For years, many first-time buyers saw fixer-uppers as one of the few affordable ways into homeownership: buy a cheaper house, renovate it over time, and build equity along the way. However, with renovation costs climbing due to inflation, tariffs, and construction labor shortages, this calculation has become more complicated.

The New Reality of Fixer-Upper Homes

Homes that need significant work are selling at some of the steepest discounts in years, and many buyers are rethinking whether a fixer-upper is worth the investment. As the cost of materials and labor continues to rise, the traditional fixer-upper model may no longer be the most cost-effective option for first-time homebuyers.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.