Do you have what it takes to create your very own ‘Grand Designs’ property?
Currently, lockdown restrictions are in full swing with no certainty of when these restrictions can be lifted.
However, you can still use your spare time in lockdown efficiently perhaps by making some property renovations.
According to research from Santander, Brits have been incredibly busy during lockdown.
During the 13 weeks of lockdown in 2020, UK homeowners submitted 61,682 planning applications and three fifths of homeowners carried out a DIY or renovation project.
The research also found that for 40 per cent of UK homeowners, the pandemic accelerated home improvement plans and inspired future property projects.
In the North East, the data shows that 62 per cent of home owners made changes to their home while in lockdown last year.
Graham Sellar, Head of Mortgage Development, Santander UK added: “The entire nation spent increased time in their homes during the pandemic, and some may have found they have savings accumulated thanks to lockdown forcing a significant change in spending habits.
"It’s no surprise homeowners picked up paint brushes and got to work on their homes. Whether it was finally getting around to neglected DIY projects to ready their home for selling, or planning a bigger extension or conversion to give them more space, our research shows that few homes have emerged from the pandemic as they were.”
If you want to take on your very own renovation project, here are five properties in the county with bags of potential:
Granville Terrace
£30,000
This bargain house is on the market for around £30,000- but this figure is subject to change during the auction.
It has three bedrooms and could be a great little family home or investment property after some TLC.
As you can tell from the photos, the property does need some work and “full modernisation” is required before it can be lived in.
However, this could be the ideal project to take on in lockdown if you have the funds and the ambition.
Rose Avenue, Stanley
£40,000
Do you have what it takes to fix up this two bedroom mid-terraced property?
The house truly has a lot of potential and could be a great starter home for a budding family.
It’s easy to imagine yourself huddled in the lounge next to the feature fireplace and bay window.
However, the place needs to be tidied up first and full modernisation is required throughout.
In many rooms, the walls are bare and could be brightened up with a fresh coat of paint.
Park House Gardens, Durham
£75,000
Could you see yourself living here after a bit of modernisation?
The property has three bedrooms with a promising kitchen/dining area.
As it stand, the property could use a little love and updating.
Some of the walls are bare and in disrepair and the décor is outdated.
The garden is a focal point of this house- once preened and trimmed it could be gorgeous little sun trap.
It’s scheduled to be sold via online auction- but there is also the option to buy it straight away too.
Seventh Street, Peterlee
£15,000
This Peterlee home is currently listed for the bargain price of £15,000.
While you save money on the initial costs, be prepared to invest moneyback into the home in cleaning and repairs.
The house could use a little maintenance, and each room in the house needs new furnishings and décor.
However, the house has a neutral aesthetic making it easier to put your own stamp on the place.
It is being sold via online auction- will you be placing a bid?
Princess Road, Seaham
£100,000
If you don’t want to completely renovate a house but you still want a challenge to take on during lockdown, this Seaham home could be the ideal solution.
Only partial modernisation is required, as the majority of the property is in pretty good condition.
It is ready to move straight into, but the kitchen could use some aesthetic changes and you may want to update some rooms in the house.
However, the house has plenty of characters and traditional features that makes it stand out from the rest.
Did you modernise or renovate your property during lockdown?
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