Buying a fixer-upper in Delaware County, PA can be one of the smartest ways to build equity and create a home that perfectly fits your lifestyle. With many communities full of historic homes, stone colonials, and mid-century properties ready for updates, Delaware County offers countless renovation opportunities for buyers who are willing to put in the work.

The region’s strong housing demand, proximity to Philadelphia, and vibrant suburban lifestyle continue to attract buyers looking for value. In fact, the median home price in Delaware County has climbed to around $350,000, reflecting steady growth in the market.

For homeowners who see the potential in older homes, partnering with a skilled remodeling contractor like Cumming Construction in Havertown can help transform a dated property into a stunning modern living space.

Below, we’ll explore some of the best neighborhoods to buy a fixer-upper in Delaware County PA, along with the renovation opportunities they offer.

Key Takeaways

Delaware County offers a mix of historic homes, stone colonials, and older properties ideal for renovation.
Many homes in the area are priced lower because they need updates, giving buyers a chance to build equity.
Neighborhoods like Havertown, Media, Drexel Hill, Lansdowne, and Swarthmore offer strong potential for fixer-upper investments.
Renovating kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and open floor plans can dramatically increase home value.
Cumming Construction in Havertown, PA helps homeowners renovate older homes with services like kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling, basement finishing, and structural renovations.

Why Delaware County Is Ideal for Fixer-Uppers

Delaware County sits just outside Philadelphia and offers the perfect blend of suburban living and city convenience. The area is known for tree-lined neighborhoods, strong communities, and a wide variety of housing styles, from historic Victorians to mid-century homes.

Many homes were built decades ago and are structurally solid but need updates such as:

Modern kitchens
Updated bathrooms
Finished basements
Open floor plans
New flooring and windows

That’s why fixer-uppers are common in Delaware County. Buyers often purchase homes that need renovation at a lower price and then invest in improvements that significantly increase the property’s value.

With dozens of fixer-upper properties typically available across the county, the opportunity to renovate and build equity is very real.

1. Havertown

Havertown is one of the most desirable places in Delaware County to buy and renovate a home. Located just minutes from Philadelphia, it’s popular among families, young professionals, and commuters.

Many homes in Havertown were built between the 1930s and 1960s, meaning they often need modern upgrades but offer excellent structural quality.

Why Havertown is great for fixer-uppers:

Strong resale demand
Classic brick and stone homes
Large residential neighborhoods
Excellent location near the Main Line

Buyers often purchase homes here and invest in:

Kitchen remodeling
Bathroom renovations
Basement finishing
Open-concept living spaces

Cumming Construction, based in Havertown, regularly helps homeowners update these homes with full-service remodeling solutions.

2. Media

Often called “Everybody’s Hometown,” Media is another excellent place to find fixer-upper properties.

Media is known for its charming downtown, vibrant restaurant scene, and historic homes. Many properties here date back to the early 1900s and offer unique architectural character.

The town features tree-lined streets and Victorian-style homes, which adds to its appeal for buyers looking for charm and walkability.

However, many of these homes require updates such as:

Modern kitchens
Updated electrical and plumbing
Renovated bathrooms
Improved layouts

A skilled remodeling contractor can preserve the character of these homes while upgrading them for modern living.

3. Drexel Hill

Drexel Hill is one of the best neighborhoods for buyers looking to find a more affordable fixer-upper.

The area has many single-family homes and twin homes built in the mid-20th century, offering solid construction and generous layouts.

Fixer-uppers in Drexel Hill often include:

Outdated kitchens
Unfinished basements
Older bathrooms
Worn flooring

With the right renovation plan, these homes can become beautiful modern spaces.

Many buyers renovate Drexel Hill homes with upgrades like:

Kitchen remodeling
Bathroom updates
Basement living spaces
New flooring and paint

These improvements can dramatically increase both livability and resale value.

4. Lansdowne

Lansdowne is another Delaware County community full of architectural character.

The area is known for:

Historic homes
Wide front porches
Classic stone properties
Charming residential streets

Because many homes are over 100 years old, renovation projects often involve both cosmetic updates and structural improvements.

