait? Which costs are realistic? Where are the risks? Does this home still fit within your total budget? With a renovation project in particular, a building survey can prevent a cheap buy from turning into an expensive mistake.

Look beyond the asking price

The biggest mistake we see buyers make is basing their choice on the asking price alone. Not starting from the question: what is this home really worth? But from the thought: what is the most I can pay? That is exactly where the risk lies. Because if the entire budget goes on the purchase, there is little room left for maintenance, sustainability upgrades or unexpected costs.

So in the 2026 housing market, a cheap home is not automatically a bargain. And a move-in ready home is not automatically too expensive. It is all about the complete picture.

What does this mean for buyers in Helmond and the surrounding area?

In Helmond and the surrounding area, homes vary greatly by neighbourhood, year of construction and level of maintenance. A 1930s home in the city centre calls for a different assessment than a family home in Brandevoort, Dierdonk, Stiphout, Brouwhuis, Mierlo-Hout or Rijpelberg. That is why, in our purchase guidance, we look not only at the asking price but also at the neighbourhood and location, year of construction, state of maintenance, energy label, layout, installations, roof, façades and window frames, future saleability, comparable sold homes, realistic renovation costs and room for negotiation.

That way you get a clearer picture of what you are buying and what the home will ultimately cost you.

For sellers: do not underestimate the value of maintenance

This blog is mainly of interest to buyers, but sellers can learn a lot from it too. Do you have a home that is well maintained, energy efficient and ready to move into? Then in 2026 that is a strong selling point.

Does your home have overdue maintenance? Then it is important to deal with that honestly and strategically. Sometimes it pays to make small improvements beforehand. Sometimes it is better to be transparent and position the home well as a renovation project with potential. Here too, the right pricing strategy and presentation make the difference.

Conclusion: there is no such thing as buying cheaply without doing the sums

A fixer-upper or renovation project can still be a great opportunity. But only if you know in advance what you are doing. A low asking price is attractive, but does not tell the whole story. The real costs are often in maintenance, renovation, sustainability upgrades, time and uncertainty. A move-in ready home sometimes seems more expensive, but often offers more peace of mind, certainty and predictability.

Our conclusion is therefore simple: look beyond the asking price. Because buying well does not start with bidding fast. Buying well starts with looking carefully, calculating carefully and honest advice. With our knowledge of the regional housing market, structural points of attention and realistic valuations, we help you avoid financial surprises.