Abandoned American homes you can buy
Forlorn homes for sale with plenty of promise
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Ever considered taking on a major fixer-upper project? These abandoned homes for sale in the US might be a little rough around the edges, but they're brimming with investment potential. From a bargain family home in New York to a prime piece of real estate in Kentucky, these tumbledown treasures are just waiting to be rescued. Click or scroll on to browse the best abandoned buildings on the market across America...
Charming shiplap home, Syracuse, New York: $5,000 (£4k)
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If you're working with a tight budget, then this charming shiplap home could well be within your reach. With a price tag of just $5,000 (£4k) and estimated renovation costs of $77,000 (£62k), this pad is an incredibly affordable fixer-upper project. Plus, its characterful exterior and generous floor plan only add to the appeal.
Charming shiplap home, Syracuse, New York: $5,000 (£4k)
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Spanning 1,680 square feet, the abandoned building was built in 1910 but clearly hasn't been occupied for some time – nor given any love. In fact, the city of Syracuse took ownership of the home after it had been left vacant for years, first listing it for $18,000 (£14.6k), before reducing the price repeatedly after struggling to find a buyer.
Charming shiplap home, Syracuse, New York: $5,000 (£4k)
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It's likely buyers have been put off by the amount of work needed to return the house to a liveable state. But there are countless lovely details that would make the restoration well worthwhile. For example, the residence benefits from large bay windows, high ceilings, brick fireplaces and hardwood floors – but all of these elements will need to be carefully restored.
Charming shiplap home, Syracuse, New York: $5,000 (£4k)
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As well as three bedrooms and two bathrooms, there's also a large kitchen, a living room and a spacious attic that could be converted into a private master suite. In need of an ambitious buyer to invest some love into this once-bustling family home, we still think the property is a real bargain. Are you up to the challenge?
Colourful cottage, Cincinnati, Ohio: $79,900 (£64k)
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Colourful and characterful in equal measure, this historic cottage in Cincinnati, Ohio is every home renovator's dream come true. Dating back to 1924, the house sits on an elevated plot in the West Price Hill neighbourhood of the city, with the Kentucky River and Rapid Run Park just moments away.
Colourful cottage, Cincinnati, Ohio: $79,900 (£64k)
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Priced at a mere $79,900 (£64k), the property measures 1,200 square feet and features a covered front porch with bags of kerb appeal. Step through the front door and you'll find vacant rooms that are ready to be rescued. There's a small entrance hall, a living room, dining room, kitchen, three bedrooms and one bathroom.
Colourful cottage, Cincinnati, Ohio: $79,900 (£64k)
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Design-wise, the place is very old-fashioned and in need of a full overhaul – just look at the vermillion-red kitchen! However, the work appears to be mostly aesthetic, which should make the renovation work a little easier, though prospective buyers should enlist a professional assessment. Plus, there are plenty of historic elements that could be salvaged, including tiled and hardwood floors, sash windows and the lovely iron balustrade of the staircase.
Colourful cottage, Cincinnati, Ohio: $79,900 (£64k)
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Amazingly, there's even a huge basement level that's currently being used to store old furnishings. The space runs the entire width and length of the house, so the new owner could add a fair amount of square footage to the place and create additional bedrooms or a lovely open-plan living space. However, this is one project that will require a little imagination!
Neglected 1920s gem, Saint Matthews, South Carolina: $80,000 (£64k)
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Built in 1920, this abandoned three-bedroom Craftsman manse has seen better days, with Mother Nature threatening to reclaim the home. However, despite the trailing vines encircling the property, the lot's realtor insists that the property has good bones that were built to last.
Neglected 1920s gem, Saint Matthews, South Carolina: $80,000 (£64k)
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With incredible 12-foot-high ceilings and a grand total of six fireplaces, the historic treasure is a steal at $80,000 (£64k). Located in Saint Matthews, South Carolina, across the street from the town’s water tower, the listing peddles the rumour that the property has the "strongest water pressure in town".
Neglected 1920s gem, Saint Matthews, South Carolina: $80,000 (£64k)
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Spanning 1,600 square feet of living space and harbouring some intriguing historical features including original fireplaces and floorboards, there's no shortage of potential here. However, it's clear from the sorry state of the interior that there's plenty of work to do to bring the property up to a habitable standard.
Neglected 1920s gem, Saint Matthews, South Carolina: $80,000 (£64k)
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Magnolia and pecan trees pepper the front garden, while the backyard could become a beautiful alfresco living space with a bit of elbow grease. For an ambitious buyer with some renovation experience under their belt, this could be the opportunity of a lifetime.
Smyre-Pasour House, Dallas, North Carolina: $89,000 (£72k)
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Built around 1847, this crumbling wood-clad home in Dallas, North Carolina has seen better days. For sale for just $89,000 (£72k), it's a pretty fixer-upper, but best suited to an ambitious buyer with plenty of renovation experience.
