Abandoned Homes Offering Lucrative Opportunity to Savvy Buyers: 5 Empty Fixer-Uppers on the Market for as Little as $72K

by Kellie Speed

Would you be willing to invest in an abandoned property without ever setting foot inside?

For any adventurous buyers willing to take on that kind of gamble, a world of opportunity awaits, including the chance to snap up a four-bedroom dwelling for as little as $72,000.

Abandoned homes traditionally come with a much lower price tag attached, particularly if the dwelling in question is being sold as a foreclosure property.

An abandoned property is usually a property whose original owner is no longer in possession of the home. These houses are typically run-down and in need of repairs—but for those with handy skills, they can also serve as a superb investment opportunity.

The details and restrictions surrounding abandoned properties vary: Some are listed in more traditional ways—complete with ample imagery and plenty of opportunity to tour the home before putting in an offer—while others are a bit more complicated.

Some abandoned homes are listed without interior photos and with no inside access offered until the sale has closed, meaning that more due diligence may be required before an offer can be made.

In these kinds of cases, there are several things to take into consideration, especially if it is a foreclosed home you are looking to purchase.

While banks may be eager to unload the property, the residence could have undisclosed structural issues or other underlying problems, so it is important for buyers to do their homework.

For those eager to take on such an adventure, however, there are abandoned dwellings available across the U.S., from Rhode Island to California, that could prove to be a brilliant investment.

1. 19 Oakland Valley Rd, Cuddebackville, NY

Price: $289,900

Hudson Valley: This historic fixer-upper "brimming with potential" is seeking a buyer to restore its former glory.

Built in 1860, the five-bedroom residence features many period details, including an original staircase, hardwood floors, and several fireplaces, including some usable and a few decorative. The kitchen is looking to be updated. Other apparent cosmetic updates requiring attention include flooring needing to be redone or replaced and walls to be painted.

The 165-year-old home sits on a 2-acre lot that would be ideal for entertaining.

Cuddebackville, NY (Realtor.com)
The kitchen is awaiting a buyer's final touches. (Realtor.com)

2. 4260 Oak View Rd, Santa Ynez, CA

Price: $2,565,000

Oak Trail Ranch: This foreclosed home has been on the market since May 2024, when it was first listed for $3,250,000.

The three-bedroom residence offering many unique details, including a vintage stained-glass window and a 1930s porcelain Magic Chef, was recently reduced by an additional $135,000. Built in 1965, the 3,464-square-foot midcentury interior features cathedral ceilings, exposed beams, wood-clad walls, and a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace.

Located on 20.05 acres, the property also has a pool, hot tub, pool house, caretaker's residence that could be used for income potential, guest suite, and garage parking for six vehicles.

Santa Ynez, CA (Realtor.com)
With some updating, the primary suite could be transformed into a cozy retreat. (Realtor.com)

3. 31579 E Hume Rd, Davenport, WA

Price: $1,125,000

Fort Spokane Ranch: Built in 2000, this foreclosed-on luxury compound boasts two structures designed for multigenerational living.

The 64.83-acre sprawling hunting ranch is teeming with abundant wildlife and features a three-bedroom, log-style primary residence with cathedral ceilings, wraparound deck, and loft-style interior. The barndominium with separate luxury living quarters has three drive-through bays and a generator.

According to the listing, each structure has its own well and septic system.

Davenport, WA (Realtor.com)
The three-bedroom residence boasts a spacious open floor plan. (Realtor.com)

4. 1875 Smith St, North Providence, RI

Price: $459,000

Centerdale village: This foreclosed-on Victorian hit the market in June 2025 for $477,500 and has returned with "major upgrades."

Built in 1880, the historical home now features brand-new vinyl flooring, a fresh coat of paint, and "plush carpeting" in the five upstairs bedrooms. An electrical panel and service wiring have also been upgraded, and a high-efficiency combo boiler system is currently being installed.

A large driveway provides ample off-street parking.

North Providence, RI (Realtor.com)
Some of the interior has already been updated. (Realtor.com)

5. 601 Otterbein Ave, Dayton, OH

Price: $72,000

Dayton View Triangle: This four-bedroom Tudor is being offered as a foreclosure auction. The list price is the minimum bid.

With no interior photos shown in the listing and "no interior access" permitted, investors will be buying this home sight unseen.

Built in 1926, the 1,488-square-foot home last traded hands for $200,000 in May 2024.

Dayton, OH (Realtor.com)
No interior photos are shown, so it is difficult to determine what updates are needed. (Realtor.com)

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Stevan Stanisic

Stevan Stanisic

+1(239) 777-9517

Real Estate Advisor | License ID: SL3518131

Real Estate Advisor License ID: SL3518131

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