Whilst Manchester, Stockport and surrounding areas have some of the best housing throughout the UK, many defunct and derelict buildings have seen better days. In the cases of buildings needing major renovation work, or older industrial complexes that have since closed their doors many years prior.
The Drive to Rebuild
Whilst some people see this as unappealing, others see this as potential – especially in an age where supply is seriously outnumbered by demand. With more and more buyers struggling to find what they want, interest in buildings and older houses that are seeking major refurbishment – including knock-down and rebuild – are sparking a surge in interest.
This could also be due to the property price increase for existing properties on the market, rising significantly since the pandemic in some areas by as much as 30%. Some buyers find what they want but end up shocked and put off by the huge price tag associated with it.
Today, people are becoming more reluctant to spend larger figures on a ready to move into a property that would have cost under a lot less two years back. Now those people have shifted their focus towards something cheaper that needs substantial work doing to it.
Thinking on Costs
As appealing as the lower price tag on a broken-down house or building, factoring in the cost of builders and the currently limited or expensive building supplies that would be required can make this reality seem much harsher and uncertain.
Quotes for builders and supplies are at their highest levels in decades, and the price is not a guaranteed fixed rate throughout the project due to uncertainty over the effects of Brexit, the pandemic and rising electricity prices among others. With builders’ lead times double what they were 3 years ago, the best builders tend to be booked out for months to years at a time also.
Buyers will always hunt for higher quality, and some will feel that they can achieve it themselves by future-proofing from an eco point of view and being aware of running costs. This makes taking on a project good for the long-term, but if you are looking for a home in the short term, retrofitting an old property makes little sense.
Safest Bet
The costs can also raise well past the expected mark when considering the major factors of fixing up an older building, such as work around asbestos management and removal, electrical installations, heating and plumbing and replacing wood within the property which is currently a high priced item with most joinery firms.
If looking to buy property in Stockport, working with independent estate agents Stockport is still the most reliable avenue towards securing a home of your own. Contact the team at Joules today.