Smyre-Pasour House, Dallas, North Carolina: $89,000 (£72k)
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With its 1,947 square feet of interior space in a pretty poor condition, the home is redeemed by its promising original features. The living space, pictured here, offers a traditional brick fireplace. However, the peeling, damp walls would have to be tackled first before any renovation work could get underway.
Smyre-Pasour House, Dallas, North Carolina: $89,000 (£72k)
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What once may have been a sizeable bedroom is now an empty shell, with a mouldy ceiling and wood-clad walls in need of serious attention. However, if you can see past these obvious issues, the room could be an attractive space once more, thanks to the large windows and airy proportions.
Smyre-Pasour House, Dallas, North Carolina: $89,000 (£72k)
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With a half-finished deck, crumbling roof and piles of rubbish, the back of the house is very much a work in progress. Nevertheless, it could make a peaceful suntrap, once the major structural issues have been taken care of.
Victorian beauty, Battle Creek, Michigan: $95,000 (£76k)
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With its quaint turret and cornflower-blue exterior, this magnificent Victorian residence sits in the idyllic surrounds of Battle Creek, Michigan. On the market with Troxel Realty for a discounted price of $95,000 (£76k), this beautiful piece of architecture is looking for a new owner to take it under their wing.
Victorian beauty, Battle Creek, Michigan: $95,000 (£76k)
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Handsome woodwork and exquisite fireplaces are found throughout the property, illuminated via sunlight through intricate glasswork and original stained-glass windows. The home is being offered through the Calhoun County Land Bank's 'Transform This Home' programme, where buyers agree to rehab the home within a certain time frame. For more details about this scheme, contact Troxel Realty.
Victorian beauty, Battle Creek, Michigan: $95,000 (£76k)
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Charming original features can be found within this forgotten gem, including bevelled glass in some rooms, beautiful woodwork and trim throughout and two fireplaces with rather attractive side pieces. Spanning approximately 3,500 square feet of living space, we’re sure there are plenty of hidden period treasures waiting to be discovered.
Victorian beauty, Battle Creek, Michigan: $95,000 (£76k)
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There are five bedrooms and four bathrooms in total. There's also a walk-up attic on the top floor that's just waiting to be converted into an additional living area. Roof shingles and decking for the roof were replaced in 2018, so there have been a few updates over the years. We’d love to see how an ambitious new owner returns the home to its former beauty.
Grand 20th-century residence, Oelwein, Iowa: $109,900 (£88k)
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Over in Oelwein, Iowa, you'll find this remarkable Victorian residence up for grabs for a mere $109,900 (£88k). The sprawling property was constructed back in 1903 on a prominent quarter-acre lot in the heart of the city.
Grand 20th-century residence, Oelwein, Iowa: $109,900 (£88k)
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The historic home stretches out almost 3,000 square feet across four floors – although both the attic and basement need to be properly converted. Ideal for a family, the house has multiple living rooms, as well as three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Grand 20th-century residence, Oelwein, Iowa: $109,900 (£88k)
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There's also a formal dining room, a sun room and an amazing vintage kitchen, featuring a ceiling covered in old newspaper clippings. Everywhere you look you'll spot eye-catching details, including original woodwork, beautiful pocket doors, parquet floors and hand-carved woodwork. According to the listing, there are also a number of secret rooms and staircases, so the new owner will have fun uncovering the hidden depths of this house.
Grand 20th-century residence, Oelwein, Iowa: $109,900 (£88k)
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The Victorian home is very rundown, but luckily some of the renovation work has already been carried out. The hallway and formal dining room have both been lovingly restored, which should take some of the elbow grease out of the project. However, there are plenty of rooms left for you to make your mark on. Outside, there's a lovely front yard and a private garden at the back, filled with mature trees. There's even a three-stall detached garage and a small attached storage shed. Garage conversion, anyone?
Federal-style home, Columbia, Kentucky: $119,900 (£96k)
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Available via RE/MAX for just $119,900 (£96k), this imposing, federal-style home is located in the city of Columbia, Kentucky. Grand, spacious and filled with amazing historic features, this is an abandoned fixer-upper with endless selling points. Let's step inside...
Federal-style home, Columbia, Kentucky: $119,900 (£96k)
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Built in 1812, the historic residence is known as the Field House and is said to have a connection to iconic author Mark Twain, although the listing sadly doesn't go into details. Climb the front steps and head inside and you'll be greeted by a sprawling, 4,480-square-foot interior filled with incredible vintage wallpaper. The entrance hall is huge and benefits from walnut hardwood floors, antique light fixtures and a prominent staircase.
Federal-style home, Columbia, Kentucky: $119,900 (£96k)
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On either side of the hallway are two lovely reception rooms. The spacious parlour is perfect for entertaining guests or curling up by the original wood-burning fireplace, while the dining room features a beautiful chandelier. There are countless historic elements throughout, such as original fireplaces, sash windows and built-in cabinetry. Upstairs, there are three bedrooms and two full bathrooms, all of which need attention.
