How old is too old for a House?

Question

Hello everyone,

I recently started looking for houses to do House hacking, and I came over this 1956 house that looks like its been recently renovated and it fits my budget. I was wondering on what is your opinion on buying houses that are relatively old for this strategy? I was convinced about buying it until I saw the year and I am not sure on what to do

Nathan Gesner · Answer

It's not a question of age; it's a question of condition. I've seen some 10-year-old houses where everything breaks and I'm currently managing a 120-year-old cabin with the same tenants for six years and almost zero complaints.

Back in the 80s I lived in Germany. My apartment was built in the 1460s, before Columbus set sail. It held up just fine.

Steven Foster Wilson · Answer

Honestly, I enjoy the older homes. I love when I find a brick property that was built in the 1900s. I feel they built them well back then. Sure, I have had to update the electric, plumbing, and central air but overall they have been solid rocks. If you said it was recently renovated too then that would not be bad.

William Anderson · Answer

I purchased a house built in the 1920's for my office, its located in an area where many professionals have purchased and turned these great old homes into offices.  I also own a vacation rental built in 1880 and another in 1905.  This is what I look for.

1. Copper wire, replacing the old steel wire with insulators.

2. New panel with at least 200 amp service

3. Pex, plastic or copper pipe.  Iron pipe and galvanized should have been replaced

4. AC fitted to the house with ducts rather than window AC units.

5. Modern water heater, preferably natural gas if available (insta hot units are good)

6. Original windows are ok (mine are original) as long as there is weather stripping

7. Check the floor for elevated homes, look for wood rot

8. Make sure the sewer system is free of tree roots

9. Check the foundation for cracks that are serious

10.  Basements should have been remediated for Radon and moisture

Other than the above, go for it.  For STR, people love the character of those old homes.  You can have modern fixtures and electrical without destroying the original character.

Michael Scott · Answer

I'm from Pittsburgh where it's common to purchase a house from the 1900's. Some have character and were built to last, others need torn down lol. 1956 isn't bad at all. As long as the bones are good and everything checks out, you'll be ok. Best of luck!

Bob Okenwa · Answer

@Luis Ramirez

1956 isn't too ancient, but you do run the risk of dealing with asbestos and lead. There may or may not be galvanized plumbing but an inspection should catch most things that would cause headaches.

I don't know anything about where you're purchasing at, but newer=more expensive and not always better depending on who built the home. The same can be said for a renovated property. I've seen my fair share of pigs with lipstick...

Caleb Brown · Answer

Here in KC homes 1900-1930 are common. Structurally they hold up really well. It is common to have settling and unevenness in floors. Definitely see what work the seller did. Sewer and plumbing I would check out. Older electrical is common, here we have to look out for knob and tube wiring. It is also common to update electrical panels if that's not done. Besides that check for termite damage (it's common but typically not major). Older homes are great so don't steer away just do some more research and do due diligence

Mose Gebremeskel · Answer

My approach would be as long as the structure and house are holding up fine then you're good.

Tommy Parker · Answer

Nothing wrong with that. You just gotta make sure it's stable enough to use. You can expect some things that you'll have to work on, however, there is a special feeling you get in older homes.

Bruce Woodruff · Answer

I love old houses, there is nothing you can't redo while including the old house.....It's all just money....

David Krulac · Answer

I think the oldest house I've owned was built about 1840. I owned a stone farmhouse that was pre-civil war, walls were solid stone 2 feet wide.  Had another house from 1870, when I sold the buyer had a home ispection and the inspector said there was evidence of termites.  I asked if there was evidence of active termites and the inspector said no.  I told him that the termite damage could have been done more than 100 years ago before there was termite teatments, the timbers were so oversized that the integrity of the wood was still good and the property was still standing.  Older house usually have elctrical, plumbing heating and insulation deficiencies, and hazards as mentioned above.

How old is too old for a House?

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