According to new research, there are approximately 601,525 homes currently listed for sale nationwide. Of these, around 223,280 have been marked as Sold Subject to Contract (SSTC), indicating an overall buyer demand rate of 37.1%. Regionally, the North West leads with demand reaching 41.7% with Yorkshire and the Humber at 41.3%.
Yet analysis from a leading property portal app suggests that homes requiring substantial refurbishment are attracting even greater interest. Listings flagged as needing major work are seeing disproportionately high levels of buyer engagement—highlighting a strong appetite for renovation projects among investors and ambitious homeowners alike.
Renovation-ready homes are attracting intense buyer interest across England, with demand for fixer-uppers now outpacing the broader market. Of the estimated 40,919 such properties currently listed, 20,522 are already marked as Sold Subject to Contract—putting demand at 50.2%.
Regional figures show even stronger appetite in some areas. The North West leads with a demand rate of 52.9%, followed by the South East (52%), West Midlands (51.8%), East of England (51.3%), and Yorkshire & Humber (51.1%).
Despite this surge in interest, renovators remain a niche segment of the market. They account for just 5.4% of all listings across England, making them a relatively scarce option for buyers seeking renovation opportunities. The highest concentrations are found in Yorkshire & Humber (6.8%), the South West (6.7%), and the North East (6%).
Buyers on the hunt for renovation-ready homes may find the South East offers the richest pickings, with over 4,000 fixer-upper properties—accounting for nearly one in five listings nationwide (19.8%). London comes next with 15.8% of the total, closely trailed by the South West at 15.4%, and the East of England with 11.3%.
A spokesperson for the company, says: “Fixer-uppers are becoming an increasingly attractive route onto the ladder, especially for first-time buyers looking for a more affordable entry point in today’s market. With inflation remaining stubbornly above the Bank of England’s target, the drop in mortgage rates that many had hoped for simply hasn’t materialised. As a result, monthly repayments remain a key concern, and buyers are increasingly turning to lower-priced project properties as a way to reduce upfront costs and future-proof their investment.
“Fixer-uppers offer the potential to buy below market value and add equity over time, whether through DIY updates or more substantial renovation work. It’s a chance not only to save at the point of purchase but to build long-term value.
“But what’s particularly interesting is that many buyers don’t start their search looking for a fixer-upper, they often stumble upon one by accident. It’s usually the unexpected listings that spark the most interest, where buyers recognise the potential and are inspired by the idea of transforming a space into something uniquely theirs.”