Fixer-Upper or Move-In Ready: What are Buyers Choosing?

Sixty-two percent of homeowners bought a move-in-ready home, while only 28% bought fixer-uppers, according to a survey of over 2,000 homeowners conducted late last year by Hippo Home Insurance. 

Fixer-uppers appeal to some homebuyers, especially with a median listing price up to 54% lower than the median for all homes. However, they are becoming slightly harder to sell. 

Hippo reports that as of mid-2025, fixer-upper homes spent a median of 53 days on the market, compared to a median of 50.5 days for similarly priced move-in ready homes.  

The slightly longer market time may be due to buyers’ hesitation to invest in a fixer-upper. Of all fixer-upper homeowners surveyed, 62% said they spend more than $6,000 on renovations annually, and 15% spend $16,000 or more every year. These repairs include: 

1. Flooring, walls and ceilings (61% for fixer-upper, 34% for move-in ready) 
2. Appliances (60% for fixer-upper, 51% for move-in ready) 
3. Plumbing (57% for fixer-upper, 44% for move-in ready) 
4. Windows or doors (55% for fixer-upper, 34% for move-in ready) 
5. Electrical system (47% for fixer-upper, 23% for move-in ready) 

In addition to making more repairs, homeowners of fixer-uppers spend more on average, with the most expensive ones being: 

1. Foundation (average: $5,100) 
2. Electrical ($1,675) 
3. Drywall ($1,225) 
4. Ceilings ($815) 
5. Windows ($392) 

In comparison, the costliest move-in ready repair on average is landscaping ($1,775).  

For owners of fixer-uppers, 88% said they’d do things differently if given a do-over, and more than 1 in 5 said they’d skip a fixer-upper altogether due to the financial strain.  

So, who’s choosing which homes? 

Across all generations, buyers prefer move-in ready homes, which is nothing new. Notably, younger generations are slightly more likely to choose a fixer-upper. 

• Gen Z: 34% fixer-upper, 55% move-in ready 
• Millennials: 34% fixer-upper, 59% move-in ready 
• Gen X: 25% fixer-upper, 63% move-in ready 
• Baby boomers: 20% fixer-upper, 68% move-in ready