Typical fixer-upper projects in Lansdowne include:

Restoring original woodwork
Updating kitchens and bathrooms
Converting unused spaces
Adding modern layouts

These renovations allow homeowners to preserve the charm of the property while improving comfort and functionality.

5. Swarthmore

Swarthmore is one of the most desirable communities in Delaware County thanks to its walkable neighborhoods, beautiful homes, and strong community atmosphere.

While the area has higher property values than some surrounding towns, fixer-uppers still appear from time to time.

Homes here often include:

Historic stone colonials
Classic Tudor-style homes
Older single-family houses

Renovating a property in Swarthmore can lead to significant long-term value due to the area’s desirability and limited housing inventory.

Renovation Ideas That Add Value to Fixer-Uppers

When buying a fixer-upper, it’s important to focus on renovations that provide the greatest return on investment.

Some of the most impactful upgrades include:

Kitchen Remodeling

A modern kitchen is one of the most important features buyers look for.

Kitchen remodels may include:

New cabinets and countertops
Modern appliances
Improved layouts
Kitchen islands

Cumming Construction specializes in custom kitchen remodeling projects that transform outdated kitchens into beautiful functional spaces.

Bathroom Remodeling

Outdated bathrooms are common in older homes.

Bathroom renovation projects often involve:

New tile and fixtures
Walk-in showers
Updated vanities
Modern lighting

These upgrades significantly improve both comfort and resale value.

Basement Finishing

Many homes in Delaware County have unfinished basements.

Converting these spaces into the below can all add substantial usable square footage:

Family rooms
Home offices
Guest suites
Playrooms

Structural Renovations

Older homes sometimes require more complex renovations such as:

Wall removal for open layouts
New flooring systems
Updated framing
Window and door replacements

Working with an experienced contractor ensures these improvements are done safely and correctly.

Why Work With Cumming Construction

If you’re purchasing a fixer-upper in Delaware County, working with an experienced remodeling contractor is essential.

Cumming Construction in Havertown, PA has been helping homeowners transform older homes since 1999.

Our home remodeling services include:

Kitchen remodeling
Bathroom remodeling
Basement remodeling
Attic renovations
Deck and patio construction
Custom carpentry
Window and door replacement
Wall removal for open layouts
Flooring installation

Because many Delaware County homes require structural upgrades and modernization, working with a contractor who understands the local housing stock can make the renovation process much smoother.

Turning a Fixer-Upper Into Your Dream Home

Buying a fixer-upper isn’t just about saving money upfront—it’s about creating a home that truly reflects your style and needs.

With the right vision and the right renovation partner, you can transform an outdated property into a modern home that increases in value over time.

Whether you’re updating a kitchen in Havertown, restoring a historic home in Media, or finishing a basement in Drexel Hill, thoughtful renovations can completely change the way a home looks and functions.

FAQs

What is a fixer-upper home?

A fixer-upper is a property that needs repairs or renovations but is typically sold at a lower price than fully updated homes.

Buyers often purchase fixer-uppers to renovate them and increase their value.

Is buying a fixer-upper in Delaware County a good investment?

Yes. Delaware County continues to experience strong housing demand and rising home prices, which can make renovation projects profitable for homeowners.

What should I renovate first in a fixer-upper?

The most valuable upgrades usually include:

Kitchens
Bathrooms
Flooring
Structural improvements

These projects significantly improve both livability and resale value.

How much does it cost to renovate a fixer-upper?

Costs vary depending on the size of the home and the renovations needed. Kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, and basement finishing projects can vary widely based on materials and scope.

Who should I hire to renovate a fixer-upper in Delaware County?

Working with an experienced contractor like Cumming Construction in Havertown, PA ensures your renovation project is completed professionally and safely.

Their team specializes in remodeling older homes throughout Delaware County and helping homeowners turn fixer-uppers into beautiful, functional spaces.

If you’re considering buying a fixer-upper in Delaware County, the right neighborhood and the right renovation team can make all the difference. With thoughtful planning and expert craftsmanship, your renovation project can turn an older home into one of the most desirable properties on the block.