Jess and Rick Sowerby's Fixer Upper Dream Home Became a Reality After Months of Hard Work
When Jess and Rick Sowerby started searching for their first home in 2018, they had initially considered buying a "turnkey" property - one that is finished and ready to move into. However, after 30 viewings without finding their dream home, they decided to take a different approach.
"We were getting disheartened – I thought we'd never find anything," says Jess, 33. The couple eventually found a 1930s semi-detached house on a cul-de-sac in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, that needed significant renovation work. They bought the property for £155,000 and spent £50,000 on renovations.
"It had been empty for six months and was cold, damp, dated and musty," Jess says, "But it felt like a home."
The Sowerbys' fixer-upper project became a labor of love as they documented their journey on Instagram. The property required a full rewire, skimming or replastering all the walls, replacing carpets, painting and decorating, and installing new windows.
Their biggest cost was an extension, which added £35,000 to the bill, including three large skylights and bifold doors. However, the Sowerbys also saved around £15,000 by doing some of the work themselves.
After 15 months of hard graft, the couple finally moved into their home in May 2020. Their property has since been valued at £350,000.
"It's good to know our hard work was worth it," says Jess. "But we're not planning to move. If you've put your heart and soul into something, why would you sell it? I'm too sentimental."
Jess and Rick's experience highlights the benefits of buying a fixer-upper, which can be significantly cheaper than buying a turnkey property. The average first-time buyer home cost £229,094 in August this year, according to Hamptons.
Fixer-uppers are available in various regions across the UK, with Wales, south-east England, and Yorkshire and the Humber being the most common areas for such properties. Two- and three-bedroom houses are often the most sought-after renovation projects on property websites like Zoopla.
The Sowerbys' experience also emphasizes the importance of research and planning before embarking on a renovation project. They recommend checking local amenities, transport links, crime rates, schools, and previous transaction prices for similar properties nearby.
Additionally, the couple advises potential homebuyers to consider factors such as structural integrity, load-bearing walls, and asbestos presence when viewing potential properties. They also stress the importance of having a contingency plan in place to cover unexpected costs.
Overall, Jess and Rick's story serves as an inspiration to others considering buying a fixer-upper. With hard work, determination, and the right guidance, it is possible to turn a neglected property into a dream home that reflects one's personal style and vision.
When Jess and Rick Sowerby started searching for their first home in 2018, they had initially considered buying a "turnkey" property - one that is finished and ready to move into. However, after 30 viewings without finding their dream home, they decided to take a different approach.
"We were getting disheartened – I thought we'd never find anything," says Jess, 33. The couple eventually found a 1930s semi-detached house on a cul-de-sac in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, that needed significant renovation work. They bought the property for £155,000 and spent £50,000 on renovations.
"It had been empty for six months and was cold, damp, dated and musty," Jess says, "But it felt like a home."
The Sowerbys' fixer-upper project became a labor of love as they documented their journey on Instagram. The property required a full rewire, skimming or replastering all the walls, replacing carpets, painting and decorating, and installing new windows.
Their biggest cost was an extension, which added £35,000 to the bill, including three large skylights and bifold doors. However, the Sowerbys also saved around £15,000 by doing some of the work themselves.
After 15 months of hard graft, the couple finally moved into their home in May 2020. Their property has since been valued at £350,000.
"It's good to know our hard work was worth it," says Jess. "But we're not planning to move. If you've put your heart and soul into something, why would you sell it? I'm too sentimental."
Jess and Rick's experience highlights the benefits of buying a fixer-upper, which can be significantly cheaper than buying a turnkey property. The average first-time buyer home cost £229,094 in August this year, according to Hamptons.
Fixer-uppers are available in various regions across the UK, with Wales, south-east England, and Yorkshire and the Humber being the most common areas for such properties. Two- and three-bedroom houses are often the most sought-after renovation projects on property websites like Zoopla.
The Sowerbys' experience also emphasizes the importance of research and planning before embarking on a renovation project. They recommend checking local amenities, transport links, crime rates, schools, and previous transaction prices for similar properties nearby.
Additionally, the couple advises potential homebuyers to consider factors such as structural integrity, load-bearing walls, and asbestos presence when viewing potential properties. They also stress the importance of having a contingency plan in place to cover unexpected costs.
Overall, Jess and Rick's story serves as an inspiration to others considering buying a fixer-upper. With hard work, determination, and the right guidance, it is possible to turn a neglected property into a dream home that reflects one's personal style and vision.
On one hand, I love how Jess and Rick took on the renovation project and made their fixer-upper home truly special - it's amazing how much they were able to save by doing some of the work themselves! 
They're total DIY rockstars. But on the other hand, £350k is still a bit steep for me... like, I get that it's an investment, but can't we just chill a bit? 
And what about all the stress and hard graft they put in - was it really worth it? 
15 months of sweat equity paid off for Jess & Rick! 
Their £155k fixer-upper project increased in value to £350k 
. That's an average return of 225% 
The UK average first-time buyer home cost £229,094 this August 
. Not bad for a 15-month DIY adventure 
. Research is key, guys! 
Check local amenities, transport links & crime rates before buying 
.
I mean, can you even imagine having to view 30 houses before finding "the one"? 
That Jess and Rick Sowerby are so passionate about their fixer-upper dream home is infectious! Their journey on Instagram was literally the most inspiring thing I've seen in ages... they're like the ultimate renovators 
. The fact that they saved £15k by doing some of the work themselves? Genius! 
And £350k valuation after 15 months of hard graft? Mind. Blown. 
It just goes to show that with dedication and a willingness to put in the effort, you can turn any old house into a stunning home that truly reflects your personality 
.
I mean, I've seen some of those homes on Instagram and they're all like "vintage charm" but to me it's just like "old and creaky" 
like Jess and Rick did with their 1930s semi-detached house they bought for £155,000 and spent £50,000 on renovations 
like if you've put your heart and soul into something you shouldn't be forced to sell it just because someone else thinks it's not good enough 
and can we talk about how annoying it is when you see those houses that have been renovated to perfection on Instagram but the reality is probably a whole lot more work than people think 
They're like total rockstars for taking on that renovation project 
. And you know what? It's all the more special because it's not some turnkey property, it's a fixer-upper with a heart 
.
. I think a "turnkey" property would've been a nice change of pace for them... just sayin' 
Fixers need patience & love 
.