Federal-style home, Columbia, Kentucky: $119,900 (£96k)
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According to the listing, there’s also a partially finished attic, which means this home provides plenty of room to grow. However, its deep brick walls need work both inside and out, and the plumbing and electrical systems will need to be updated in order to meet modern standards. A true blank canvas, this spacious heritage pad could be a spectacular family home with some care and attention.
Characterful duplex, Jacksonville, Florida: $158,900 (£128k)
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Over in Jacksonville, Florida you could bag yourself a characterful duplex for just $158,900 (£128k). On the market with Compass, the quirky home dates back to 1924 and its interior doesn't look as though it's been updated since!
Characterful duplex, Jacksonville, Florida: $158,900 (£128k)
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The 2,068-square-foot brick home certainly has a lot of potential and is currently split into two units. Each features a spacious family room, a kitchen, an old-fashioned bathroom and two bedrooms. There's also a lovely front porch and a carport for parking.
Characterful duplex, Jacksonville, Florida: $158,900 (£128k)
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Clearly the apartments haven't received a lot of love over the years, because they're both very rundown, with crumbling plasterwork and rotting floors. Yet they come with gorgeous windows, vintage light fixtures and brick fireplaces, highlighting just how nice the interior could be after a serious overhaul.
Characterful duplex, Jacksonville, Florida: $158,900 (£128k)
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The house also features some seriously vintage bathrooms – one with sage green walls and the other with an eye-watering pink and yellow theme. The new owner could choose to renovate the apartments and lease them out – or sell them on – or restore the property back to a single home. What would you do with the place?
Charming two-storey home, Langston, Alabama: $255,000 (£205k)
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If you've got $255,000 (£205k) in the bank, then you could get your hands on this charming two-storey home in Langston, Alabama. With its quaint façade, 2.7-acre garden and one-of-a-kind interior, this endearing home is definitely a hidden gem.
Charming two-storey home, Langston, Alabama: $255,000 (£205k)
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Available via Coldwell Banker of the Valley, the Victorian property was built in 1885 and is now registered with the Alabama Historical Commission. Laid out over 2,530 square feet, it features living rooms, a kitchen, four bedrooms and one full bathroom, all with rather quirky interior décor. Think rooms painted in surprising shades of orange, green, purple and red.
Charming two-storey home, Langston, Alabama: $255,000 (£205k)
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The most unexpected room has to be the kitchen. With its vibrant colour palette, hand-painted ceiling and cabinet doors, it's unlike anything we've seen before. However, there are plenty of positives that would make taking on this renovation project well worthwhile. For starters, some of the rooms benefit from lovely bay windows and attractive raw stone fireplaces.
Charming two-storey home, Langston, Alabama: $255,000 (£205k)
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Other pluses include the home's spacious second floor, which features lovely barrel ceilings clad in timber. There's even a butler's pantry and the bathroom boasts stunning original stained glass that would make for a gorgeous focal feature. Outside, the garden is home to mature oak, walnut, pecan and fruit trees, as well as two large detached garages and a storm shelter – so you could create your very own backyard bunker!
Entire island, Dayton, Montana: $72 million (£58m)
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Are you looking for the ultimate abandoned home far away from the crowds? Then this huge project property on Cromwell Island in Montana might be just what you’re looking for. For $72 million (£58m) you could own the entire isle, including the enormous main home and guest villa. Construction on the main property started in the 1990s when the current owner and her late husband purchased the plot. The building works continued for a decade before the couple moved elsewhere.
Entire island, Dayton, Montana: $72 million (£58m)
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The unfinished villa was originally designed to emulate 16th-century French architecture, and as such, the 45,000-square-foot building radiates grandeur. A true investment, this home was built to last and the concrete shell case was reinforced with epoxy-coated rebar. Now the building sits empty, waiting for a new owner to breathe life into this astonishing piece of architecture.
Entire island, Dayton, Montana: $72 million (£58m)
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The space is laid out as a three- or four-bedroom home with nine bathrooms, but as it's still under construction, there is plenty of flexibility when it comes to the floor plan. Imagine what you could do with all that space! And this isn’t just a villa, the entire island is also included in the price. Cromwell Island sits on Flathead Lake, which provides dramatic views from every window.
Entire island, Dayton, Montana: $72 million (£58m)
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The staircases in the main entrance offer guests a dramatic welcome, while a helical staircase takes visitors up to the north tower. The guest villa is all but complete and just awaits a few finishing touches to transform it into a cosy living space. This secondary property could also double up as a caretaker’s residence. Travel is mostly by boat and the property comes with five slips ready to accommodate every kind of seaworthy vessel up to a 70-foot yacht.
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