Sometimes, the renovation plan sounds simple: a few cosmetic updates, some fresh paint, maybe new flooring. That was our plan when we bought our old Philadelphia rowhome. But as anyone who’s dealt with Philly’s older homes knows, things rarely go according to plan.

The plaster walls started crumbling as soon as we touched them, forcing a full drywall replacement. Once the walls were open, we found outdated electrical systems that required rewiring and relocating the entire panel. What started as a light renovation quickly ballooned into a major project costing three times our budget and dragging on for months. On top of that, we worried about market shifts and rising interest rates while living in a construction zone. In hindsight, buying a newer home would have saved us a lot of stress.

If you’re a Philadelphia homeowner debating whether to renovate or sell, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down so you can make the right decision for your situation.

Philadelphia rowhome living room undergoing renovation with exposed drywall and construction materials. — Our Fishtown renovation!

The True Costs and Risks of Renovating in Philadelphia

Philadelphia has some of the oldest housing stock in the country. With that charm comes plenty of hidden problems:

Aging Homes: Old plumbing & wiring, cracked foundations, and damaged masonry are common.
Permitting Headaches: Philly’s Department of Licenses & Inspections (L&I) has strict codes and slow approvals.
Surprise Repairs: It’s not uncommon to uncover costly surprises: mold, asbestos, termite damage, or structural issues.
Contractor Delays: With demand for contractors high, many homeowners wait weeks or months for crews to start or finish work.
Material Costs: The cost of living in Philadelphia continues to climb, which pushed material and labor costs higher.
Lifestyle Disruption: A major renovation means months of noise, dust, and inconvenience. For some, that stress alone isn’t worth it.

Renovations can pay off, but only if everything goes smoothly—and with older Philly homes, that’s a big gamble.

The Upside of Renovating (If You’re Up for It)

Renovations aren’t all bad news. If you have the budget, patience, and enjoy home design, a successful renovation offers real rewards:

Customize the home to your exact tastes.
Increase your home’s market value (especially in hot neighborhoods).
Pride in completing a personal project.

But keep in mind—for many distressed homeowners, this route isn’t always financially or emotionally realistic.

Why Selling As-Is Can Be an Easier Option

For many Philadelphia homeowners, especially those facing financial strain or life changes, selling as-is provides a faster, less stressful way out:

No Repairs Needed: Skip contractors, permits, and big upfront costs.
Avoid Carrying Costs: Stop paying property taxes, utilities, insurance, and mortgage while waiting for renovations or buyers.
Faster Sale Timeline: Cash buyers can often close in as little as 2-3 weeks.
Skip Showings: No open houses, staging, or disruptions to your daily life.
Certainty: Avoid market swings, interest rate hikes, or further unexpected expenses.

If your property needs significant repairs or you’re looking for a simple exit, as-is sales can offer peace of mind.

Clearing Up Misconceptions About Selling As-Is

We hear a lot of myths about as-is sales. Here’s the truth:

“I can’t sell with major issues.” You absolutely can. We buy houses with structural, water, and code issues all the time.
“Investors will lowball me.” Reputable buyers make fair market offers based on your home’s current condition.
“It’s a complicated process.” With the right buyer, the process can be simple, fast, and fully transparent.

How Liberties Homes Helps Philly Sellers Move On

At Liberties Homes, we specialize in buying Philadelphia homes as-is. We’re local experts who understand:

How to navigate Philadelphia’s unique permitting, title, and property issues.
How to handle liens, city violations, back taxes, and inheritance situations.
How to offer fair cash offers with no hidden fees, commissions, or surprises.
How to close quickly—on your schedule, not ours.
How to make the process stress-free, so you can focus on your next chapter.

If you’re ready to explore your options, we’re here to help. Let’s find the solution that’s right for you—without the stress