🏡 Turnkey vs. Fixer-Upper: What’s the Smarter Move in Today’s Market?

When it comes to buying a new home, one question always comes up — do you go for a turnkey property that’s ready to move straight into, or take on a fixer-upper that needs a bit of love?

Both options have their own charm, but across places like Brighton & Hove, Worthing, Eastbourne, and the wider Sussex area, the choice really depends on your lifestyle, finances, and how much work you’re prepared to take on.

Let’s unpack both sides — and see how each affects not just your wallet, but your move too.

🔑 The Case for a Turnkey Property

A turnkey home is move-in ready — modern kitchen, fresh paint, working heating, and no renovations needed. You can collect the keys and start unpacking your boxes that very day.

The perks:

• Instant comfort: No builders, no delays — you can move in and get settled right away.

• Budget certainty: You know what you’re spending upfront, and you avoid surprise costs.

• Perfect for busy lives: Ideal for families, professionals, or business owners who don’t have time for a full renovation project.

The trade-offs:

• Higher price tag: In Brighton & Hove’s competitive housing market, turnkey homes can carry a 10–20% premium.

• Stamp Duty costs: A £500,000 home means about £12,500 in Stamp Duty, which adds to your upfront spend.

• Someone else’s style: You may need to compromise on décor or design choices.

🧱 The Case for a Fixer-Upper

Then there’s the opposite route — the fixer-upper, a blank canvas with potential to truly make your own.

The perks:

• Lower entry price: Properties needing work can be 10–25% cheaper than ready-to-go homes.

• Room for profit: A well-done renovation could add 20–30% to your home’s value, especially in desirable South Coast areas.

• Lower Stamp Duty: Since the purchase price is smaller, your tax bill starts lower too.

The challenges:

• Rising renovation costs:

  • New kitchen: £8,000–£15,000

  • Bathroom refit: £4,000–£7,000

  • Full rewire: £4,000–£6,000

  • Roof repairs: £3,000–£10,000

  • Full house plastering: £5,000–£9,000It adds up quickly, and suddenly your "bargain" looks less of a steal.

• Hidden surprises: Older homes around Brighton, Worthing, and Dorking often come with issues like damp or dated wiring that aren’t spotted until you’ve moved in.

• Time and patience: Managing tradespeople, budgets, and timelines can take months.

💷 Comparing the Real Costs

Imagine you’re choosing between:

• A turnkey home in Brighton listed for £475,000, and

• A fixer-upper nearby for £400,000, needing £60,000 of work.

On paper, the fixer-upper looks cheaper — but once renovations, temporary accommodation, and building stress are factored in, the savings might disappear. That said, with smart upgrades, the finished property could be worth £500,000+, giving you a tidy bit of equity.

🌊 What’s Happening on the South Coast

Across Sussex, buyers are pretty split. In 2024, Rightmove data showed that renovated homes in Brighton & Hove sold around 12% faster than those needing work — but the “project homes” saw the biggest value growth over the year, thanks to demand from first-time buyers and investors looking to add value.

The takeaway? It depends on your goals. If you want a stress-free move and predictable costs, a turnkey home is the way forward. But if you enjoy getting hands-on and seeing potential, a renovation project could be incredibly rewarding.

🚛 A Smooth Move, Whatever You Choose

Whether you’re unpacking boxes in a sleek new flat in Hove or restoring a Victorian terrace in Worthing, one thing’s for sure — moving day shouldn’t be stressful.

That’s where a trusted Brighton removals company (like us 😉) makes all the difference. From careful packing to secure transport and even storage, we handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on turning your new house into a home.

If you’re planning a move in Brighton, Hove, Worthing, Eastbourne, or across the South Coast, get in touch for a free, no-obligation removals quote.

Your new chapter deserves a stress-free start.