A property advertising company in Oldham has revealed the benefits of buying a "doer-upper" home in the borough and what is currently up for grabs.
Tony Boardman, manager of Ryder & Dutton's Oldham branch, has explained there are many advantages to buying a renovation project in the borough and has given some top tips for prospective buyers when it comes to buying a home that needs work.
He said buying a property that needs renovation is a "brilliant way to buy bigger and better, and make some money if you decide to sell".
Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox by signing up to The Oldham Times’ morning and evening newsletters as well as our breaking news alerts
Mr Boardman said: "Renovation projects that come on the market in Oldham often attract a lot of interest and there are several reasons why.
"Firstly, doer uppers in Oldham are often around 20 per cent to 30 per cent cheaper than their ready-to-move into counterparts, so you can often get a real bargain, enabling you to buy a large house in a great area.
"This makes buying one a brilliant option for first-time buyers, people who want to live in an area where homes are usually out of their budget, investors and those looking for a home they can really put their own stamp on.
"And that’s another great reason to go for a doer-upper, the ability to put your own stamp on it and transform it into a space that fits your exact needs and tastes."
One example includes this two-bedroom terraced house on Malpas Street, which is up for sale for £100,000.
The home is comprised of an entrance vestibule, lounge, kitchen and utility room, plus two bedrooms and a shower room upstairs.
It also has a private garden to the rear and sits in a "highly convenient" part of Oldham, with several amenities, facilities, shops, cafes, bars, restaurants and a cinema within walking distance.
Ryder & Dutton say homes like these present a real potential to "make money" by increasing the value of the property by renovating it well and within a sensible budget.
Take for instance this two-bedroom bungalow on Green Way in High Crompton which has been fully modernised and is available to buy from £229,950.
The listing describes the bungalow as "modern" and "stylish", making it ready to move into for a young family or anyone looking for single-level living.
The home is comprised of an entrance hall, a "stunning" open-plan lounge and kitchen/diner with bi-folding doors onto the rear garden, plus two bedrooms and a "modern" bathroom.
The garden also has a patio and lawned areas.
Mr Boardman added: "If you have the time and funds to take on a transformation project, it’s something I’d recommend, but there are a few things to consider, including the property’s cost, its condition and its location.
"Cost-wise, you need to work out how much the property costs compared to nearby homes that are ready to move into, and then work out the amount you’ll need to spend to transform it into a great space.
"Check the two figures add up to an amount that means you’d still make money if you had to sell the property the day after you’d finished the renovations.
"Think about the condition of the property too, and make sure you consider every piece of work that needs doing.
"Get a detailed survey done to check if there are any big, costly issues that might cost a lot to rectify, and work out if you can afford to cover those costs."
This three-bedroom end-of-terrace home on Swift Road, Moorside, is in need of some refurbishment and has come on the market for £135,000.
The listing describes the property as "spacious" and "full of potential" with an entrance porch, hallway, large lounge and kitchen, three bedrooms and a bathroom with a separate toilet.
It also comes with a "good sized" garden to the rear which offers "far reaching views over Shaw".
Among his other tips, Mr Boardman said those looking to buy a property like this need to take into account the time the renovation will take.
He said: "That’s something people often forget.
"Renovating a property is a big job, and you need to be sure you have the time and energy to devote to it before taking the plunge and buying a doer-upper."
Just off Huddersfield Road on Locking Gate Rise, Waterhead, is another "immaculately" renovated three-bedroom home which is for sale for £280,000.
A single-storey rear extension to the property has created an additional sitting room with patio doors opening to the rear garden.
The detached home also features an entrance hall, spacious lounge, kitchen and dining area, three bedrooms and a modern family bathroom.
The garden has artificial grass and decked and patio areas set over two levels which Ryder & Dutton say creates an "excellent space for relaxation and entertainment".
It sits in a prime location on a quiet cul-de-sac, just 10 10-minute drive away from Oldham town centre and a 10-minute walk to the picturesque Strinesdale Reservoir.
Location is another important factor to consider when buying a renovation project, Mr Boardman said.
He added: "If it’s in a sought-after area and on the market for a good price, you’ll have plenty of headroom when it comes to your renovation budget, so you’ll be able to buy in a brilliant area and create a fantastic home for less than it would cost you to buy a house that’s already been renovated.
"Being in a good location will also help you get a higher resale cost in the future.
"If you can make all these things work for you, then buy that renovation property and transform it into a home that’s perfect for you and your family."
Got a story? Email me Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here