Amid warnings that house-flipping no longer pays, this article profiles Abigail, a 31-year-old automotive project manager who has turned a consistent profit renovating three homes in the Derbyshire area. It sets her success against a tougher market: since the pandemic, renovation costs have soared, planning applications last year fell to their lowest level since records began in 2012, and building costs are up 30 to 50 per cent on 2019, all while UK property prices rose only around 2 per cent in 2025. The piece argues that skilled renovators who can spot a rundown property and offer buyers a turnkey home can still make money.

Abi's first house, a two-bed terrace in Uttoxeter bought for £125,000 in 2020, sold for £140,000 in 2021 after £6,000 of work, netting £9,000. Her second, a two-bed in Mickleover bought for £167,000, sold for £220,000 in 2023 after £16,000 of spending, banking around £37,000. She and boyfriend James, whom she met on a JCB graduate scheme, are now halfway through their biggest project, a two-bed semi in Newton Solney bought for £262,000 in September 2023, and are on course to make about £40,000. Her tips include buying the worst house in a desirable street, knowing when to use tradespeople versus DIY (never touching regulated electrics or gas), avoiding over-improvement given price ceilings, and researching local values before buying.