Buyers are wild about fixer-uppers. The appeal of these affordable, older homes that need a little TLC has reportedly grown, according to a new Realtor.com analysis.

Searches for “fixer-upper” on Realtor.com in July 2025 have more than tripled in volume compared to four years ago. Plus, fixer-upper homes received 52% more page views per property than comparable older, affordable homes.

“Fixer-uppers give buyers a way to break into the housing market at a time when affordability is still stretched thin,” said Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com. “For those with the vision and a toolbox, fixer-uppers provide both a starting point in the market and the chance to create a home that’s truly their own. For sellers, listing their home as a fixer-upper at a lower price may generate more interest online than if they spend extra money on upgrades to make it move-in-ready.”

For this study, Realtor.com analyzed searches relating to properties that were at least 20 years old and priced below the median price per square foot in their respective zip codes.

To ensure the homes qualified as fixer-uppers, researchers also filtered listings by key terms indicating that the homes were not move-in-ready. The typical fixer-upper identified by the study had three bedrooms, two bathrooms and was built in 1958.

Homes marketed as fixer-uppers fetch a median of $200,000. Considering the $436,250 median price tag for all single-family homes, it’s not surprising many buyers opt for the 54% discount.

The number of fixer-uppers for sale hit 79,175 in July, marking an 18.8% increase from four years ago. However, fixer-upper opportunities may be becoming rarer. The share of fixer-uppers on the market is 0.9% smaller than it was in 2021.

Realtor.com found five hot spot metros for fixer-uppers potential: St. Louis; Detroit; Jackson, Mississippi; Toledo, Ohio; and Dayton, Ohio. These cities offer plentiful fixer-upper listings at the best price savings for buyers.

“Compared to four years ago, when rates were lower and homes were slightly more affordable, buyers today are showing more interest in fixer-uppers,” said Realtor.com® Senior Economist Joel Berner. “For those willing to roll up their sleeves, sweat equity can be just as valuable as cash in hand.”